How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and the parts to replace your keys without having to pay the dealership.
Simply bring a working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours using an on-site key cutting machine. On average, this costs 20% less than buying through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that offer an element of security and ease for the owner of the vehicle. However they come at a cost. In some cases, the cost of replacing a key fob that has been damaged or lost could be costly. There are methods to lower the cost of these devices. It's cheaper to get a spare car key made now instead of waiting until you lose the key and you are confronted with the expense of a locksmith's visit or towing fees.
The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been in use in the majority of cars since the mid 1990s. This technology was created in response to the increasing rate of theft from cars. The car transponder transmits an encrypted signal. When the key is inserted into ignition, the antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder reads this signal and when it matches the password, the engine is started. This is an important thing because the majority of thieves simply connect a hot wire to the vehicle to get it started and then take off.
Transponder chips work in a similar way to the microchips used in computers and cell phones. The distinction is that they don't need constant power to work. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that can be detected by special detectors placed on the ignition cylinder and the key head.
We suggest visiting your local locksmith if you need the spare key for a vehicle with a transponder. Many locksmiths have a system to program new keys to match your vehicle model and make. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to remember that stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming service. However, they typically cost significantly more than a locksmith. They can do this because they can take advantage of the "scaling effect" that occurs when the number of units sold increases. In other words, they can transfer their cost savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that pair with the vehicle when the key is inserted into the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming that is only completed by a dealership auto locksmith or the vehicle's manufacturer. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for the new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer and possibly labor charges.
car key cutting and programming to reduce cost of replacing car keys is to not have them in the first place. That means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key from an hardware store or box store for between $25 to $50, based on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online at a discounted price from the manufacturer. The advantage of buying a factory key is that it will likely be equipped with the correct transponder chip. This is important, as you will not be able make use of an aftermarket car key unless it's been professionally programmed.
The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the equipment to program modern car keys, so they can only offer basic duplication services. You can also take them to a dealer or a reputable auto repair shop or a locksmith to get them replaced.
Another thing to consider is that if you're considering buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll have to ensure that it's not programmed to a vehicle belonging to someone else. This can be done by checking the key blade to see if there is an embedded chip, or a cutout showing signs of an old key.
A key duplication machine may be purchased, but this isn't an option for everyone. The machine costs more than keys with blanks, which means you'll have to cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you don't feel at ease with a vice hand-files are an alternative that is less expensive. But, it's not the safest method because it could damage the key's electronics or even cut the key off inside the lock.
Key Fobs with keys
Modern cars come with remote controls that lock and unlock the car and start the motor. These are tiny remote transmitters that communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle via radio waves. They are a great benefit for drivers but can be expensive to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.
Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys due to their sophisticated electronic components. They also need to be programmed to work with your vehicle, which can also increase the cost.
If you lose your only functioning fob, it could cost up to $300 to get a replacement original fob and key from the dealership made. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob down to just $50 by purchasing it online. Find an appropriate key fob for your vehicle's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these key fobs must be programmed or laser-cut by the local dealer. However, many of them can be programmed by the user.
Key fobs for standard keys are less expensive than more advanced models to replace as they don't come with an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed after the fact. They can still be expensive to duplicate if you've damaged or lost keys and require a template reproduce them but they're much cheaper than the expense of replacing an entire key set from the dealer for your car.
Another method to reduce your key cutting costs is to simply purchase a new case for your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, but leave the electronic components intact. These shells are a cost-effective option to upgrade your keychain without having to make an appointment with a dealer.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob offers numerous advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to look for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you have large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. If they've got this feature they will help you open the trunk and hatch.
The downside to these types of keys is that they often consume battery power which makes it difficult to use for long periods of time. Additionally, they are difficult to program, based on the vehicle's make and model. Key fobs are often replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. These can often be found for much cheaper than dealer-supplied options, when you search on the internet or visit the local hardware store.
If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplicates can be as just $10 to $15. You can also purchase an additional key from your local hardware or box retailer store. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption could be costly. Keys that are laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder or high-security keys. They feature a more robust shank and have less grooves carved out on the blade of the key, and must be programmed with a specific machine at a dealership or locksmith shop.
A key that has chip could be expensive to replace and typically requires a trip to the dealership to get the replacement code. These keys are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They are equipped with electronics that must be validated before they can open doors or start engines. Dealers can charge between $150-$300 for a key that comes with the key fob as well as transponder chips.
Keys with keyless entry may be costly to replace in the event that you lose them or the battery of your key fob fails. auto key cutting of modern cars have these keys, which work by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a device in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It will also open the trunk and hatch when the key is near the receiver.