How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and the parts to replace your key without overpaying at 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 is 20% less than going through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder chips
A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that provide security and comfort for the owner of the vehicle. However they also come with an expense. In some instances it could be expensive to replace a damaged or lost key fob. There are methods to lower the costs of these devices. It's cheaper to have a spare car key now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and are faced with paying for a locksmith's visit or towing fees.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip had been an integral part of all cars. Its name is derived from "transmitter and responder". This technology was designed to counter the growing number of car thefts. A car transponder transmits a secret code via a signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it reads the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will start. This is important because most thieves simply wire the vehicle and drive off.
Transponder chips function on a similar basis as microchips used in computers and cell phones. The difference is that they don't require constant power to function. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal which can be identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder as well as the key head.
If you require an extra car key made for a vehicle equipped with a transponder chip, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to program new keys for your particular car 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 option. However, they typically cost significantly more than locksmiths. This is because they can profit from the "scaling" effect that occurs when the number of units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to the consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with chips or transponders which connect to the vehicle whenever the key is placed into the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which can only be done by an auto locksmith or dealership. The process could cost up to $500 for new keys, the programming of the immobilizer and possible labor charges.
The best method to save money on key cutting costs is by avoiding the need to replace your keys in the first place. It is important to have a spare car key in case the original one is lost. You can buy a duplicate key at the hardware store or at a box store for around $25 to $50, depending on the kind of key.
Many people don't realize that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discount. A factory-issued key will likely have the correct transponder. This is essential because you won't be able to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box stores do not have the technology to program modern car keys, which is why they offer only basic key duplication services. You can also visit a locksmith, independent auto repair shop or the dealer to have them replaced.
If you plan to buy an inexpensive key online, make sure that it's not programmed to someone else's vehicle. This can be done by checking the key blade to determine if it has an embedded chip or cutout that shows evidence of an old key.
Purchasing a key duplication machine is an alternative however it's not affordable for the majority of people. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys and you'll need to cut a lot of keys 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 harm the electronics of the key or even cut the key off in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that are remote controls that allow you to lock and unlock your car and even start the engine. They are tiny transmitters which communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle through radio waves. They're a great convenience for drivers, however they can be costly to replace or duplicate if you lose one.
Unlike traditional keys, which require a great locksmith, automotive dealer, or other specialty service provider to design keys, key fobs have sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to manufacture than their standard counterparts. Key fobs must also be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which could add up in costs as well.
If you lose your sole functioning fob, it could cost upwards of $300 to have a brand new original fob and key from the dealership. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob down to only $50 by purchasing it online. Search for the right key fob that matches your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these keys may need to be laser-cut by a locksmith or programmed by a local dealer, but many are programmable by customers easily (though some may require two working, current keys to do this).
cutting car key that are standard can be replaced for a lot less than the more sophisticated models due to the fact that they don't have an embedded chip which must be reprogrammed. However, they can be costly to duplicate in the event that you need to design a template for a damaged or lost key, the cost is much lower than purchasing a brand new set of keys from a car dealer.
Another way to cut the cost of cutting keys is by simply buying a new case for your key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, while leaving the electronics intact. These shells are a cost-effective solution to upgrade your keychain without the need to make an appointment with the dealer.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob comes with many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, especially when you're carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. They can even help you open your trunk and hatch, in the event that they have this feature built-in.
These keys are not ideal for long-term use since they can drain your battery. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, based on the vehicle's make and model. Fortunately, most key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. They are often available for much cheaper than a dealer-supplied option, if you look online or at the local hardware store.
If you have a standard key, duplication costs are usually very low, and can range between $10 and $15. You can also buy keys to replace them at your local hardware store or box retailer store. However replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding could be costly. They are usually laser-cut, often called sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a thicker shank and have less grooves carved out on the blade and must be programmed using a special machine that is found at the locksmith shop or dealership.
A key that has a chip can be quite expensive to replace and typically requires an appointment with a dealer to have the replacement coded. These keys are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They have electronics that must be verified before they are able to open doors or start engines. Dealers will charge between $150-$300 for a key that comes with the key fob and transponder chips.
If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery inside the key fob fails it could cost you to replace them. The majority of modern cars have these keys, which function by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a device in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It will also open the trunk and hatch when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.