How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
The loss of your car keys isn't an ideal idea. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts you need to replace your car key without paying dealership cost.
Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site with a key cutting machine. On average, this is 20% less than going through a dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Many modern vehicles have key fobs that offer an element of security and convenience to the car owner. However they come at costs. In some cases it could be expensive to replace a lost or damaged key fob. The good news is that there are methods to cut the costs associated with these devices. It's much less expensive to have a spare car key today, rather than waiting until you lose the key and you are confronted with the expense of the visit of a locksmith or towing fees.
The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most automobiles since the mid 1990s. This technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of theft from cars. The basic idea behind the chip in a car transponder transmits signals that contain the secret password. When the key is inserted in the ignition, an antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder receives the signal and, when it matches the password, the engine is started. This is an important thing because most thieves simply connect a hot wire to the vehicle to start it and then drive off.
Transponder chips work on the same principle as the microchips in cell phones and computers. The different is that they do not require constant power to operate. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal of low frequency that can be detected by special receivers placed in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself.
If you require a spare car key created for a vehicle equipped with a transponder chip We highly recommend you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a tool that can program new keys to the specific model and make of your car. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership.
It is also important to know that some stores, like AutoZone provide key programming services. However, they usually charge significantly more than a locksmith. They do this because they can profit from a "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold increases. In other words, they are able to pass on their costs savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips which connect to the vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they require programming that can only be done by a dealership, auto locksmith or the manufacturer of your vehicle. This procedure can cost as high as $500 for a new key, the reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possibly, labor costs.
The most effective way to save on car key cost is to avoid the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. That means having a spare key in case you lose the original. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key from an hardware store or box store for around $25 to $50, depending on the type of key.
Many people don't realize that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a reduced price. The advantage of buying a factory key is that it will have the correct transponder chip. This is important since you won't be able to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box stores don't have the capability to program modern car keys, which is why they can only provide basic key duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, a repair shop or dealer to have them replaced.
If you're planning to purchase a key for a low price on the internet, ensure that it's not programmed to another vehicle. This can be accomplished by examining the blade of the key to see if there is an embedded chip or a cutout that shows signs of an old key.
Purchasing a key duplication machine is an alternative, but it won't be affordable for most people. The machine is more expensive than keys with blanks, which means you'll have to cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you're not sure about this, a vice and hand file are a cheaper alternative. However, it's not the most secure option as 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 that function as remote controls to lock your car, unlock it and also to start the engine. These are basically mini remote transmitters that connect to your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to send commands. They're a benefit for drivers, but they can be costly to replace or duplicate if you lose one.
Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys because they contain sophisticated electronics. Fobs also need to be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which can add up in cost as well.
If you lose your sole working fob, it can cost you up to $300 to have a brand new original fob and key from the dealer. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob down to just $50 by purchasing it online. Look for an appropriate key fob for your vehicle's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Certain key fobs need to be programmed or laser-cut by the local dealer. However, many of them can be programmed by the buyer.
Key fobs that are standard are cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace because they don't come with an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed following the fact. They can still be expensive to duplicate if you've got a lost or damaged key and require a template reproduce them however, they are more affordable than the cost of replacing the entire key set from the dealer for your car.
You can also reduce your cost of cutting keys by purchasing a new case to replace your current key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, yet leave the electronic components intact. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and spare you the headache of trying to schedule an appointment at the dealership.
watch this video with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs come with numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to look for your keys. This is especially useful when you're carrying large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. If they have this feature, they can help you open your trunk and hatch.
The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they tend to consume battery power and make it difficult to use them for long periods of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. Fortunately, many key fobs can be replaced with replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search on the internet or at your local hardware store, you can often find them at a much lower price than the dealer-supplied alternatives.
If you own a standard key, duplication costs are usually affordable and range from $10 to $15. You can also purchase keys to replace them at your local box retailer or hardware store. Keys that are newer and require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, however. They are usually laser-cut, often referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a more robust blade and less grooves on its shank. They need to be programmed using a special machine at a locksmith or dealership.
It can be costly to replace a key using microchips and it is often necessary to visit a dealer in order to get the replacement code. These keys are often referred to as transponder or smart keys and they are equipped with electronics that need to be verified by your vehicle before it will open any doors or start the engine. A dealer typically charges between $150 to $300 for a new original key that has both the key fob as well as an updated transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry can also be expensive to replace if you lose them or the battery of your key fob is dead. Keyless entry keys can be found in most modern cars. They work by sending an electronic message from the key fob to the car's receiver. The car locks or unlocks itself based on this signal and opens the trunk and hatch if the key is in close proximity to the receiver.