How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
The loss of your car keys is never an ideal option. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts you need to replace your car keys without paying a dealership's high prices.
Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site using a key-cutting machine. This costs on average 20 percent less than buying from an agent.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars are equipped with key fobs that provide convenience and security to car owners. However, these devices come with an expense. In some instances the cost of replacing a key fob that has been damaged or lost could be costly. There are ways to cut down on the costs of these devices. It's much less expensive to have a spare vehicle key today instead of waiting until you lose the key and you are confronted with the expense of an appointment with a locksmith or towing costs.
The transponder chip (which has its name derived 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 vehicle theft. Essentially, the car transponder chip emits a signal that contains the secret password. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder detects the signal and, if it matches with the password, the engine is started. This is significant since most thieves hot wire the vehicle to get it started and then take off.
Transponder chips operate on the same basis as microchips used in computers and cell phones. The different is that they do not require constant power to operate. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency that is 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 you need the spare key for your vehicle that has transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to program new keys to match the make and model of your car. This is an excellent alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to remember that some shops, such as AutoZone will provide key programming services. They typically charge more than professional locksmiths. This is because they can benefit from the "scaling" effect that occurs when the number of units sold increases. In other words, they can pass on their costs savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips which are linked to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which can only be performed by a dealership or auto locksmith. This procedure can cost as high as $500 for a new key, the programming of the immobilizer and possibly, labor costs.
The best way to reduce cost of replacing 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 buy another key for between $25-$50 at a hardware or box store retailer, based on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online at a discounted price from the manufacturer. A factory key is likely to contain 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 don't have the technology to program modern car keys, so they only offer basic key duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, auto repair shop or the dealer to have them replaced.
Another thing to take into consideration is that if you're planning on purchasing a key for a low price from an online retailer, you'll need to ensure that it's not programmed to another vehicle. This can be done by examining the key blade to find chip or the cutout to see if it shows evidence of a previous key.
The purchase of a key duplication device 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 a lot of keys to make a profit. If you're not happy with that, a vice and hand file are a much more affordable option. It's not the best option because it can harm the electronic components of the key or even break the key inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern cars come with remote controls that can lock and unlock the car and start the motor. These are small remote transmitters that communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle through radio waves. They are a great benefit for drivers, but they can be expensive to duplicate or replace if they are lost.
In contrast to traditional keys, which require a professional locksmith, automotive dealer or other specialty service provider to create keys, key fobs are equipped with sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to produce than their standard counterparts. Fobs also need to be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which could increase the costs as well.
A new key and fob can cost up to $300 in the event that you lose your sole functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of an entirely new fob by as much as 50% if you purchase it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have an appropriate key fob for the car model you have. Some of these key fobs must be programmed or laser-cut by your local dealer. However, many can be programmed by the customer.
Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for less than more advanced models because they do not contain an embedded chip that must be reprogrammed. They can still be expensive to copy if you have a lost or damaged key and require a template to reproduce them, but they are much cheaper than the expense of replacing a complete key set from your car's dealer.
You can also reduce your key cutting expenses by purchasing a new case to replace your current key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that can replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronic components intact. These shells are a cost-effective option to upgrade your keychain without making an appointment with the dealer.
Keys for Keyless Entry
The car key fob comes with many benefits. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to look for your keys. This is particularly useful when you have heavy groceries or other items in your hands. If they've got this feature built-in, they can help you open the trunk and hatch.
The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they often consume battery power and make it difficult to use for long periods of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. Fortunately, most key fobs can be replaced using replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. These can often be found for much cheaper than dealer-supplied options, if you look online or at the local hardware store.
If you own an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually low, and can range from $10 to $15. automobile keys made near me can also buy a replacement key at your local hardware or box retailer store. Newer keys that require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, however. They are typically laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a more robust blade and less grooves on its shank. They must be programmed using a special machine at a locksmith or dealership.
It can be costly to replace a key that has microchips and it is often necessary to visit a dealer to get the replacement code. They are also known as transponder or smart keys and they are equipped with electronics which must be validated by your vehicle before it can open doors or start the engine. Dealers charge between $150 and $300 for a key that includes the key fob and transponder chips.
Keys with keyless entry can also be expensive to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery fails. The majority of modern cars have keys that function by sending a signal from your key fob to a device in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.