How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys is not an ideal option. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your key without having to pay the dealership.
Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site using a key-cutting machine. On average, this is 20% less than going through a dealer.
Keys that have Transponder chips
Many modern vehicles have key fobs that offer a level of security and comfort to the car owner. These devices aren't free. In certain instances, it can be quite high to replace a lost or damaged key fob. The good news is that there are methods to lower the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to have a spare vehicle key now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and you are confronted with the expense of an appointment with a locksmith or towing fees.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip had been a key component of the majority of automobiles. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". This technology was designed to combat the rising number of car thefts. The car transponder transmits a secret code via a signal. When the key is put in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it and reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will start. This is important as most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and then drive off.
Transponder chips operate on the same principle as the microchips found in cell phones and computers. The different is that they do not need constant power to work. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that can be identified by special detectors 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 a transponder. Most locksmiths have a device to make new keys for your particular vehicle model and. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership.
Also, it's important to note that stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming service. However, they often charge significantly more than locksmiths. They can do this because they take advantage of the "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 transponders or chips that are connected with the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they need programming that can only be completed by a dealership auto locksmith or the manufacturer of your vehicle. The process could cost as high as $500 for a new key, the reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possible labor charges.
The most effective way to save on car key cost is to avoid the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. This means you should have a spare key in case you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key for $25 to $50 at a hardware or box store store, depending on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online at a discounted price from the manufacturer. A factory key will most likely have the correct transponder. This is important since you won't be able to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.
laser key cutting of hardware stores and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, which is why they only offer basic key duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, auto repair shop, or dealer to have them replaced.
If you plan to buy a key for a low price online, make sure that it hasn't been programmed for the vehicle of someone else. This can be accomplished by looking at the blade of the key to see if there is an embedded chip, or a cutout showing the signs of an old key.
Purchasing a key duplication machine is a different option however it's not affordable for most people. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys themselves and you'll need to cut many keys to break even. If you're not happy with this, a vice or hand file are a more affordable option. However, this isn't the most secure option as it could damage the key's electronics or even break the key in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the car, and start the motor. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that connect to the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to transmit commands. They are a convenience for drivers, but they can be expensive to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.
Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys due to their sophisticated electronics. Fobs also need to be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which can increase the cost too.
A new key and fob can cost up to $300 if you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to as little as $50 by purchasing it online. Search for the right key fob for your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Certain key fobs need to be programmed or laser-cut by the dealer in your area. However, many of them can be programmed by the user.
Standard key fobs can be replaced for less than more advanced models due to the fact that they don't have an embedded chip which must be reprogrammed. While they can be expensive to duplicate in the event that you need to create a template for a damaged or lost key it is lower than purchasing a brand new key from your car dealer.
You can also reduce your key cutting costs by buying a new shell to replace your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronics intact. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle of having to make an appointment at the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
Car key fobs come with a lot of benefits. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, particularly when you're carrying groceries or other heavy loads in your hands. If they have this feature built-in they will assist you to open your trunk and hatch.
The downside to these types of keys is that they frequently consume battery power and make it difficult to use them for long periods of time. 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 providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search online or visit your local hardware store, you will often find them at a much lower price than the dealer-supplied options.
If you already have a standard key, the cost of duplicates can be as low as $10-$15. laser key cutting might also be able to buy a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain store. However replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding can be expensive. Keys that are laser cut, sometimes called sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a thicker shank and less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and must be programmed using a special machine found in a dealership or locksmith shop.
A key that has chips can be costly to replace and often requires an appointment with a dealer to have the replacement coded. These keys are often referred to as smart or transponder keys, and they come with electronic components which must be validated by your vehicle before it will open any doors or start the engine. Dealers charge between $150 and $300 for a key that includes the key fob, as well as a transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry can be costly to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery dies. Keyless entry keys can be found in most modern cars. They function by sending a message from the key fob into the car's receiver. The car locks or unlocks itself according to the signal and opens the hatch and trunk if the key is within close proximity to the receiver.