How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts you need to replace your car keys without having to pay dealership cost.
Simply bring your current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours by using the key cutting machine on site. On average, this is 20% less than going through the dealer.
Keys that have Transponder chips
Modern cars have key fobs that provide security and convenience for car owners. However, these devices come with a cost. In some cases, it can be quite expensive to replace a damaged or lost key fob. The good news is that there are ways to cut the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to get a spare car key now instead of waiting until you lose the key and are faced with paying for a locksmith's visit or towing costs.
Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been an integral part of all cars. Its name is derived from "transmitter and responder". The technology was created to stop the increasing number of car thefts. The car transponder transmits a secret code via a signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition, an antenna ring around the ignition cylinder reads this signal and when it matches the password, the engine is started. This is significant since most thieves connect a hot wire to the vehicle to start it, and then leave the scene.
Transponder chips operate on the same basis as microchips found in computers and cell phones. They don't require constant power. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal which can be detected by special detectors that are placed on the ignition cylinder as well as key head.
If you need to have an extra car key made for a car equipped with a transponder chip We highly recommend you visit your local locksmith. Most locksmiths will 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 going to the dealership.
It's also important to note that stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming service. They usually charge more than professional locksmiths. This is due to the fact that they can profit from the "scaling" effect that occurs when the quantity of units sold increases. They can then pass on the savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys have transponders or chips that are paired to the car when the key is put in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they need programming that is only done by a dealership, auto locksmith or the vehicle's manufacturer. This process can cost as much as $500 for new keys, the reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possible 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. It is crucial to have a spare car key in the event that the original key is lost. You can buy an additional key for $25 to $50 at a hardware or box store shop, based on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online at an affordable price from the manufacturer. A factory-issued key will most likely contain the correct transponder. This is important since you won't be able to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the technology necessary to program modern car keys, so they can only offer basic duplication services. You can also visit a locksmith, independent 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 need to make sure it isn't already programmed to another vehicle. This can be accomplished by examining the blade of the key to see if there is chips or cutout that shows the signs of an old key.
The purchase of a key duplication device is an alternative however, it's not affordable for the majority of people. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys and you'll need to cut many keys to make a profit. If getting a car key cut 're not comfortable with this, a vice or hand file are a more affordable option. But, it's not the most secure method as it could damage the key's electronics or even break the key inside the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the vehicle, and also start the motor. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that connect to your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to send commands. 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 traditional keys due to their sophisticated electronics. Key fobs must also be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which can add up in costs as well.
If you lose your only working fob, it could cost you up to $300 to get a replacement original fob and key from the dealership. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of the new fob by up to 50% if purchasing it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have a key fob that fits your car model. Certain key fobs will need to be laser-cut or programmed by your local dealer. However, many of them can be programmed by the customer.
Standard key fobs are much cheaper than more advanced models to replace because they don't have an embedded chip that has to be programmed after the fact. While they can be expensive to duplicate if you have to design an original template to replace a damaged or lost key it is less than purchasing a new set of keys from your car dealer.
You can also cut down on key cutting costs by buying a new shell to replace your current key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your key fob, while leaving the electronics inside unchanged. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle of having to make an appointment at the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
Car key fobs have many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without the need to hunt for your keys. This is particularly useful when you are carrying large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. They can even help you open your hatch and trunk, in the event that they have this feature integrated into them.
These keys aren't ideal for long-term usage because they drain the battery. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. These can often be found at a much lower cost than a dealer-supplied option, by searching online or at the local hardware store.
If you have a standard key, duplication costs are usually low and range from $10 to $15. You may also be able to buy a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. Newer keys that require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, but. They are usually laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys, or high security keys. They have a thicker shank and have less grooves carved out on the blade and must be programmed with a specific machine at a dealership or locksmith shop.
A key with chip could be costly to replace and often requires the visit to a dealership to have the replacement coded. These are commonly called transponder keys or smart keys, and they are equipped with electronics which must be validated by your car before it can open doors or start the engine. A dealer typically charges between $150 and $300 for a new key that has both the key fob as well as a new transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry may be costly to replace in the event that you lose them or yo
