How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys isn't an ideal idea. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your keys without having to pay the dealership.
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 dealers.
Keys with Transponder chips
Many modern cars have key fobs that provide a level of security and convenience for the owner of the vehicle. These devices are not free. In certain instances 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 cheaper to purchase an extra key today than wait until you lose your car keys and need to pay the locksmith or towing fees.
The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most cars since the mid 1990s. This technology was created in response to rising levels of theft from cars. The car transponder transmits a secret code via a signal. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the antenna ring around the ignition cylinder detects this signal and if it matches the password, the engine is started. This is important as most thieves simply wire the vehicle and then drive off.
Transponder chips work on the same principle as the microchips used in computers and cell phones. The different is that they do not require constant power to function. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that is detected by special detectors placed on the ignition cylinder and the key head.
We suggest visiting your local locksmith if you require a spare key for a car equipped with transponder. Most locksmiths will have a tool that can program new keys to the specific make and model of the vehicle you own. This is an excellent alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to remember that stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming service. However, they often cost significantly higher than a locksmith. This is because they can take advantage of the "scaling" effect which occurs when the quantity 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 turned in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which must be completed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This procedure can cost up to $500 for the new key, as well as reprogramming the immobilizer and perhaps costs for labor.
The best way to cut down on cost of replacing car keys is to not need them in the first place. This means you should have a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can buy an additional key for $25 to $50 at a hardware or box store retailer, based on the key type.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online at reduced prices from the manufacturer. The advantage of purchasing the factory key is that it will likely have the correct transponder chip. This is important because you won't be in a position to use an aftermarket key unless it has been 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 take them to a dealer or an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith shop to get them replaced.
If you plan to buy a cheap key on the internet, ensure that it hasn't been programmed for the vehicle of someone else. You can do this by examining the key blade for chip or the cutout to see if it shows evidence of an earlier key.
A key duplication machine is an alternative however, it's not affordable for most people. The cost of the machine is higher than keys that are blank, so you'll have to cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you're not comfortable using a vice, hand files are an alternative that is less expensive. However, this isn't the most secure method as it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even cut the key off inside the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the car and start the motor. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that connect to the computer in your vehicle via radio waves to send commands. These are great features for drivers but can be expensive to duplicate or replace if lost.
In contrast to traditional keys, which require a professional locksmith, automotive dealer or other specialty service provider to design keys, key fobs have advanced electronics, making them more expensive to produce than their basic counterparts. Fobs also need to be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which can add up in cost too.
If you lose your only functioning fob, it could cost upwards of $300 to have a brand new fob and key from the dealership. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of an entirely new fob by up to 50% if you buy it online. Look for an appropriate key fob for your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these keys may require laser cutting by a locksmith or programmed by your dealer in your area, but most are programmable by customers easily (though some will require two working keys to do this).
Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for less than more sophisticated models because they do not have an embedded chip which requires reprogramming. They can be costly to duplicate if you've a lost or damaged key and require a template reproduce them however, they are cheaper than the expense of replacing a complete key set purchased from your car's dealer.
Another way to cut the cost of cutting keys is to simply purchase a new shell for your key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that can replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, but leave the electronics intact. These shells are a cost-effective solution to updating your keychain without having to make an appointment with the dealer.
Keys for 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 useful when you're carrying large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. They can even assist you to open your hatch and trunk, in the event that they have this feature built-in.
The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they often consume battery power and make it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Key fobs are often repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available at a lower cost than the dealer-supplied version by searching online or at the local hardware store.
If you already have a standard key, the cost of duplication could be as low as $10-$15. You may also be able to purchase an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. However replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding can be expensive. They are typically laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys, or high security keys. They feature a more robust shank and less carved-out grooves on the blade of the key, and must be programmed using a special machine at the locksmith shop or dealership.
It can be costly to replace a key using a microchip and it is usually necessary to visit a dealer to get the replacement code. These keys are also known as smart keys or transponder keys. They contain electronic components that must be verified before they can open doors or start your engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 and $300 for a new original key that comes with the key fob and the transponder chip.
If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery inside your key fob dies it could be expensive to replace the keys. Keyless entry keys are available in a majority of modern vehicles. you can check here work by sending a message from the key fob to an internal receiver in your car. The car then locks or unlocks in accordance with this signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.