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 spare parts to replace your keys without having to pay a dealership.
Simply bring a working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours using the key cutting machine on site. This costs on average 20 percent less than buying from a dealer.
Keys that have Transponder chips
Many modern cars have key fobs which provide an element of security and convenience for the owner of the vehicle. However they come at a cost. In some instances it can be high to replace a damaged or lost key fob. The good news is that there are options to cut the costs associated with these devices. It is cheaper to order a spare key now than wait until you lose your car keys and then pay for locksmith services or towing costs.
The transponder chip (which is named after the words "transmitter + responder") has been in use in the majority of automobiles since the mid-1990s. This technology was designed to combat the rising number of car thefts. A car transponder transmits an encrypted signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition, an antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder receives the signal and, if it matches with the password, the engine will start. This is significant because the majority of thieves simply connect a hot wire to the vehicle to start it and then leave the scene.
Transponder chips operate on the same principle as the microchips used in cell phones and computers. The difference is that they don't need constant power to work. Instead, they emit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency that can be recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself.
If you require a spare car key made for a car with transponder chips We highly recommend you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a device that can program new keys to match the make and model of your vehicle. This is a great 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. This is due to the fact that they are able to profit from the "scaling" effect that occurs when the number of units sold rises. In other words, they can pass on their costs savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys have chips or transponders that are connected to the car when the key is put in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which must be completed by an auto locksmith or a dealership. The process could cost as high as $500 for an entirely new key, programming of the immobilizer and the possibility of labor costs.
The best way to cut down on the expense of replacing your car keys is to not require them in the first place. This means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can purchase an additional key for $25-$50 at the hardware store or a box shop, based on the key type.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online at reduced prices from the manufacturer. A factory key is likely to have the correct transponder. This is important, as you cannot use an aftermarket car key without having it professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box stores do not have the technology to program modern car keys, so they offer only basic key duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, a repair shop, or dealer to have them replaced.
Another thing to take into consideration is that if you're thinking of purchasing a key for a low price from an online retailer, you'll have to make sure it isn't already programmed to a vehicle belonging to someone else. This can be accomplished by looking at the blade of the key to see if there is an embedded chip, or a cutout showing evidence of an old key.
A key duplication machine is another option however it's not affordable for most people. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys and you'll need to cut many keys in order to break even. If you're not sure about this, a vice and hand file are a more affordable alternative. This isn't the most secure option as it could harm the electronic components of the key or even break the key in the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
A lot of modern cars have key fobs, which are remote controls to lock your car, unlock it and start the engine. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to transmit commands. They're a great convenience for drivers, however they can be costly to replace or duplicate if you lose one.
Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys due to their sophisticated electronic components. Fobs also require programming to work with your car and can increase the cost.
If you lose your only working fob, it can cost upwards of $300 to have a brand new fob and key from the dealership made. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of an entirely new fob by up to 50% if purchasing it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have keys that are compatible with the car model you have. Some of these fobs might need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by your dealer in your area, but most can be programmed by the customer with relative ease (though some will require two current, working keys to accomplish this).
Key fobs that are standard are cheaper than more advanced models to replace since they don't contain an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed after the fact. They can be costly to copy if you have a lost or damaged key and require a template to make them again however, they are more affordable than the cost of replacing the entire key set from your car's dealer.
Another method to reduce your costs for cutting keys is by simply buying a new case for your key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the plastic outer and buttons on your key fob, while leaving the electronics inside unchanged. These shells are an affordable solution to upgrade your keychain without making an appointment with the dealer.
Keys for Keyless Entry
Car key fobs offer many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, particularly when you're carrying groceries or other heavy weights in your hands. If they've got this feature built-in, they can help you open your trunk and hatch.
The downside to these types of keys is that they frequently consume battery power, making it hard to use them for a long period of time. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, depending on the vehicle's make and model. Fortunately, most key fobs can be replaced with replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look online or visit your local hardware store, you will often find them at significantly less than the dealer-supplied options.
If you already have a standard key, the cost of duplicates can be as low as $10-$15. You can also purchase keys to replace them at your local hardware or box retailer store. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption could be costly. These keys are typically laser-cut, often referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and less grooves on the shank. They must be programmed using a special machine at a locksmith or dealership.
similar site can be costly to replace a key with a microchip and it is often required to visit the dealer to get the replacement code. Keys with chips are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They have electronics that need to be verified before they are able to open doors or start engines. A dealer typically charges between $150 and $300 for a brand new original key that comes with the key fob and an updated transponder chip.
If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery in the key fob fails it could cost you to replace them. Many modern cars come with these keys, which function by sending a signal from the key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car then locks or unlocks based on this signal and opens the hatch and trunk if the key is in close proximity to the receiver.