How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys is never an ideal option. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and the parts to replace your key without having to pay a dealership.
Simply bring a working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours using a key cutting machine onsite. On average, this costs 20% less than going through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder chips
Many modern vehicles have key fobs which provide security and comfort for the owner of the vehicle. These devices aren't free. In certain instances the cost of replacing a key fob that is damaged or lost can be high. The good news is that there are options to reduce the cost associated with these devices. mobile key cutting to buy an extra key today than wait until you lose your car key and then pay for locksmith services or towing costs.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip had been a vital component of the majority of automobiles. The name derives from "transmitter and responder". The technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of car theft. In essence, the car transponder chip emits signals that contain an encrypted password. When the key is put in the ignition, the antenna ring around it detects the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will start. This is significant because most thieves simply connect a hot wire to the vehicle to start it and then drive off.
Transponder chips operate in a similar way to the microchips used in cell phones and computers. They do not require constant power. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal of low frequency that can be detected by special receivers placed in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself.
We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if you need a spare key for a vehicle with transponder. Many locksmiths have a system to program new keys for your particular car model and make. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership.
It's also important to remember that some stores, like AutoZone provide key programming services. They often charge much more than a professional locksmith. They do this because they can take advantage of the "scaling effect" that occurs when the number of units sold increases. In other words, they can transfer their savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys have transponders or chips which are linked to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming, which must be done by a dealership or auto locksmith. This procedure can cost up to $500 for a new key, as well as reprogramming the immobilizer and possibly labor charges.
The best way to avoid cost of replacing car keys is to not need them in the first place. This means you should have a spare key in case you lose the original. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key from a hardware store or box store for between $25-$50, based on the kind of key.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online or at an affordable price from the manufacturer. A factory key will most likely contain the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you will not be able use a car key that is aftermarket without having it professionally programmed.
The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the tools needed to program modern car key and therefore, they are unable to offer basic duplication services. You can also visit a locksmith, independent auto repair shop or the dealer to have them replaced.
Another thing to consider is that if you're thinking of buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll have to ensure that it's not programmed to a vehicle belonging to someone else. This can be accomplished by checking the key blade to determine if it has an embedded chip, or a cutout showing evidence of an old key.
A key duplication machine can be purchased, but this isn't an option for most people. The cost of the machine is higher than keys with blanks, which means you'll need to cut many keys to break even. If you're not comfortable with this, a vice or hand file are a much more affordable option. This is not the safest option as it could harm the electronic components of the key or break the key in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern cars come with remote controls that can lock and unlock the car, and also start the motor. They are tiny transmitters that communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle via radio waves. They are a great benefit for drivers, but they can be costly to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.
Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys because they contain sophisticated electronics. Fobs also need to be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which can increase the cost as well.
A new fob and key can cost up to $300 if you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of the new fob by up to 50% if purchasing it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have keys that are compatible with your car model. Some of these fobs may require laser cutting by a locksmith or programmed by a local dealer, but many can be customer-programmed easily (though some may require two current, working keys to accomplish this).
Standard key fobs can be replaced for a lot less than more advanced models since they do not contain an embedded chip that requires reprogramming. While they can be expensive to duplicate if you need to create a template for a damaged or lost key The cost is far lower than purchasing a brand new set of keys from a car dealer.
You can also reduce your cost of cutting keys by buying a new shell to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that will replace the outer plastic of your keychain 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 make an appointment at the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob comes with numerous 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 items in your hands. They can even help you open your trunk and hatch, if they have this functionality built in.
These keys are not ideal for long-term use because they drain batteries. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. Fortunately, most key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. If you look online or in your local hardware store, you can typically find them for less than the dealer-supplied options.
If you have an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually very affordable and range between $10 and $15. You might also be able to buy a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain store. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption can be expensive. These keys are typically laser-cut, and are sometimes called sidewinder or high-security keys. They feature a more robust shank and have less grooves carved out on the key's blade, and must be programmed using a specific machine at a locksmith shop or dealer.
It is costly to replace a key using a microchip and it is usually necessary to visit the dealer to get the replacement code. These are commonly called transponder or smart keys and they come with electronic components that need to be verified by your vehicle before it can open doors or start the engine. Dealers can charge between $150-$300 for a key that comes with the key fob and the transponder chip.
Keys that have keyless entry could also be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them or your key fob battery fails. Keyless entry keys can be found in the majority of modern automobiles. They function by sending an electronic message from the key fob to an internal receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It will also open the hatch and trunk when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.