How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys isn't an ideal option. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your key without having to pay the dealership.
Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site using a key-cutting machine. This costs on average 20% less than buying from a dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Many modern vehicles have key fobs that offer an element of security and comfort for the owner of the vehicle. They are not free. In some instances, the cost of replacing a key fob which has been lost or damaged is high. There are ways to reduce the costs of these devices. It's cheaper to have a spare vehicle key made now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and are confronted with the expense of an appointment with a locksmith or towing fees.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been a vital component of all automobiles. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". This technology was created in response to the increasing rate of vehicle theft. auto key cutting transmits the secret code through a signal. When the key is inserted into the ignition, an antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder reads this signal and when it matches the password, the engine is started. This is important as most thieves simply wire the vehicle and drive off.
Transponder chips work on a similar principle to the microchips in computers and cell phones. They do not require constant power. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency that is identified by special receivers in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself.
If you need to have a spare car key made for a car with a transponder chip, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Many locksmiths have a system to program new keys for your specific car model and make. This is an excellent alternative to visiting the dealership.
It's also important to note that some stores such as AutoZone will offer a key programming service. However, they often cost significantly higher than a locksmith. This is because they are able to benefit from the "scaling" effect which occurs when the number of units sold increases. In this way, they could transfer their cost savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with chips or transponders which connect with the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. These keys are more costly to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which must be done by an auto locksmith or dealership. This procedure can cost up to $500 for a new key, reprogramming the immobilizer, and possibly labor charges.
The best way to cut down on the expense of replacing your car keys is to not need them in the first place. That means having a spare key in case you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key at an hardware store or box store for between $25 to $50, based on the kind of key.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online or at an affordable price from the manufacturer. The advantage of buying an original key is that it will likely have the right transponder chip. This is vital, as you won't be able to use a car key that is aftermarket without having it professionally programmed.
Most hardware stores and box stores do not have the technology to program modern car keys, so they offer only basic key duplication services. You can bring them to a dealer or an independent auto repair shop, or a locksmith to get them replaced.
If you are planning to purchase a cheap key online, make sure it's not programmed for someone else's vehicle. This can be done by examining the blade of the key to see if there is a chip or cutout that shows evidence of an old key.
The purchase of a key duplication device is another option however it's not cost-effective for the majority of people. The cost of the machine is higher than keys with blanks, which means you'll need to cut numerous keys in order to break even. If you're not happy with this, a vice or hand file are a more affordable alternative. However, it's not the most secure method as it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even cut the key off in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the car and also start the motor. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that connect to your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to transmit commands. These are great features for drivers but can be expensive to duplicate or replace if lost.
Contrary to traditional keys that require a great locksmith, dealer in automotive, or any other specialist service provider to create, key fobs contain sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to make than the standard keys. They also need to be programmed to work with your vehicle and can add cost.
A new key and fob could cost as much as $300 when you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of the new fob by as much as 50% if purchasing it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have a key fob that fits your car model. Some of these fobs might need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by a dealer in your area, but most can be customer-programmed easily (though some will require two working, current keys for this).
Standard key fobs are much cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace as they don't have an embedded chip that requires to be reprogrammed following the fact. Although they can be costly to duplicate in the event that you need to create templates for a damaged or lost key The cost is far less than purchasing a new set of keys from your car dealer.
You can also lower your key cutting expenses by purchasing a new case to replace your old key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that will replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, yet leave the electronics intact. These shells are a cost-effective option to updating your keychain without making an appointment with the dealer.
Keys for Keyless Entry
The car key fob has many benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, especially if you're carrying heavy groceries or other weights in your hands. They can even assist you to open your trunk and hatch, when they've got this feature built in.
These keys aren't ideal for long-term use since they drain batteries. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Fortunately, most key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. If you look online or in your local hardware store, you'll often find them at significantly less than dealer-supplied options.
If you already have a standard key then duplication costs can be as low as $10-$15. You may also be able purchase an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain store. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding could be costly. These keys are typically laser cut, sometimes called sidewinder or high-security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and less grooves on its shank. They have to be programmed by a special machine at a locksmith or dealership.
A key with a chip can be quite expensive to replace and usually requires an appointment with a dealer to get the replacement code. They are also known as transponder or smart keys and they have electronics inside that need to be verified by your vehicle before it can open doors or start the engine. A dealer typically charges between $150 to $300 for a brand new original key that comes with the key fob as well as a new transponder chip.
If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery in your key fob dies it could be expensive to replace them. Keyless entry keys are available in a majority of modern vehicles. car key cutting and programming function by transmitting an electronic message from the key fob to the car's receiver. The car locks or unlocks itself based on this signal and opens the trunk and hatch if the key is within close proximity to the receiver.