How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys isn't an ideal option. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts you need to replace your car keys without having to pay dealership prices.
Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site with a key-cutting machine. It's typically 20 percent less than purchasing from dealers.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars are equipped with key fobs, which provide convenience and security to car owners. These devices aren't free. In some instances, it can be quite high to replace a lost or damaged key fob. The good news is that there are methods to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It's much less expensive 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 is named after the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most automobiles since the mid 1990s. This technology was developed to combat the rising number of car thefts. The basic idea behind the car transponder chip emits an electronic signal that has a secret password. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder receives the signal and, if it matches the password, the engine starts. This is important because most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle before driving off.
Transponder chips operate on the same principle as the microchips used in cell phones and computers. The difference is that they don't require constant power to operate. Instead, they emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal which can be identified by special receivers in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself.
We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if in need of an extra key for a car equipped with transponder. Most locksmiths have a device to create new keys for your particular car model and make. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership.
It is also important to know that some stores such as AutoZone provide key programming services. However, automobile keys made near me cost significantly more than locksmiths. They can do this because they benefit from a "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold rises. They can then pass on the savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips which connect with the vehicle when the key is inserted into the ignition. These keys are more costly to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which must be completed by an auto locksmith or a dealership. This procedure can cost up to $500 for the new key, as well as reprogramming the immobilizer, and possibly costs for labor.
The best way to reduce cost of replacing car keys is to not require them in the first place. It is essential to have an extra car key in case the original key is lost. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key from a hardware store or box store for about $25 to $50, based on the kind of key.
Many people don't realize that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discounted price. The advantage of purchasing a factory key is that it will likely have the right transponder chip. This is essential because you won't be in a position to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the tools needed to program modern car key, so they can only offer basic duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, a repair shop or dealer to get them replaced.
Another thing to think about is that if you're considering buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll have to make sure it isn't already programmed to another vehicle. This can be done by examining the key blade for chip or an open cutout that has evidence of the previous key.
A key duplication machine is an alternative, but it won't be affordable for the majority of people. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys themselves and you'll need to cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you don't feel comfortable using a vice, a hand file is an option that is more affordable. This is not the safest alternative as it can 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 connect to the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to send commands. They are a convenience for drivers, but they can be costly to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.
Unlike traditional keys, which require a reputable locksmith, automotive dealer, or other specialty service provider to make, key fobs contain sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to make than their basic counterparts. Key fobs must also be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which can increase the cost too.
If you lose your sole working fob, it could cost you up to $300 to have a brand new original fob and key from the dealership made. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to only $50 by buying it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have a key fob that fits your car model. Some of these key fobs will need to be programmed or laser-cut by the local dealer. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the user.
Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for less than the more sophisticated models since they do not have an embedded chip which must be reprogrammed. They can still be expensive to duplicate if you've got a lost or damaged key and require a template make them again but they're much cheaper than the expense of replacing the entire key set purchased from your dealer for your car.
Another option to reduce your costs for cutting keys is to purchase a new shell for your key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your key fob, and leave the electronics inside unchanged. 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
Car key fobs come with numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to search for your keys. This is particularly useful when you are carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature they will help you open your trunk and hatch.
The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they tend to consume battery power, making it hard to use them for a long period of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search on the internet or at your local hardware store, you can often find them at a much lower price than the dealer-supplied alternatives.
If you own an ordinary key, duplicate costs are typically very low and range from $10 to $15. You can also buy keys to replace them at your local hardware store or box retailer store. Keys that require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, however. Keys that are laser cut, sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a more robust blade and less grooves on its shank. They must be programmed by a specific machine at a locksmith or dealership.
It is costly to replace a key using a microchip, and it's often required to visit a dealer to get the replacement code. These keys are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They contain electronic components that must be verified before they are able to open doors or start engines. A dealer can charge between $150 and $300 for a brand new original key that has both the key fob as well as an updated transponder chip.
If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery inside your key fob goes out, it can be costly to replace them. Many modern cars come with keys that function by sending a signal from your key fob to a receiver inside 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.