How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts you need to replace your car keys without paying dealership cost.
Simply bring your current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours using the key cutting machine on site. It's about 20 percent less than buying from an agent.
Keys with Transponder Chips
A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that offer security and convenience for the owner of the vehicle. These devices aren't free. In certain instances it could be expensive to replace a lost or damaged key fob. The good news is that there are methods to lower the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to buy an extra key today than wait until you lose your car key and have to pay for a locksmith or towing charges.
The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words "transmitter + responder") has been in use in the majority of cars since the mid-1990s. This technology was designed to stop the increasing number of car thefts. The car transponder transmits the secret code through a signal. When the key is placed in the ignition, the antenna ring around it reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, then the engine will begin. This is a big deal since most thieves use hot wires to start it, and then drive off.
Transponder chips operate in a similar way to microchips used in cell phones and computers. They do not require constant power. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that is identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder as well as key head.
If you require a spare car key created for a car with a transponder chip, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Many locksmiths have a tool that can program new keys for the model and make of your car. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
Also, it's important to note that stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming service. They usually charge more than professional locksmiths. This is because they can benefit from the "scaling" effect that occurs when the number of units sold rises. In other words, they can transfer their cost savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips which connect with the vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they need programming that can only be done by a dealership, auto locksmith, or your vehicle's manufacturer. This process can cost as much as $500 for a new key, the changing of the immobilizer's programming, and possibly, labor costs.
The most effective method to cut down on key cutting costs is by avoiding the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. It is important to have a spare car key in the event that the original is lost. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key at an hardware store or box store for around $25 to $50, based on the kind of key.
Many people are unaware that they can buy keys replacement online or at a reduced prices from the manufacturer. The advantage of buying the factory key is that it's likely to be equipped with the proper transponder chip. This is crucial, since you cannot use a car key that is aftermarket unless it's been professionally programmed.
Most hardware stores and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, so they only offer basic key duplication services. You can take them to a dealer or a reputable auto repair shop, or a locksmith to have them replaced.
If you plan to buy a key for a low price on the internet, ensure that it's not programmed for the vehicle of someone else. This can be accomplished by looking at the blade of the key to determine if it has an embedded chip or a cutout that shows the signs of an old key.
A key duplication device can be purchased, but this is not an option for everyone. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys themselves, and you'll have to cut a lot of keys to break even. If you don't feel at ease using a vice, hand files are an alternative that is less expensive. However, it's not the most secure option as it may cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the car and start the motor. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that communicate with your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to send commands. They're a benefit for drivers, but they can be costly to replace or duplicate if you lose one.
Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys because they contain sophisticated electronic components. Fobs must also be programmed to work with your vehicle and this can increase the cost.
A new fob and key can cost up to $300 when you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of an entirely new fob by up to 50% if purchasing it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have a key fob that fits the car model you have. Some of these keys may require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by your local dealer, but a lot can be customer-programmed with ease (though some require two current, working keys to accomplish this).
Key fobs for standard keys are less expensive than more advanced models to replace because they don't come with an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed following the fact. car key cutters near me can still be expensive to duplicate if you've got a lost or damaged key and need a template to reproduce them however, they are cheaper than the expense of replacing the entire key set from your car's dealer.
Another way to cut your key cutting costs is to simply purchase a new case for your key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your key fob while leaving the electronics inside unchanged. These shells are a cost-effective solution to updating your keychain without making an appointment with the dealer.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob offers numerous advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without the need to hunt for your keys. This is especially useful when you have large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. They can even help you open your hatch and trunk, in the event that they have this feature integrated into them.
The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they frequently consume battery power which makes it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. Key fobs are often replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search on the internet or at your local hardware store, you'll often find these for less than the dealer-supplied alternatives.
If you have an ordinary key, duplicate costs are typically very low and range from $10 to $15. You can also purchase an additional key from your local hardware or box retailer store. Keys that are newer and require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, but. Keys that are laser-cut, often referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and less grooves on the shank. They must be programmed using a special machine at a locksmith or dealership.
A key with a chip can be quite expensive to replace and usually requires a trip to the dealership to obtain a replacement code. These keys are also known as transponder or smart keys. They are equipped with electronics that must be validated before they can open doors or start your engine. Dealers charge between $150-$300 for a key that comes with the key fob, as well as a transponder chip.
If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery in the key fob fails it could be expensive to replace the keys. Keyless entry keys are available in most modern cars. They work by sending messages from the key fob to a receiver within your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.