How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
The loss of your car keys isn't an ideal option. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your keys without having to pay the dealership.
Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site with a key cutting machine. It's about 20 percent less than purchasing from dealers.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars are equipped with key fobs that provide security and convenience to owners. These devices are not free. In some cases the cost of replacing the key fob that is damaged or lost is high. The good news is that there are methods to cut the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to purchase an extra key today than to wait until you lose your car keys and need to pay a locksmith or towing charges.
The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most automobiles since the mid 1990s. This technology was developed as a response to the rising rate of theft from cars. A car transponder transmits an encrypted signal. When the key is inserted into ignition, the antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder receives the signal and, if it matches the password, the engine will start. This is important as most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and then drive away.
Transponder chips operate on a similar basis as microchips in cell phones and computers. The difference is that they don't require constant power to operate. Instead, they emit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency which can be identified by special receivers in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself.
We suggest visiting your local locksmith if you need an extra key for a car equipped with a transponder. Many locksmiths have a tool that can program new keys to the specific make and model of your car. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to remember that some stores such as AutoZone will offer a key programming service. They typically charge more than a professional locksmith. This is due to the fact that they can take advantage of the "scaling" effect that occurs when the quantity of units sold increases. They can then pass on the savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips which are linked to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming, which can only be performed by a dealership or auto locksmith. This process can cost up to $500 for the new key, reprogramming the immobilizer, and possibly costs for labor.
The best method to save money 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 the event that the original is lost. You can buy a duplicate key for $25 to $50 at the hardware store or a box shop, based on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discount. The advantage of purchasing an original key is that it's likely to come with the correct 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 hardware stores and box stores do not 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, a repair shop or the dealer to get them replaced.
Another thing to take into consideration is that if you're planning on buying a cheap key from an online retailer, you'll need to ensure that it's not programmed to another vehicle. This can be done by looking at the blade of the key for a chip or for a cutout that shows signs of an earlier key.
A key duplication machine can be purchased, but it is not a viable option for the majority of people. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys themselves and you'll need to cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not comfortable with this, a vice or hand file are a cheaper alternative. This is not the safest option because it can harm the electronic components of the key or even break the key inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that function as remote controls to lock your car, unlock it and even start the engine. These are small remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle through radio waves. These are great features for drivers, but they are costly to duplicate or replace if lost.
Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys due to their sophisticated electronics. Key fobs must also be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which can increase the cost as well.
If you lose your sole functioning fob, it could cost upwards of $300 to get a replacement original key and fob from the dealership made. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of a new fob by up to 50% if you purchase it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have keys that are compatible with your car model. Some of these key fobs need to be laser-cut or programmed by the local dealer. However, many of them can be programmed by the customer.
Key fobs that are standard are less expensive than more advanced models to replace because they don't contain an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed following the fact. They can still be expensive to copy if you have damaged or lost keys and require a template to duplicate them, but they are much more affordable than the cost of replacing a complete key set purchased from your dealer for your car.
Another option to reduce your key cutting costs is to purchase a new case for your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your key fob while leaving the electronics inside unchanged. g28carkeys are an affordable solution to update your keychain without having to make an appointment with the dealer.
Keys for Keyless Entry
The car key fob has many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to locate 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 your trunk and hatch.
These keys aren't ideal for long-term use because they can drain your battery. Additionally, they are difficult to program, depending on the model and make. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs can be replaced with replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. If you search online or in your local hardware store, you'll often find these for a much lower price than dealer-supplied options.
If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplicates can be as low as $10-$15. You can also purchase an additional key from your local hardware store or box retailer store. However, replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding can be expensive. These keys are typically laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a larger shank and less carved-out grooves on the blade of the key, and they must be programmed using a special machine that is found at a dealership or locksmith shop.
A key with chips can be expensive to replace and typically requires the visit to a dealership to get the replacement code. These keys are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They contain electronic components that must be verified before they can be used to open doors or start engines. Dealers will charge between $150 and $300 for a key that comes with the key fob as well as a transponder chip.
If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery inside your key fob goes out it could cost you to replace the keys. These keys are found in a majority of modern vehicles. They work by sending an electronic message from the key fob into a receiver within your car. The car locks or unlocks itself in accordance with this signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch if the key is within close proximity to the receiver.