How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and the parts to replace your key without having to pay the dealership.
Simply bring a current working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours using the key cutting machine on site. This costs on average 20% less than buying from a dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Many modern vehicles have key fobs which provide security and ease for the owner of the vehicle. However, these devices come with a cost. In some cases the cost of replacing the key fob that has been damaged or lost is high. The good news is that there are ways to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It's cheaper to purchase an extra key today than wait until you lose your car keys and need to pay the locksmith or towing fees.
The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a standard feature in automobiles 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 into ignition, an antenna ring around the ignition cylinder reads this signal and if it matches with the password, the engine is started. This is a big deal because most thieves simply use hot wires to start it and then drive off.
cheapest key cutting near me operate on a similar principle to the microchips in cell phones and computers. The distinction is that they don't require constant power to operate. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal which can be identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder and the key head.
We recommend visiting your local locksmith if you require a spare key for a vehicle with a transponder. Many locksmiths have a system to create new keys to match your car model and make. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership.
It's also important to know that some stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming service. They typically charge more than professional locksmiths. They can do this because they take advantage of a "scaling effect" that occurs when the number of units sold rises. In this way, they could transfer their savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that are connected with the vehicle when the key is put in 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 dealership. This procedure can cost as much as $500 for new keys, the programming of the immobilizer and possibly, labor costs.
The best method to cut down on key cutting costs is by avoiding the need to replace your keys in the first place. It is essential to have an extra car key in case the original key is lost. You can buy another key for between $25-$50 at the hardware store or a box retailer, based on the key type.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discounted price. A factory-issued 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 has been professionally programmed.
Most hardware stores and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, which is why they only offer basic key duplication services. You can take them to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith to get them replaced.
If you're planning to purchase a key for a low price on the internet, ensure that it hasn't been programmed for the vehicle of someone else. You can do this by examining the blade of the key for chip or the cutout to see if it shows evidence of the previous key.
Purchasing a key duplication machine is an alternative however it's not cost-effective for the majority of people. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys themselves and you'll need to cut many keys in order to break even. If you're not sure about that, a vice and hand file are a more affordable alternative. But, it's not the most secure option as it may damage the key's electronics or break the key off inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Many modern cars come with key fobs, which are remote controls to lock your car, unlock it and also to start the engine. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that communicate with your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to send commands. These are a great convenience for drivers but can be costly to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.
Contrary to traditional keys that require a great locksmith, dealer in automotive, or any other specialist service provider to design keys, key fobs are equipped with sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to make than their standard counterparts. Fobs also require programming to work with your vehicle and this can add up in price.
A new fob and key could cost as much as $300 if you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob to as little as $50 by buying it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have keys that are compatible with the car model you have. Some of these keys may need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by a local dealer, but a lot are programmable by customers easily (though some may 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. While they can be expensive to duplicate if you need to design a template to replace a damaged or lost key The cost is far less than purchasing a new set of keys from a car dealer.
Another way to cut the cost of cutting keys is to simply purchase a new shell for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that can replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, yet leave the electronic components intact. These shells are an affordable solution to update your keychain without making an appointment with the dealer.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob has many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, especially when you're carrying groceries or other heavy weights in your hands. They can also help you open your hatch and trunk, when they've got this feature integrated into them.
These keys are not ideal for long-term use since they drain batteries. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. Many key fobs are easily replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look online or in your local hardware store, you will often find these for a much lower price than the dealer-supplied options.
If you already have a standard key, the cost of duplicates can be as low as $10 to $15. You may also be able to buy an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. Newer keys that require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, but. These keys are usually laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys or high security keys. They feature a more robust shank, and less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and they must be programmed using a special machine at a locksmith shop or dealer.
A key with chip could be expensive to replace and typically requires an appointment with a dealer to get the replacement code. These keys are also known 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 will charge between $150 and $300 for a key that comes with the key fob, as well as transponder chips.
Keys with keyless entry may be costly to replace in the event that you lose them or your key fob battery dies. Many modern cars come with keys that function by sending a signal from your key fob to a receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks itself based on this signal and opens the hatch and trunk if the key is within close proximity to the receiver.