How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts you need to replace your car keys without having to pay dealership costs.
Simply bring a current working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours using a key cutting machine onsite. It's about 20% less than buying through a dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars have key fobs, which provide security and convenience for car owners. They are not free. In some cases, the cost of replacing a key fob that is damaged or lost is high. The good news is that there are options to cut the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to have a spare car key now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and are facing the cost of an appointment with a locksmith 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 stop the increasing number of car thefts. In essence, a car transponder chip transmits a signal that contains the secret password. When the key is inserted into the ignition, an antenna ring around the ignition cylinder reads the signal and, if it matches the password, the engine is started. This is an important thing because the majority of thieves simply hot wire the vehicle to get it started and then leave the scene.
Transponder chips operate in a similar way to microchips in cell phones and computers. They do not require constant power. Instead, they transmit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that is recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself.
If you're looking to get a spare car key made for a vehicle equipped with transponder chips, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to program new keys for the model and make of the vehicle you own. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership.
It's also important to note that stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming service. However, they typically charge significantly higher than a locksmith. This is due to the fact that they can profit from the "scaling" effect that occurs when the number of units sold rises. They can then pass on the savings to the consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips which connect to the vehicle whenever the key is inserted into the ignition. These keys are more costly to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which must be done by a dealership or auto locksmith. This procedure can cost as much as $500 for new keys, the programming of the immobilizer and possibly, labor costs.
The most effective method to save money on key cost is to avoid the need to replace your keys in the first place. This means you should have a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key at an hardware store or box store for around $25 to $50, based on the kind of key.
Many people don't realize that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discounted price. A factory-issued key will most likely have the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you won't be able to use a car key that is aftermarket unless it's been professionally programmed.
The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the technology necessary to program modern car keys They can only provide basic duplication services. You can bring them to a dealer or an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith shop to get them replaced.
Another thing to think about is that if you're thinking of buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll have to make sure it isn't already programmed to someone else's car. You can do this by checking the key blade for a chip or for a cutout that shows signs of the previous key.
A key duplication machine is another option, but it won't be affordable for the majority of people. The cost of the machine is higher than keys that are blank, so you'll need to cut many keys in order to break even. If you're not at ease with a vice hand files are an option that is more affordable. But, it's not the safest method because it may cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even cut the key off in the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
A lot of modern cars have key fobs, which are remote controls that allow you to lock and unlock your car and even start the engine. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that communicate with your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to send commands. They're a benefit for drivers, but they can be expensive to replace or duplicate if you lose one.
In contrast to traditional keys, which require a great locksmith, automotive dealer, or other specialty service provider to create, key fobs contain sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to produce than the standard keys. They also need to be programmed to work with your vehicle and can add up in price.
If you lose your sole functioning fob, it could cost up to $300 to get a replacement original key and fob from the dealer. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob to as little as $50 by purchasing it online. Look for the right key fob that matches your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these keys may need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by a local dealer, but a lot can be customer-programmed easily (though some may require two current, working keys for this).
car keys cut and programmed that are standard can be replaced for less than more sophisticated models since they do not contain an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you have to design an original template for a damaged or lost key, the cost is much less than buying a new key from your car dealer.
You can also reduce your key cutting costs by buying a new shell to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your keychain, but leaving the inside electronics unchanged. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain, and save you the hassle of having to schedule an appointment with the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs offer numerous advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to look for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you have large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. If they've got this feature built-in they will assist you to open your hatch and trunk.
The downside to these types of keys is that they tend to drain the battery which makes it difficult to use for long periods of time. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, depending on the model and make. A lot of key fobs can be replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available at a much lower cost than dealer-supplied options, by searching on the internet or visit your local hardware store.
If you already have a standard key then duplication costs can be as low as $10-$15. You can also purchase keys to replace them at your local hardware store or box retailer store. Keys that are newer and require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, however. They are typically laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys, or high security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and less grooves on the shank. They have to be programmed by a specific machine at a locksmith or dealership.
A key that has a chip can be quite expensive to replace and usually requires the visit to a dealership to get the replacement code. These keys are also known as smart keys or transponder keys. They are equipped with electronics that must be verified before they can open doors or start engines. Dealers charge between $150 to $300 for a key that includes the key fob as well as a transponder chip.
If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery inside your key fob goes out it could cost you to replace the keys. These keys are found in most modern cars. They function by transmitting a message from the key fob into an internal receiver in your car. The car then locks or unlocks based on this signal and opens the trunk and hatch if the key is close to the receiver.