How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
The loss of your car keys is not an ideal idea. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your key without having to pay a dealership.
Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site using a key-cutting machine. On average, this is 20% less than buying through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars have key fobs, which offer security and convenience to owners. These devices are not free. In certain instances the cost of replacing the key fob that is damaged or lost could be costly. 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 wait until you lose your car key and have to pay for a locksmith or towing charges.
Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been a vital component of most automobiles. Its name is derived from "transmitter and responder". This technology was created as a response to the rising rate of car theft. The car transponder transmits an encrypted signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it detects the signal. If the signal matches the password, then the engine will start. This is a big deal because most thieves simply hot wire the vehicle to start it and then take off.
Transponder chips function on the same basis as microchips in computers and cell phones. car key cut do not require constant power. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that can be identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder as well as the key head.
We recommend visiting your local locksmith if you need the spare key for a vehicle with a transponder. Most locksmiths will have a tool to program new keys to the specific make and model of the vehicle you own. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to know that some stores like AutoZone provide a key-programming service. However, they often cost higher than a locksmith. They can do this because they take advantage of the "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold rises. In this way, they could transfer their savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips that pair to the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. These keys are more costly to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which must be performed by a dealership or auto locksmith. The process could cost as much as $500 for a new key, the changing of the immobilizer's programming, and possibly, labor costs.
The best way to reduce car key replacement costs is to not require them in the first place. This means you should have an extra key in case you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key for $25-$50 at the hardware store or a box shop, based on the type of key.
Many people don't realize that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discounted price. The advantage of purchasing a factory key is that it will likely come with the proper transponder chip. This is essential because you won't be able to use an aftermarket key 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 go to a dealer or an independent auto repair shop, or a locksmith to have them replaced.
If you plan to buy an inexpensive key on the internet, ensure that it's not programmed for the vehicle of someone else. This can be done by examining the key blade for a chip or for a cutout that shows signs of a previous key.
A key duplication machine can be purchased, but it is not an option for most people. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys, and you'll have to cut many keys to break even. If you don't feel comfortable using a vice, a hand file is a more affordable alternative. This is not the safest option because it can cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key inside the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the car, and start the motor. They are tiny transmitters that communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle through radio waves. These are great features for drivers, but they are expensive to duplicate or replace if lost.
Contrary to traditional keys that require a reputable locksmith, dealer in automotive, or other specialty service provider to create, key fobs contain sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to manufacture than the standard keys. Key fobs must also be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which could increase the costs as well.
If you lose your only working fob, it could cost up to $300 to get a replacement fob and key from the dealer. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of a new fob by as much as 50% if purchasing it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have an appropriate key fob for your car model. Some of these keys may need to be laser-cut by a locksmith or programmed by a dealer in your area, but most can be programmed by the customer easily (though some will require two working keys for this).
Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for a lot less than the more sophisticated models due to the fact that they don't contain an embedded chip that requires reprogramming. They can still be expensive to duplicate if you've got a lost or damaged key and need a template to duplicate them however, they are more affordable than the cost of replacing a complete key set from your dealer in your vehicle.
Another method to reduce your key cutting costs is to purchase an entirely new shell for your key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that will replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronic components intact. These shells are a cost-effective solution to upgrade your keychain without having to make an appointment with the dealer.
Keys for Keyless Entry
The car key fob has many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, particularly when you're carrying heavy groceries or other weights in your hands. If they've got this feature, they can help you open your trunk and hatch.
The downside to these types of keys is that they frequently consume battery power and make it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. If you search on the internet or at your local hardware store, you'll typically find them for less than the dealer-supplied options.
If you already have a standard-sized key, duplication costs can be as low as $10 to $15. You can also buy keys to replace them at your local hardware store or box retailer store. Newer keys that require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, but. They are usually laser cut, sometimes referred to as sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a thicker shank and less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and they must be programmed using a specific machine that is found at the locksmith shop or dealership.
A key with chips can be costly to replace and often requires an appointment with a dealer to get the replacement code. These are commonly called transponder keys or smart keys, and they have electronics inside which must be validated by your car before it will open any doors or start the engine. Dealers will charge between $150 and $300 for a key that includes the key fob, as well as transponder chips.
Keys that have keyless entry could be costly to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery fails. These keys are found in a majority of modern vehicles. They work by sending a message from the key fob to an internal receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It will also open the hatch and trunk when the key is near the receiver.