How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys is not an ideal option. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your keys without having to pay a dealership.
Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site with a key-cutting machine. It's about 20 percent less than buying from a dealer.
Keys with Transponder chips
Modern cars are equipped with key fobs that provide convenience and security to car owners. However they also come with costs. In some cases, the cost of replacing the key fob that has been damaged or lost is high. The good news is that there are ways to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It is much cheaper to have a spare vehicle key today instead of waiting until you lose the key and are facing the cost of the visit of a locksmith or towing charges.
Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been an integral part of the majority of automobiles. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". This technology was created in response to rising levels of car theft. The basic idea behind the chip in a car transponder transmits an electronic signal that has an encrypted password. When the key is inserted in the ignition, the antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder reads this signal and when it matches the password, the engine is started. This is important because most thieves simply wire the vehicle and drive away.
Transponder chips operate on a similar basis as microchips found in cell phones and computers. The difference is that they don't require constant power to operate. They emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that is identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder as well as key head.
We recommend visiting your local locksmith if you need the spare key for a car equipped with a transponder. Most locksmiths have a device to make new keys for your particular vehicle model and. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership.
It's also important to remember that some stores such as AutoZone offer a key programming service. They often charge much more than a professional locksmith. This is because they are able to benefit from the "scaling" effect that occurs when the quantity of units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to consumers.
auto key cutting with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that are connected to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming, which must be done by an auto locksmith or dealership. This procedure can cost up to $500 for a new key, as well as reprogramming the immobilizer, and possibly the cost of labor.
The best way to avoid the expense of replacing your car keys is to not have them in the first place. This means you should have an extra key in case you lose the original. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key at an hardware store or box store for about $25 to $50, based on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a reduced price. A factory key is likely to have the correct transponder. This is important, as you will not be able use an aftermarket car key unless it's been professionally programmed.
Most hardware stores and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, which is why they only offer basic key duplication services. You can also visit a locksmith, independent auto repair shop or dealer to have them replaced.
If you are planning to purchase an inexpensive key online, make sure that it hasn't been programmed for the vehicle of someone else. This can be done by examining the key blade to find a chip or for an open cutout that has evidence of a previous key.
A key duplication machine can be purchased, but it is not a viable option for everyone. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys, and you'll have cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you're not comfortable with this, a vice and hand file are a much cheaper alternative. It's not the best option because it can cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key inside the lock.
Key Fobs with keys
Many modern vehicles come with key fobs, which are remote controls that lock your car, unlock it and even start the engine. These are basically mini remote transmitters that communicate with the computer in your vehicle via radio waves to transmit commands. They are a great benefit for drivers, but they can be costly to duplicate or replace if lost.
In contrast to traditional keys, which require a reputable locksmith, dealer in automotive, or any other specialist service provider to make keys, key fobs are equipped with advanced electronics, making them more expensive to make than the standard keys. Fobs also require programming to work with your vehicle and this can add up in price.
A new fob and key can cost up to $300 when you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of a new fob by as much as 50% if purchasing it online. Search for an appropriate key fob for your vehicle's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these fobs might require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by your local dealer, but many can be programmed by the customer easily (though some may require two working, current keys to accomplish this).
Key fobs that are standard are cheaper than more advanced models to replace as they don't contain an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed following the fact. While they can be expensive to duplicate if you have to design templates for a lost or damaged key The cost is far less than purchasing a new key from your car dealer.
Another method to reduce your key cutting costs is to purchase an entirely new shell for your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, but leave the electronic components intact. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain, and save you the hassle of trying to schedule an appointment with the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
Car key fobs have a lot of benefits. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, especially if you're carrying groceries or other heavy weights in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built in they will help you open the trunk and hatch.
The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they often consume battery power which makes it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, based on your vehicle's model and make. Key fobs are often repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search online or in your local hardware store, you'll often find them at significantly less than the dealer-supplied options.
If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplicates can be as low as $10 to $15. You may also be able to buy an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain store. Newer keys that require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, however. They are usually laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys, or high security keys. They feature a more robust shank, and less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and they must be programmed with a specific machine found in the locksmith shop or dealership.
It can be expensive to replace a key with a microchip and it is usually necessary to visit the dealer to obtain the replacement code. These keys are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They contain electronic components that must be validated before they can open doors or start your engine. Dealers can charge between $150 and $300 for a key that has the key fob and the transponder chip.
If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery inside your key fob dies, it can be costly to replace the keys. Keyless entry keys are available in the majority of modern automobiles. They function by transmitting a message from the key fob to an internal receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk when the key is near the receiver.