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 key without paying dealership cost.
Simply bring a current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours using the key cutting machine on site. It's about 20 percent less than purchasing from an agent.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars have key fobs that provide convenience and security to car owners. However, these devices come with an expense. In certain instances, the cost of replacing a key fob which has been lost or damaged could be costly. The good news is that there are methods to lower the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to purchase an extra key today than wait until you lose your car key and then pay for the locksmith or towing fees.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip had been a key component of the majority of cars. Its name is derived from "transmitter and responder". The technology was developed in response to rising levels of theft from cars. In essence, the car transponder chip emits a signal that contains the secret password. When the key is inserted in the ignition, the antenna ring around it reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will start. This is an important thing because most thieves simply hot wire the vehicle to get it started and then leave the scene.
Transponder chips work on the same principle as the microchips in cell phones and computers. The difference is that they don't need constant power to work. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency that can be recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself.
If you're looking to get a spare car key created for a car equipped with transponder chips, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Most locksmiths have a device to program new keys for your particular vehicle model and make. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership.
It's also important to know that some stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming service. They usually charge more than professional locksmiths. They can do this because they profit from an "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold rises. In this way, they could transfer their savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with chips or transponders that are paired to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which can only be completed by an auto locksmith or a dealership. This process can cost as high as $500 for an entirely new key, changing of the immobilizer's programming, and possible labor charges.
The best method to cut down on key cutting costs is by avoiding the need to replace your keys in the first place. This means you should have a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key at the hardware store or at a box store for around $25 to $50, depending on the kind of key.
Many people don't realize that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discounted price. A factory key will most likely contain the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you won't be able to use an aftermarket car key without having it professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the technology necessary to program modern car key and therefore, they are unable to offer basic duplication services. You can also bring them to a dealer or an independent auto repair shop, or a locksmith to have them replaced.
If you're planning to purchase an inexpensive key on the internet, ensure that it hasn't been programmed for the vehicle of someone else. You can do this by looking at the blade of the key for a chip or for the cutout to see if it shows evidence of a previous key.
The purchase of a key duplication device is an alternative however it's not affordable for most people. car key cut costs more than the blank keys, and you'll have to cut many keys in order to break even. If you don't feel comfortable using a vice, hand files are an option that is more affordable. However, it's not the safest method because it could harm the electronics of the key or break the key off in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the vehicle, and even start the motor. These are tiny remote transmitters that communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle through radio waves. They're a great convenience for drivers, but they can be expensive to replace or duplicate if you lose one.
Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys due to their sophisticated electronic components. Fobs also require programming to work with your car and can add cost.
If you lose your only working fob, it can cost you up to $300 to have a brand new fob and key from the dealer. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to as little as $50 if you buy it on the internet. Search for a key fob for your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these keys may require laser cutting by a locksmith or programmed by your dealer in your area, but most are programmable by customers easily (though some require two working, current keys to do this).
Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for a lot less than the more sophisticated models because they do not have an embedded chip which requires reprogramming. car key cut are still expensive to duplicate if you've damaged or lost keys and require a template reproduce them, but they are much more affordable than the cost of replacing an entire key set from the dealer for your car.
Another way to cut your costs for cutting keys is by simply buying an entirely new shell for your existing key fob. click to find out more offers a selection of shells that replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, yet leave the electronic components intact. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain and save you the headache of trying to schedule an appointment with the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
Car key fobs have numerous advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, particularly when you're carrying groceries or other heavy loads in your hands. They can even help you open your trunk and hatch, when they've got this feature built-in.
The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they tend to drain the battery and make it difficult to use them for long periods of time. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Fortunately, many key fobs can be replaced using replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search online or visit your local hardware store, you'll often find these for a much lower price than the dealer-supplied options.
If you already have a standard key then the cost of duplicates can be as low as $10 to $15. You can also buy keys to replace them at your local hardware or box retailer store. However, replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding can be expensive. They are usually laser cut, sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a larger shank and less carved-out grooves on the blade and must be programmed using a specific machine found in the locksmith shop or dealership.
It can be costly to replace a key using a microchip, and it's often necessary to visit the dealer to have the replacement coded. These keys are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They contain electronic components that need to be verified before they are able to open doors or start your engine. A dealer typically charges between $150 to $300 for a brand new original key that has both the key fob as well as a new transponder chip.
If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery in your key fob goes out it could be expensive to replace them. The majority of modern cars have these keys, which function by sending a signal from the key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks the car according to the signal. It will also open the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.