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 spare parts to replace your keys without having to pay a dealership.
Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site with a key-cutting machine. On average, this costs 20% less than going through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars are equipped with key fobs, which offer security and convenience for car owners. web link aren't free. In some instances, the cost of replacing a key fob which has been lost or damaged could be costly. There are ways to reduce the costs of these devices. web link is much cheaper to get a spare car key today instead of waiting until you lose the key and are faced with paying for a locksmith's visit or towing costs.
The transponder chip (which is named after the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most automobiles since the mid 1990s. This technology was designed to stop the increasing number of car thefts. The basic idea behind the chip in a car transponder transmits signals that contain a secret password. When the key is placed in the ignition, the antenna ring around it and reads the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will begin. This is crucial because the majority of thieves simply wire the vehicle and then drive away.
Transponder chips operate on a similar basis as microchips used in computers and cell phones. The distinction is that they don't need constant power to work. They emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that can be detected by special detectors placed on the ignition cylinder as well as key head.
If you require 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 tool that can program new keys to the specific make and model of the vehicle you own. This is a great alternative to visiting a dealership.
Also, it's important to remember that stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming option. They often charge much more than a professional locksmith. They do this because they can benefit from the "scaling effect" that occurs when the number of units sold rises. In other words, they can pass on their costs savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with chips or transponders that are connected to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys because they require programming that is only done by a dealership, auto locksmith or the manufacturer of your vehicle. This process can cost up to $500 for a new key, reprogramming the immobilizer and possibly the cost of labor.
The best method to save money on key cost is to avoid the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. It is crucial to have an extra car key in case the original key is lost. You can purchase another key for between $25-$50 at a hardware or box store retailer, based on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online at reduced prices from the manufacturer. The advantage of buying a factory key is that it's likely to 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 also visit a locksmith, independent auto repair shop or the dealer to have them replaced.
Another thing to think about is that if you're planning on purchasing a key for a low price from an online retailer, you'll need to ensure that it's not programmed to someone else's car. You can do this by examining the key blade for chips or the cutout to see if it shows evidence of an earlier key.
Purchasing a key duplication machine is an alternative however it's not cost-effective for the majority of people. The machine is more expensive than keys that are blank, so you'll need to cut many keys in order to break even. If you're not comfortable with that, a vice and hand file are a much more affordable option. This isn't the most secure alternative as it can harm the electronic components of the key or even break the key in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern cars come with remote controls that can lock and unlock the car, and also start the motor. These are tiny remote transmitters that communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle via radio waves. They are a convenience for drivers, however they can be costly to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.
Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronic components. They also need to 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 new original fob and key from the dealer. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob to only $50 by buying it online. Find an appropriate key fob for your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these key fobs will need to be programmed or laser-cut by the local dealer. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the user.
Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for less than more advanced models since they do not have an embedded chip which must be reprogrammed. However, they can be costly to duplicate if you have to design templates for a lost or damaged key The cost is far lower than purchasing a brand new key from your car dealer.
Another way to cut your key cutting costs is to purchase an entirely new shell for your key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your keychain, while leaving the electronics inside unaltered. These shells are a cost-effective solution to updating your keychain without making an appointment with a dealer.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs offer a lot of benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to look for your keys. This is particularly useful when you have heavy groceries or other items in your hands. If they have this feature they will assist you to open your trunk and hatch.
The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they tend to consume battery power, making it hard to use them for long periods of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. Many key fobs are easily repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. They are often available for much cheaper than the dealer-supplied version if you look online or at your local hardware store.
If you own a standard key, duplication costs are typically very low and vary between $10 and $15. You can also buy a replacement key at your local hardware store or box retailer store. Keys that require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, however. These keys are typically laser cut, sometimes referred to as sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a larger shank and have less grooves carved out on the blade and they must be programmed with a specific machine at a dealership or locksmith shop.
A key with a chip can be quite costly to replace and often requires an appointment with a dealer to obtain a replacement code. These keys are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They have electronics that need to be verified before they can be used to open doors or start engines. A dealer can charge between $150 and $300 for a new key that includes both the key fob as well as an updated transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry may also be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them or your key fob battery fails. Many modern cars come with keys that function by sending a signal from your key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.