How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts you need to replace your car key without having to pay dealership cost.
Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site with a key cutting machine. On average, this is 20% less than buying through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars have key fobs that provide convenience and security to car owners. However, these devices come with costs. In some instances, it can be quite high to replace a lost or damaged key fob. There are ways to cut down on the costs of these devices. It's cheaper to buy an extra key now rather than to wait until you lose your car keys and have to pay for a locksmith or towing charges.
The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a standard feature in automobiles since the mid-1990s. This technology was created as a response to the rising rate of theft from cars. A car transponder transmits an encrypted signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition, the antenna ring around it detects the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will begin. This is crucial because the majority of thieves simply wire the vehicle before driving off.
Transponder chips work on the same principle as the microchips used in cell phones and computers. The distinction is that they don't need constant power to work. They emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that can be detected by special detectors placed on the ignition cylinder as well as the key head.
We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if in need of an extra key for a vehicle with a transponder. Many locksmiths have a device that can program new keys to the specific make and model of your car. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership.
It is also important to know that some shops, such as AutoZone provide key programming services. However, they typically cost higher than a locksmith. They do this because they can take advantage of the "scaling effect" that occurs when the number of units sold increases. In other words, they can transfer their cost savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped 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 due to the fact that they require programming, which must be completed by an auto locksmith or a dealership. The process could cost as much as $500 for a new key, the programming of the immobilizer and possible labor charges.
The best method to cut down on key cutting costs is by avoiding the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. It is essential to have a spare car key in case the original is lost. You can buy an additional key for $25 to $50 at a box store or hardware retailer, based on the key type.
Many people don't realize that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a reduced price. The advantage of purchasing the factory key is that it's likely to be equipped with the correct transponder chip. This is crucial, since you won't be able to make use of an aftermarket car key unless it's been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box stores do not have the technology to program modern car keys, so they can only provide basic key duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, auto repair shop or dealer to have them replaced.
Another thing to think about is that if you're considering purchasing a key for a low price from an online retailer, you'll have to make sure it isn't already programmed to someone else's car. This can be done by looking at the blade of the key to determine if it has chips or a cutout that shows evidence of an old key.
A key duplication machine is another option, but it won't be affordable for most people. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys, and you'll have to cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not comfortable with this, a vice or hand file are a more affordable option. However, it's not the safest method because it could damage the key's electronics or even cut the key off inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that function as remote controls to lock and unlock your vehicle and also to start the engine. They are tiny transmitters which communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves. They're a benefit for drivers, but they can be costly to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.
Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys due to their sophisticated electronics. They also need to be programmed to work with your vehicle, which can also add cost.
A new key and fob could cost as much as $300 when you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of an entirely new fob by as much as 50% if you buy it online. Find a key fob that matches your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these fobs may require laser cutting by a locksmith or programmed by your dealer in your area, but most are programmable by customers easily (though some may require two working, current keys for this).
Key fobs that are standard are less expensive than more advanced models to replace because they don't contain an embedded chip that requires to be reprogrammed after the fact. They are still expensive to duplicate if you've damaged or lost keys and require a template duplicate them, but they are much more affordable than the cost of replacing a complete key set from the dealer for your car.
Another option to reduce the cost of cutting keys is by simply buying an entirely new shell for your key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that can replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronics intact. 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 for Keyless Entry
The car key fob comes with numerous advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, especially if you're carrying groceries or other heavy weights in your hands. If they've got this feature built-in they will help you open the trunk and hatch.
These keys aren't recommended for long-term usage because they drain the battery. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. Many key fobs are easily repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search online or visit your local hardware store, you can often find them at a much lower price than dealer-supplied options.
If you already have a standard key then the cost of duplicates can be as low as $10-$15. You might also be able to purchase a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. Keys that are newer and require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, but. They are usually laser-cut, often referred to as sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a thicker shank and less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and must be programmed with a specific machine at the locksmith shop or dealership.
A key that has chips can be expensive to replace and typically requires a trip to the dealership to have the replacement coded. These keys are also known as transponder or smart keys. They have electronics that must be verified before they are able to open doors or start engines. A dealer typically charges between $150 to $300 for a new key that has both the key fob and the transponder chip.
If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery in the key fob fails it could cost you to replace them. These keys are found in the majority of modern automobiles. They function by sending a message from the key fob to a receiver within your car. article source or unlocks itself according to the signal and opens the trunk and hatch when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.