How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and spare 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 on site with a key-cutting machine. On average, this is 20% less than purchasing through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars come with key fobs, which provide security and convenience to owners. However they also come with a cost. In some instances it can be high to replace a lost or damaged key fob. There are methods to lower the cost of these devices. It is cheaper to order an extra key today than wait until you lose your car keys and have to pay for a locksmith or towing charges.
The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most automobiles since the mid 1990s. The technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of theft from cars. Essentially, a car transponder chip transmits an electronic signal that has the secret password. When the key is placed in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it and reads the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will begin. This is a big deal because the majority of thieves simply connect a hot wire to the vehicle to start it and then drive off.
Transponder chips function on a similar basis as microchips found in cell phones and computers. They don't require constant power. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal which can be detected by special detectors placed on the ignition cylinder and the key head.
We suggest visiting your local locksmith if you need an extra key for a car equipped with transponder. Most locksmiths have a device to program new keys for your specific car model and make. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to note that stores like AutoZone provide a key-programming service. However, they often cost significantly more than locksmiths. This is because they are able to take advantage of the "scaling" effect which occurs when the number of units sold increases. In other words, they are able to pass on their costs savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys have transponders or chips that are connected to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they need 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, reprogramming the immobilizer and perhaps labor charges.
The best way to reduce car key replacement costs is to not have them in the first place. This means having a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can buy an additional key for $25-$50 at the hardware store or a box shop, based on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online at an affordable price from the manufacturer. A factory-issued key will likely contain the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you will not be able use an aftermarket car key unless it's been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, so they only offer basic key duplication services. g28carkeys can also visit a locksmith, independent auto repair shop or dealer to get them replaced.
If you plan to buy a cheap key online, make sure that it hasn't been programmed for another vehicle. This can be done by examining the blade of the key to see if there is a chip or cutout that shows signs of an old key.
Purchasing a key duplication machine is another option however it's not affordable for most people. The cost of the machine is higher than keys with blanks, which means you'll need to cut numerous keys to make a profit. If you're not comfortable with this, a vice or hand file are a cheaper alternative. However, this isn't the safest method because it may harm the electronics of the key or even cut the key off in the lock.
Key Fobs with keys
Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the vehicle, and also start the motor. These are small remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle through radio waves. They are a great benefit for drivers, but they are costly to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.
Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys due to their sophisticated electronics. They also need to be programmed to work with your vehicle and can increase the cost.
A new fob and key could cost as much as $300 in the event that you lose your sole functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob down to only $50 by purchasing it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have a key fob that fits the car model you have. Some of these fobs may require laser cutting by a locksmith or programmed by a local dealer, but a lot can be customer-programmed with relative ease (though some require two current, working keys to do this).
Standard key fobs 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 requires reprogramming. They can still be expensive to copy if you have a lost or damaged key and require a template make them again, but they are much more affordable than the cost of replacing the entire key set from the car's dealer.
You can also lower your key cutting costs by purchasing a new shell to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of new shells that replace the plastic outer and buttons on your keychain, while leaving the electronics inside unchanged. These shells are a cost-effective option to upgrade your keychain without having to make an appointment with a dealer.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs offer a lot of benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, especially if you're carrying heavy groceries or other weights in your hands. If they've got this feature, they can help you open your trunk and hatch.
The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they frequently drain the battery which makes it difficult to use them for long periods of time. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, depending on the vehicle's make and model. Many key fobs are easily replaced with new ones from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. They are often available at a lower cost than the dealer-supplied version when you search at the internet or go to the local hardware store.
If you have a standard key, duplication costs are usually low, and can vary between $10 and $15. You can also purchase an additional key from your local hardware or box retailer store. 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 less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and they have to be programmed with a specific machine at the locksmith shop or dealership.
A key that has chip could be costly to replace and often requires an appointment with a dealer to get the replacement code. Keys with chips 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 engines. A dealer typically charges between $150 and $300 for a new original key that includes both the key fob and an updated transponder chip.
Keys that have keyless entry could also be costly to replace in the event that you lose them or your key fob battery dies. Keyless entry keys can be found in a majority of modern vehicles. They work by sending messages from the key fob into the car's receiver. The car locks or unlocks itself according to the signal and opens the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.