How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your keys without overpaying at the dealership.
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 costs 20% less than purchasing through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
A lot of modern cars come with key fobs which provide a level of security and ease for the owner of the vehicle. These devices aren't free. In some cases, the cost of replacing the key fob that has been damaged or lost is high. The good news is that there are options to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It is much cheaper to have a spare car key today instead of waiting until you lose the key and are faced with paying for a locksmith's visit or towing fees.
The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most automobiles since the mid-1990s. The technology was created to counter the growing number of car thefts. Essentially, a car transponder chip transmits signals that contain the secret password. When the key is inserted into ignition, the antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder receives this signal and if it matches with the password, the engine will start. This is significant because most thieves simply use hot wires to start it, and then take off.
Transponder chips work in a similar way to the microchips used in computers and cell phones. The distinction is that they don't need constant power to work. Instead, they send an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency which can be identified by special receivers in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself.
key cut places near me suggest that you visit your local locksmith if you require the spare key for your vehicle that has transponder. Most locksmiths have a device to create new keys for your specific car model and make. This is a great alternative to visiting a dealership.
It is also important to know that some stores such as AutoZone will offer a key programming service. However, they usually cost significantly more than a locksmith. This is due to the fact that they are able to profit from the "scaling" effect that occurs when the quantity of units sold increases. In other words, they can transfer their savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with chips or transponders which connect to the vehicle whenever 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 performed by a dealership or auto locksmith. This process can cost up to $500 for an entirely new key, reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possible labor charges.
The best way to reduce car key replacement costs is to not have 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-$50 at the hardware store or a box shop, based on the key type.
Most people don't know that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discount. A factory-issued key is likely to have the correct transponder. This is important, as you will not be able make use of an aftermarket car key without having it professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box stores don't have the capability to program modern car keys, so they offer only basic key duplication services. You can bring them to a dealer or 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 on the internet, ensure that it hasn't been programmed for the vehicle of someone else. This can be accomplished by examining the blade of the key to see if there is a chip or a cutout that shows evidence of an old key.
The purchase of a key duplication device is an alternative, but it won't be cost-effective for the majority of people. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys themselves and you'll need cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you're not happy with this, a vice and hand file are a more affordable option. This isn't the most secure option as it could damage the key's electronic components or even break the key inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern cars come with remote controls that can lock and unlock the car and even start the motor. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that communicate with your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to transmit commands. These are great features for drivers but can be expensive to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.
Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys due to their sophisticated electronics. They also need to be programmed to work with your car and this can increase the cost.
If you lose your sole functioning fob, it could cost up to $300 to get a replacement original key and fob from the dealership made. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of the new fob by as much as 50% if you purchase it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have keys that are compatible with the car model you have. Some of these keys may need to be laser-cut by a locksmith or programmed by your dealer in your area, but most are programmable by customers with relative ease (though some will require two working keys to accomplish this).
Key fobs that are standard are cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace as they don't contain an embedded chip that requires to be reprogrammed after the fact. They can still be expensive to copy if you have a lost or damaged key and require a template to make them again however, they are cheaper than the expense of replacing the entire key set purchased from your dealer in your vehicle.
Another way to cut the cost of cutting keys is to simply purchase a new shell for your key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that can replace your key fob's outer plastic 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 a dealer.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob comes with numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, especially when you're carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. If they've got this feature built in they will assist you to open your trunk and hatch.
The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they tend to consume battery power, making it hard to use them for long periods of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs can be replaced using replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available at a much lower cost than dealer-supplied options, by searching at the internet or go to the local hardware store.
If you already have a standard key then duplication costs can be as low as $10 to $15. You may also be able to buy a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain retailer. Newer keys that require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, but. These keys are usually laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys, or high security keys. They have a more robust blade and less grooves on the shank. They need to be programmed by a specific machine in a locksmith or dealership.
A key that has a chip can be quite expensive to replace and usually requires a trip to the dealership to have the replacement coded. They are also known as smart or transponder keys, and they are equipped with electronics that must be validated by your vehicle before it will open any doors or start the engine. Dealers will charge between $150-$300 for a key that includes the key fob as well as the transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry may also be costly to replace in the event that you lose them or the battery of your key fob dies. The majority of modern cars have these keys, which work by sending a signal from the key fob to a device in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car according to the signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.