How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car keys without paying a dealership's high costs.
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. This costs on average 20% less than buying from dealers.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars come with key fobs, which provide security and convenience to owners. These devices aren't free. In some instances it could be expensive to replace a lost or damaged key fob. The good news is that there are ways to lower the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to buy an extra key now rather than to wait until you lose your car key and need to pay locksmith services or towing costs.
The transponder chip (which is named after the words "transmitter + responder") has been a standard feature in cars since the mid-1990s. The technology was developed as a response to the rising rate of vehicle theft. Transponders in cars transmit an encrypted signal. When the key is inserted into the ignition, an antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder detects this signal and when it matches the password, the engine is started. This is a big deal because most thieves simply use hot wires to start it, and then leave the scene.
Transponder chips operate on the same principle as the microchips found 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 as well as key head.
If key cutting price require an extra car key made for a car with transponder chips, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to make new keys for your particular vehicle model and make. This is an excellent alternative to going to the dealership.
It is also important to know that some stores, like AutoZone will provide key programming services. However, they typically cost more than a locksmith. They do this because they can take advantage of the "scaling effect" that occurs when the number of units sold increases. They can then pass on the savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that are paired to the car when the key is put in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which must be performed by an auto locksmith or a dealership. The process could cost as much as $500 for new keys, the programming of the immobilizer and possible labor charges.
The best way to cut down on the expense of replacing your car keys is to not require them in the first place. This means you should have an extra key in case you lose the original. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key from an hardware store or box store for around $25-$50, based on the type of key.
Many people don't realize that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a reduced price. A factory-issued key will most likely have the correct transponder. This is important, as you cannot use an aftermarket car key unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware and box stores do not have the technology to program modern car keys, which is why 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 are planning to purchase a cheap key online, make sure that it's not programmed for another vehicle. This can be done by examining the key blade to find chips or a cutout that shows signs of the previous key.
A key duplication machine may be bought, but it is not a viable option for most people. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys, and you'll have to cut many keys to make a profit. If you don't feel comfortable using a vice, hand files are an alternative that is less expensive. This isn't the most secure option as it could harm the electronic components of the key or even break the key inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that function as remote controls that lock and unlock your vehicle and even start the engine. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that communicate with the computer in your vehicle via radio waves to transmit commands. They're a benefit for drivers, but they can be costly to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.
Unlike traditional keys, which require a professional locksmith, automotive dealer or other specialty service provider to make keys, key fobs have sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to manufacture than the standard keys. Fobs also require programming to work with your vehicle, which can also add cost.
A new fob and key can cost up to $300 if you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of the new fob by as much as 50% if purchasing it online. Search for an appropriate key fob for your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these fobs might require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by a dealer in your area, but most can be programmed by the customer easily (though some will require two current, working keys to accomplish this).
Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for a lot less than more sophisticated models because they do not contain an embedded chip that requires reprogramming. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you have to design an original template for a lost or damaged key, the cost is much less than buying a new set of keys from your car dealer.
You can also reduce your key cutting costs by purchasing a new case to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, but leave the electronics intact. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain, and save you the hassle of having to schedule an appointment with the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs come with many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys. This is particularly useful when you are carrying large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. If they've got this feature, they can help you open the trunk and hatch.
The downside to these types of keys is that they tend to consume battery power which makes it difficult to use for long periods of time. Additionally, they are difficult to program, based on your vehicle's make and model. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs can be replaced using replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look online or visit your local hardware store, you will often find them at a much lower price than the dealer-supplied alternatives.
If you have an ordinary key, duplicate costs are typically very affordable and vary between $10 and $15. You can also buy an additional key from your local hardware or box retailer store. Keys that are newer and require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, however. These keys are usually laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys, or high security keys. They have a thicker shank and have less grooves carved out on the blade and must be programmed using a specific machine that is found at a locksmith shop or dealer.
A key with chip could be expensive to replace and usually requires a trip to the dealership to get the replacement code. These keys are also known as transponder or smart keys. They contain electronic components that need to be verified before they can open doors or start engines. key cut near me open now will often charge between $150 and $300 for a brand new original key that has both the key fob as well as a new transponder chip.
Keys that have keyless entry could be costly to replace in the event that you lose them or the battery of your key fob fails. The majority of modern cars have these keys, which function by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a device in your car. The car locks or unlocks itself based on this signal and opens the trunk and hatch if the key is close to the receiver.