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 having to pay the dealership.
Simply bring a current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours using a key cutting machine onsite. It's typically 20% less than buying from an agent.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars come with key fobs, which offer security and convenience to owners. However they also come with costs. In some instances, the cost of replacing the key fob that is damaged or lost can be high. There are ways to cut down on the costs of these devices. It's cheaper to buy an extra key now rather than wait until you lose your car key and then pay for locksmith services or towing costs.
Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been a vital component of most automobiles. Its name is derived from "transmitter and responder". The technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of theft from cars. The car transponder transmits a secret code via a signal. When the key is inserted into ignition, the antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder reads this signal and if it matches with the password, the engine is started. This is important as most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and then drive off.
Transponder chips function in a similar way to microchips found in cell phones and computers. The different is that they do not require constant power to operate. Instead, they emit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency that can be recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself.
We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if in need of an extra key for your vehicle that has a transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to program new keys to the specific make and model of the vehicle you own. This is an excellent alternative to visiting the dealership.
It is also important to know that some stores, like AutoZone will offer a key programming service. They typically charge more than professional locksmiths. They can do this because they can benefit from the "scaling effect" that occurs when the number of units sold rises. In other words, they are able to transfer their savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with chips or transponders which pair with the vehicle when the key is inserted into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming that can only be done by a dealership, auto locksmith, or your manufacturer of your vehicle. This procedure can cost as much as $500 for an entirely new key, reprogramming of the immobilizer, and the possibility of labor costs.
The best way to reduce car key replacement costs is to not need them in the first place. That means having a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can purchase a duplicate key for $25-$50 at a hardware or box store retailer, based on the type of key.
key cutting services near me are unaware that they can buy keys replacement online or at a reduced prices from the manufacturer. A factory key will likely contain the correct transponder. This is crucial because you won't be able to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the tools needed to program modern car keys and therefore, they are unable to offer basic duplication services. You can also go to a locksmith, independent auto repair shop or the dealer to have them replaced.
Another thing to consider is that if you're thinking of purchasing a key for a low price from an online retailer, you'll need make sure it isn't already programmed to someone else's car. This can be done by examining the blade of the key to determine if it has chips or a cutout that shows signs of an old key.
A key duplication device can be purchased, but it is not a viable option for most people. The cost of the machine is higher than keys with blanks, which means you'll have to cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you're not comfortable with that, a vice and hand file are a much more affordable option. However, this isn't the most secure option as it may damage the key's electronics or even cut the key off inside the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the vehicle, and also start the motor. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that communicate with the computer in your vehicle via radio waves to send commands. They are a convenience for drivers, however they can be expensive to replace or duplicate if you lose one.
Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys due to their sophisticated electronic components. They also require to be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which could add up in cost too.
A new fob and key could cost as much as $300 if you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob down to just $50 by purchasing it online. Find the right key fob for your vehicle's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these fobs may need to be laser-cut by a locksmith or programmed by your local dealer, but many can be programmed by the customer with relative ease (though some require two working keys to do this).
Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for less than the more sophisticated models due to the fact that they don't contain an embedded chip that requires reprogramming. While they can be expensive to duplicate in the event that you need to create an original template for a lost or damaged key it is lower than purchasing a brand new set of keys from your car dealer.
You can also reduce your cost of cutting keys by buying a new shell to replace your old key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that can replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronic components intact. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle of trying to make an appointment at the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
Car key fobs come with numerous advantages. They let you 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 trunk and hatch, if they have this functionality built-in.
These keys aren't ideal for long-term use since they can drain your battery. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. Many key fobs are easily repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. These can often be found for much cheaper than a dealer-supplied option, if you look online or at your local hardware store.
If you have a standard key, duplication costs are usually very low and range between $10 and $15. You may also be able purchase a replacement from 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, often referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a thicker shank, and less carved-out grooves on the blade and they have to be programmed using a specific machine found in the locksmith shop or dealership.
It can be expensive to replace a key with a microchip, and it's often necessary to visit a dealer in order to obtain the replacement code. Keys with chips are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They are equipped with electronics that must be verified before they can open doors or start engines. A dealer can charge between $150 and $300 for a new key that has both the key fob and an updated transponder chip.
Keys that have keyless entry could also be expensive to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery dies. Many modern cars come with keys that function by sending a signal from the key fob to a device in your car. The car then locks or unlocks in accordance with this signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk if the key is in close proximity to the receiver.