How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
The loss of your car keys isn't a good idea. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your keys without having to pay a dealership.
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 buying from dealers.
Keys with Transponder Chips
A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that offer security and ease for the owner of the vehicle. However they come at an expense. In certain instances the cost of replacing the key fob that is damaged or lost can be high. There are ways to reduce the cost of these devices. It's cheaper to get a spare car key today instead of waiting until you lose the key and are faced with paying for the visit of a locksmith or towing fees.
The transponder chip (which is named after the words "transmitter + responder") has been in use in the majority of cars since the mid-1990s. This technology was created in response to rising levels of theft from cars. The car transponder transmits the secret code through a signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition, the antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder reads this signal and if it matches with the password, the engine is started. This is an important thing because most thieves simply hot wire the vehicle to start it and then drive off.
Transponder chips function on the same basis as microchips used in computers and cell phones. The different is that they do not need constant power to work. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that can be detected by special detectors placed on the ignition cylinder as well as the key head.
If you need to have a spare car key created for a car with transponder chips We strongly suggest that you visit your local locksmith. Most locksmiths have a device to make new keys for your particular vehicle model and. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership.
It's also important to remember that some shops, such as AutoZone will offer a key programming service. However, they usually cost significantly more than locksmiths. mobile key cutting can do this because they can benefit from an "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold increases. In this way, they could pass on their costs savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips that connect to the vehicle whenever the key is put in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they require programming that can only be completed by a dealership auto locksmith or your manufacturer of your vehicle. This procedure can cost up to $500 for new keys, the programming of the immobilizer and the possibility of labor costs.
The best way to reduce cost of replacing car keys is to not need them in the first place. That means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can purchase an additional key for $25-$50 at a hardware or box store retailer, based on the type of key.
Most people don't know that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discount. A factory key is likely to have the correct transponder. This is important, as you will not be able make use of an aftermarket car key unless it's been professionally programmed.
The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the technology necessary to program modern car key, so they can only provide basic duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, auto repair shop, or dealer to have them replaced.
Another thing to consider is that if you're thinking of buying a cheap key from an online retailer, you'll have to make sure it isn't already programmed to another vehicle. This can be accomplished by checking the key blade to see if there is chips or cutout that shows signs of an old key.
A key duplication device can be purchased, but it isn't an option for most people. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys and you'll need to cut many keys to make a profit. If you're not at ease with a vice hand files are an option that is more affordable. It's not the best alternative as it can damage the key's electronic components or even break the key in the lock.
Key Fobs with keys
Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the vehicle, and start the motor. These are basically mini remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to send commands. These are a great convenience for drivers, but they are costly to duplicate or replace if lost.
Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys because they contain sophisticated electronic components. Fobs must also be programmed to work with your car, which can also add cost.
If you lose your only working fob, it can cost up to $300 to have a brand new original fob and key from the dealership made. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of a new fob by up to 50% if you purchase it online. Look for an appropriate key fob for your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these keys may need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by your local dealer, but a lot can be customer-programmed easily (though some will require two working, current keys for this).
Key fobs that are standard are cheaper than more advanced models to replace since they don't contain an embedded chip that has to be programmed after the fact. They can be costly to duplicate if you've a lost or damaged key and need a template to reproduce them however, they are more affordable than the cost of replacing an entire key set from your dealer for your car.
Another option to reduce the cost of cutting keys is by simply buying a new case for your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your keychain, but leaving the inside electronics unaltered. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain, and save you the hassle of trying 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 vehicle without having to search for your keys, especially when you're carrying groceries or other heavy loads in your hands. They can also help you open your hatch and trunk, in the event that they have this feature built in.
These keys aren't ideal for long-term use since they drain the battery. Additionally, they are difficult to program, depending on the model and make. Key fobs are often replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search on the internet or at your local hardware store, you will often find them at a much lower price than the dealer-supplied alternatives.
If you already have a standard key, duplication costs can be as just $10 to $15. You may also be able to purchase an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain store. However, replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding can be expensive. They are usually laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys or high security keys. These keys have a thicker blade and have fewer grooves on its shank. They need to be programmed using a special machine in a locksmith or dealership.
It is costly to replace a key that has microchips and it is often necessary to visit a dealer to have the replacement coded. Keys with chips 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 engines. Dealers can charge between $150-$300 for a key that includes the key fob, as well as the transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry can be costly to replace if you lose them or the battery of your key fob dies. The majority of modern cars have these keys, which function by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car then locks or unlocks according to the signal and opens the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.