How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys isn't an ideal option. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car keys without having to pay dealership prices.
Simply bring a current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours by using a key cutting machine onsite. On average, this is 20% less than buying through a dealer.
Keys that have Transponder chips
Many modern cars have key fobs that offer an element of security and ease for the owner of the vehicle. These devices are not free. In some instances, it can be quite high to replace a lost or damaged key fob. There are methods to lower the expense of these devices. It's cheaper to have a spare car key today, rather than waiting until you lose the key and are facing the cost of the visit of a locksmith or towing fees.
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 designed to counter the growing number of car thefts. The basic idea behind a car transponder chip transmits an electronic signal that has an encrypted password. When the key is put in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it reads the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will start. This is important because most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and then drive away.
Transponder chips operate in a similar way to the microchips used in cell phones and computers. They don't require constant power. Instead, they emit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency that is 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 you require a spare key for your vehicle that has transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool that can program new keys to match the make and model of your car. This is an excellent alternative to visiting a dealership.
It's also important to remember that some stores, like AutoZone will provide key programming services. They usually charge more than a professional locksmith. This is because they are able to take advantage of the "scaling" effect which occurs when the number of units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips which are connected to the vehicle whenever the key is put into the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys because they require programming that can only be completed by a dealership auto locksmith, or your manufacturer of your vehicle. This process can cost up to $500 for the new key, reprogramming the immobilizer and perhaps costs for labor.
The best way to reduce the expense of replacing your car keys is to not have them in the first place. key car cutting should have an extra 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 type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online or at an affordable price from the manufacturer. The benefit of buying an original key is that it will likely come with the proper transponder chip. This is important, as you won't be able to use an aftermarket car key without having it 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 also go to a locksmith, independent auto repair shop, or dealer to get them replaced.
If you are planning to purchase an inexpensive key on the internet, ensure that it's not programmed for the vehicle of someone else. This can be done by looking at the blade of the key to determine if it has chips or a cutout that shows the signs of an old key.
A key duplication machine can be purchased, but it is not a viable option for everyone. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys themselves, and you'll have cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not comfortable with this, a vice and hand file are a much more affordable option. This is not the safest option because it can damage the key's electronic components or even break the key inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Many modern cars come with key fobs that are remote controls that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle and start the engine. They are tiny transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves. They're a benefit for drivers, however they can be costly to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.
Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys because they contain sophisticated electronics. Fobs also need to be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which can add up in cost as well.
If you lose your sole working fob, it can cost upwards of $300 to have a brand new original key and fob from the dealer. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to only $50 by purchasing it online. Find an appropriate key fob that matches your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these fobs might need to be laser-cut by a locksmith or programmed by a local dealer, but a lot can be customer-programmed easily (though some will require two working, current keys to do this).
Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for a lot less than more sophisticated models since they do not have an embedded chip which requires reprogramming. However, they can be costly to duplicate if you have to design an original template for a lost or damaged key, the cost is much lower than purchasing a brand new set of keys from a car dealer.
You can also lower your cost of cutting keys by purchasing a new shell to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your key fob while leaving the electronics inside unaltered. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and save you the hassle of trying to schedule an appointment at the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob comes with numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, especially when you're carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. They can even help you open your trunk and hatch, when they've got this feature integrated into them.
These keys are not ideal for long-term use since they drain the battery. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. A lot of key fobs can be replaced with new ones from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look online or in your local hardware store, you will typically find them for significantly less than the dealer-supplied options.
If you have a standard key, duplication costs are usually very low and range from $10 to $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 may be referred to as sidewinder keys, or high security keys. They have a larger shank and have less grooves carved out on the blade of the key, and they have to be programmed using a special machine at the locksmith shop or dealership.
A key with chip could be expensive to replace and usually requires the visit to a dealership to have the replacement coded. Keys with chips are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They contain electronic components that must be validated before they are able to open doors or start your engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 to $300 for a new original key that comes with the key fob and the 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 is dead. cutting car keys near me are found in most modern cars. They function by transmitting a message from the key fob to an internal receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.