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 spare parts to replace your key without overpaying at the dealership.
Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site using a key-cutting machine. On average, this costs 20% less than going through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder chips
Modern cars have key fobs, which provide security and convenience to owners. However they come at an expense. In some cases it can be high to replace a damaged or lost key fob. There are methods to lower the costs of these devices. It's cheaper to purchase a spare key now than to wait until you lose your car keys and need to pay the locksmith or towing fees.
The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been in use in the majority of automobiles since the mid 1990s. The technology was created to counter the growing number of car thefts. Transponders in cars transmit the secret code through a signal. When the key is inserted into the ignition, an antenna ring around the ignition cylinder detects this signal and when it matches the password, the engine will start. This is an important thing since most thieves connect a hot wire to the vehicle to start it and then take off.
Transponder chips function on the same basis as microchips found in cell phones and computers. The difference is that they don't require constant power to function. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal which can be detected by special detectors that are placed on the ignition cylinder and key head.
We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if you require an extra key for a vehicle with a transponder. Many locksmiths have a tool to program new keys to match the make and model of your car. mobile key cutting is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
It is also important to know that some stores such as AutoZone will provide key programming services. They often charge much more than professional locksmiths. This is because they can profit from the "scaling" effect which occurs when the number of units sold rises. In this way, they could pass on their costs savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips which pair to the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys because they require programming that can only be completed by a dealership auto locksmith or your manufacturer of your vehicle. This procedure can cost up to $500 for the new key, as well as reprogramming the immobilizer, and possibly labor charges.
The most effective method to cut down on key cutting costs is by avoiding the necessity of replacing your keys 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 around $25-$50, based on the type of key.
Many people don't realize that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a reduced price. The advantage of purchasing a factory key is that it's likely to have the right transponder chip. This is essential because you won't be able to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.
Most hardware stores and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, which is why they offer only basic key duplication services. You can go to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith to have them replaced.
If you are planning to purchase a key for a low price on the internet, ensure that it's not programmed to another vehicle. This can be accomplished by checking the key blade to determine if it has an embedded chip or a cutout that shows signs of an old key.
A key duplication machine may be purchased, but this isn't an option for everyone. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys themselves and you'll need cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you're not happy with this, a vice or hand file are a much more affordable option. But, it's not the most secure option as it may harm the electronics of the key or break the key off inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern cars come with remote controls that lock and unlock the car, and even start the motor. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that communicate with your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to send commands. They are a convenience for drivers, but they can be costly to replace or duplicate if you lose one.
Contrary to traditional keys that require a great locksmith, automotive dealer or any other specialist service provider to make, key fobs contain advanced electronics, making them more expensive to manufacture than the standard keys. Fobs also require programming to work with your car and this can increase the cost.
If you lose your only working fob, it could cost upwards of $300 to get a replacement fob and key from the dealer. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to as little as $50 by buying it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have a key fob that fits the car model you have. Some of these key fobs must be programmed or laser-cut by the local dealer. However, many can be programmed by the user.
Key fobs for standard keys are cheaper than more advanced models to replace as they don't contain an embedded chip that needs to be programmed after the fact. They are still expensive to duplicate if you've got damaged or lost keys and require a template to make them again however, they are more affordable than the cost of replacing a complete key set from the dealer in your vehicle.
Another method to reduce the cost of cutting keys is to simply purchase a new shell for your key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, while leaving the electronic components intact. These shells are a cost-effective option to updating your keychain without making an appointment with the dealer.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs come with a lot of benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, especially when you're carrying heavy groceries or other weights in your hands. They can also help you open your trunk and hatch when they've got this feature integrated into them.
These keys are not ideal for long-term use because they can drain your battery. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, depending on the vehicle's make and model. Fortunately, most key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available for much cheaper than a dealer-supplied option, when you search on the internet or visit your local hardware store.
If you own an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually very affordable and vary from $10 to $15. You might also be able to purchase an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding 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 less carved-out grooves on the blade of the key, and they must be programmed with a specific machine found in a locksmith shop or dealer.
It is costly to replace a key with a microchip, and it's often necessary to visit the dealer to obtain the replacement code. These are commonly called transponder keys or smart keys, and they are equipped with electronics which must be validated by your car before it will open any doors or start the engine. Dealers can charge between $150-$300 for a key that comes with the key fob and transponder chips.
Keys with keyless entry may be costly to replace if you lose them or the battery of your key fob dies. Keyless entry keys are available in a majority of modern vehicles. They work by sending a message from the key fob to a receiver within your car. The car locks or unlocks the car according to the signal. It will also open the hatch and trunk when the key is close to the receiver.