How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys isn't a good idea. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your key without having to pay a dealership.
Simply bring a working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours by using the key cutting machine on site. It's about 20% less than buying from a dealer.
Keys that have Transponder chips
Many modern cars have key fobs that offer a level of security and comfort to the car owner. These devices aren't free. In certain instances, the cost of replacing the key fob that is damaged or lost could be costly. There are ways to reduce the costs of these devices. It's much less expensive to have a spare car key now instead of waiting until you lose the key and are faced with paying for an appointment with a locksmith or towing fees.
The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most cars since the mid 1990s. This technology was created in response to the increasing rate of vehicle theft. The basic idea behind the car transponder chip emits a signal that contains a secret password. When the key is placed in the ignition, the antenna ring around it and reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, then the engine will start. This is significant because the majority of thieves simply hot wire the vehicle to start it and then drive off.
Transponder chips operate on a similar principle to the microchips in computers and cell phones. The difference is that they don't need constant power to work. Instead, they send a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that can be recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself.
We suggest visiting your local locksmith if in need of the spare key for a car equipped with transponder. Many locksmiths have a tool to program new keys to match the model and make of the vehicle you own. This is a great alternative to visiting the dealership.
Also, it's important to know that some stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming service. However, they typically cost more than locksmiths. They can achieve this because they benefit from a "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold rises. They can then pass the savings to the consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with chips or transponders which pair to the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which can only be completed by a dealership or auto locksmith. This process can cost as high as $500 for an entirely new key, programming of the immobilizer and possible labor charges.
The best way to avoid cost of replacing car keys is to not have them in the first place. That means having a spare key in case you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key at a hardware store or box store for between $25 to $50, depending on the kind of key.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase keys replacement online or at a a discounted price from the manufacturer. A factory-issued key will most likely have the correct transponder. This is important, as you will not be able use a car key that is aftermarket without having it professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box stores do not have the technology to program modern car keys, which is why they can only provide basic key duplication services. You can bring them to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith shop to get them replaced.
If you are planning to purchase a key for a low price online, make sure that it's not programmed for someone else's vehicle. You can do this by looking at the key blade to find chips or a cutout that shows signs of the previous key.
A key duplication device can be purchased, but it is not an option for most people. The machine costs more than keys with blanks, which means you'll need to cut numerous keys to make a profit. If you don't feel at ease using a vice, a hand file is an option that is more affordable. It's not the best option because it can damage the key's electronic components or break the key in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that are remote controls that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle and even start the engine. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that communicate with the computer in your vehicle via radio waves to transmit commands. These are a great convenience for drivers but can be costly to duplicate or replace if lost.
Contrary to traditional keys that require a reputable locksmith, dealer in automotive, or a different specialist service provider to make keys, key fobs have advanced electronics, making them more expensive to manufacture than their basic counterparts. car key cutting machine must also be programmed to work with your car and this can add cost.
If you lose your only functioning fob, it could cost up to $300 to have a new fob and key from the dealership made. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to just $50 by buying it online. Look for the right key fob for your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Certain key fobs will need to be programmed or laser-cut by your local dealer. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the customer.
Standard key fobs are much less expensive than more advanced models to replace because they don't come with an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed after the fact. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you have to design templates for a lost or damaged key it is lower than purchasing a brand new key from your car dealer.
Another option to reduce your key cutting costs is to purchase a new shell for your key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that can replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, yet leave the electronics intact. These shells are a cost-effective solution to update your keychain without the need to make an appointment with the dealer.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs have a lot of benefits. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys. This is particularly useful when you're carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. They can also help you open your hatch and trunk, if they have this functionality built in.
These keys are not ideal for long-term usage because they drain batteries. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, based on the model and make. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs can be replaced with replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look online or visit your local hardware store, you will often find them at less than the dealer-supplied alternatives.
If you already have a standard key then the cost of duplication could be as low as $10-$15. You might also be able to purchase an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain retailer. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding could be costly. Keys that are laser-cut, often referred to as sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a larger shank, and less carved-out grooves on the blade and they have to be programmed using a specific machine found in the locksmith shop or dealership.
A key with chips can be expensive to replace and typically requires an appointment with a dealer to obtain a replacement code. Keys with chips are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They are equipped with electronics that need to be verified before they can be used to open doors or start engines. Dealers can charge between $150-$300 for a key that has the key fob, as well as transponder chips.
Keys with keyless entry can also be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them or the battery of your key fob is dead. The majority of modern cars have these keys, which work by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a receiver in your car. The car then locks or unlocks in accordance with this signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk if the key is in close proximity to the receiver.