How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys isn't an ideal option. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts you need to replace your car key without having to pay dealership costs.
Simply bring a working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours by using a key cutting machine onsite. This costs on average 20 percent less than buying from dealers.
Keys with Transponder chips
Many modern cars have key fobs that offer an element of security and comfort to the car owner. However, these devices come with an expense. In some cases it can be expensive to replace a damaged or lost key fob. The good news is that there are ways to cut the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to purchase an extra key today than wait until you lose your car keys and then pay for the locksmith or towing fees.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip had been an integral part of the majority of automobiles. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". The technology was developed as a response to the rising rate of theft from cars. Transponders in cars transmit the secret code through a signal. When the key is inserted into ignition, an antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder reads this signal and if it matches with the password, the engine will start. This is important because most thieves simply wire the vehicle and then drive off.
Transponder chips operate on the same basis as microchips used in cell phones and computers. The distinction is that they don't need constant power to work. Instead, they transmit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal which can be detected by special receivers placed in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself.
We recommend visiting your local locksmith if you require an extra key for your vehicle that has transponder. Most locksmiths have a device to make new keys for your particular car model and make. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership.
It's also important to know that some stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming service. They typically charge more than a professional locksmith. This is because they are able to profit from the "scaling" effect that occurs when the number of units sold rises. In other words, they are able to transfer their savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys have chips or transponders that are paired to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which must be performed by a dealership or auto locksmith. This procedure can cost as much as $500 for new keys, the changing of the immobilizer's programming, and possible labor charges.
mobile key cutting near me to save on car key cost is to avoid the need to replace your keys in the first place. This means having a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key for $25 to $50 at a hardware or box store shop, based on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online or at an affordable price from the manufacturer. The benefit of buying an original key is that it will likely come with the correct transponder chip. This is essential because you won't be able to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed.
The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the equipment to program modern car key, so they can only offer basic duplication services. You can also go to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith to get them replaced.
Another thing to think about is that if you're planning on buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll need ensure that it's not programmed to someone else's car. This can be done by checking the key blade to see if there is a chip, or a cutout showing evidence of an old key.
A key duplication device can be purchased, but this isn't an option for the majority of people. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys and you'll need cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you're not sure about that, a vice and hand file are a more affordable option. It's not the best option as it could harm the electronic components of the key or even break the key in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern cars come with remote controls that lock and unlock the vehicle, and even start the motor. These are basically mini remote transmitters that connect to the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to transmit commands. These are great features for drivers, but they can be expensive to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.
Unlike traditional keys, which require a great locksmith, automotive dealer or any other specialist service provider to design, key fobs contain sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to manufacture than their standard counterparts. Key fobs must also be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which could increase the cost as well.
A new fob and key could cost as much as $300 if you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of a new fob by as much as 50% if purchasing it on the internet. Search for an appropriate key fob that matches your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Certain key fobs must be laser-cut or programmed by the local dealer. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the user.
Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for less than more sophisticated models because they do not have an embedded chip which needs to be reprogrammed. However, they can be costly to duplicate if you need to create an original template for a lost or damaged key, the cost is much less than buying a new key from your car dealer.
You can also cut down on key cutting costs by purchasing a new case to replace your old key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that can replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, but leave the electronics intact. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and save you the hassle of trying to schedule an appointment at the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
The car key fob comes with many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, especially when you're carrying groceries or other heavy weights in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built in they will assist you to open your trunk and hatch.
The downside to these types of keys is that they tend to drain the battery, making it hard to use them for long periods of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search online or visit your local hardware store, you will often find these for a much lower price than the dealer-supplied alternatives.
If you have an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually affordable and range between $10 and $15. You may also be able to buy a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain retailer. However, replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding could be costly. They are typically laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys, or high security keys. They have a thicker shank and have less grooves carved out on the blade of the key, and must be programmed using a specific machine found in a locksmith shop or dealer.
It can be costly to replace a key using microchips and it is often necessary to visit the dealer to get the replacement code. These keys are also known as transponder or smart keys. They have electronics that need to be verified before they can be used to open doors or start engines. A dealer can charge between $150 to $300 for a new key that has both the key fob as well as the transponder chip.
If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery inside your key fob dies it could cost you to replace the keys. Keyless entry keys can be found in most modern cars. They function by transmitting an electronic message from the key fob to a receiver within your car. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.