How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts you require to replace your car keys without having to pay dealership costs.
Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site using a key-cutting machine. It's typically 20% less than buying from dealers.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Many modern cars have key fobs that offer security and comfort to the car owner. These devices are not free. In certain instances, it can be quite expensive to replace a lost or damaged key fob. There are methods to lower the cost of these devices. It's cheaper to have a spare car key made now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and are faced with paying for the visit of a locksmith or towing fees.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip had been a vital component of all cars. Its name is derived from "transmitter and responder". This technology was developed to counter the growing number of car thefts. In essence, the chip in a car transponder transmits an electronic signal that has an encrypted password. When the key is inserted into ignition, an antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder reads this signal and if it matches the password, the engine starts. This is an important thing since most thieves 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. They do not require constant power. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal of low frequency which can be detected by special receivers placed in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself.
We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if in need of the spare key for your vehicle that has transponder. Most locksmiths will have a device that can program new keys for the model and make of the vehicle you own. This is a fantastic alternative to visiting the dealership.
It's also important to note that stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming option. They often charge much more than professional locksmiths. This is due to the fact that they are able to profit from the "scaling" effect that occurs when the number of units sold rises. They can then pass the savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips which pair to the vehicle whenever the key is inserted into the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which can only be completed by an auto locksmith or a dealership. This process can cost up to $500 for new keys, the programming of the immobilizer and possible labor charges.
The best way to cut down on car key replacement costs is to not need them in the first place. This means having a spare key in case you lose the original. You can buy another key for between $25-$50 at a hardware or box store shop, based on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online at a discounted price from the manufacturer. The benefit of buying a factory key is that it will be equipped with the correct transponder chip. This is crucial, since you cannot use an aftermarket car key unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the tools needed to program modern-day car keys and therefore, they are unable to provide basic duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, a repair shop or dealer to get them replaced.
If you're planning to purchase a cheap key on the internet, ensure that it's not programmed to someone else's vehicle. This can be accomplished by examining the blade of the key to determine if it has a chip or a cutout that shows evidence of an old key.
Purchasing a key duplication machine is an alternative however, it's not affordable for the majority of people. The machine costs more than keys that are blank, so you'll have to cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you don't feel at ease with a vice hand-files are a more affordable alternative. But, it's not the most secure method as it may harm the electronics of the key or even cut the key off in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the vehicle, and also start the motor. These are tiny remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves. These are a great convenience for drivers, but they can be expensive to duplicate or replace if lost.
Contrary to traditional keys that require a professional locksmith, automotive dealer or any other specialist service provider to design keys, key fobs are equipped with advanced electronics, making them more expensive to manufacture than the standard keys. Fobs must also be programmed to work with your vehicle, which can also add up in price.
A new key and fob can cost up to $300 in the event that you lose your sole functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob down to only $50 if you buy it on the internet. Find an appropriate key fob for your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Certain key fobs will need to be laser-cut or programmed by the dealer in your area. However, many can be programmed by the user.
Standard key fobs can be replaced for less than more sophisticated models since they do not contain an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed. g28carkeys.co.uk can be costly to duplicate if you've damaged or lost keys and require a template duplicate them but they're much more affordable than the cost of replacing an entire key set from your car's dealer.
You can also lower your cost of cutting keys by purchasing a new shell to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your keychain, but leaving the inside electronics unaltered. These shells are an affordable solution to updating your keychain without having to make an appointment with a dealer.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob offers numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you have heavy groceries or other items in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built in they will assist you to open the trunk and hatch.
The downside to these types of keys is that they frequently drain the battery which makes it difficult to use them for long periods of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. Fortunately, many key fobs can be replaced with replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. If you look on the internet or at your local hardware store, you can often find these for a much lower price than the dealer-supplied options.
If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplicates can be as low as $10 to $15. You can also buy a replacement key at your local hardware store or box retailer store. However replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding can be expensive. Keys that are laser cut, sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. These keys have a thicker blade and less grooves on its shank. They need to be programmed by a special machine at a locksmith or dealership.
It can be expensive to replace a key that has a microchip and it is often required to visit a dealer in order to obtain the replacement code. These keys are also known as smart keys or transponder keys. They have electronics that need to be verified before they are able to open doors or start your engine. Dealers will charge between $150-$300 for a key that has the key fob and transponder chips.
If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery inside your key fob goes out it could cost you to replace the keys. Most modern cars have keys that function by sending a signal from your key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It will also open the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.