How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys isn't a good idea. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts you need to replace your car key without having to pay dealership prices.
Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site with a key cutting machine. On average, this costs 20% less than going through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder chips
Many modern vehicles have key fobs that provide an element of security and convenience for the owner of the vehicle. However, these devices come with costs. In some instances the cost of replacing a key fob that is damaged or lost is high. The good news is that there are methods to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It's cheaper to purchase a spare key now instead of waiting until you lose your car keys and need to pay a locksmith or towing charges.
The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a standard feature in automobiles since the mid-1990s. This technology was developed to stop the increasing number of car thefts. Essentially, the chip in a car transponder transmits a signal that contains a secret password. When the key is inserted in the ignition the antenna will ring around it reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will start. This is important because most thieves simply wire the vehicle and then drive away.
Transponder chips operate on a similar principle to the microchips in computers and cell phones. The different is that they do not need constant power to work. They emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that is identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder as well as key head.
We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if you require the spare key for a car equipped with a transponder. Many locksmiths have a tool that can program new keys to the specific model and make of your car. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
Also, it's important to remember that stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming option. However, they typically cost more than a locksmith. This is because they are able to take advantage of the "scaling" effect which occurs when the quantity of units sold increases. They can then pass on the savings to the consumers.
car keys cut with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips which are connected to the vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which must be completed by an auto locksmith or a dealership. The process could cost up to $500 for new keys, the changing of the immobilizer's programming, and the possibility of labor costs.
The best method to cut down on key cost is to avoid the need to replace your keys 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 a box store or hardware shop, based on the key type.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online at an affordable price from the manufacturer. A factory key will likely contain the correct transponder. This is important because you won't be in a position to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the equipment to program modern car keys and therefore, they are unable to offer basic duplication services. You can take them to a dealer or a reputable auto repair shop, or a locksmith to have them replaced.
Another thing to take into consideration is that if you're considering buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll have to make sure it isn't already programmed to another vehicle. This can be accomplished by checking the key blade to determine if there's an embedded chip or a cutout that shows the signs of an old key.
A key duplication device can be bought, but it is not a viable option for everyone. The machine is more expensive than blank keys, so you'll need to cut many keys to break even. If you're not sure about this, a vice or hand file are a more affordable option. However, this isn't the safest method because it may cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even cut the key off inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that function as remote controls that lock and unlock your car and also to start the engine. These are basically mini remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to send commands. They are a convenience for drivers, but they can be expensive to replace or duplicate if you lose one.
Contrary to traditional keys that require a professional locksmith, dealer in automotive, or any other specialist service provider to design keys, key fobs have advanced electronics, making them more expensive to make than the standard keys. They also require to be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which could add up in costs as well.
If you lose your sole functioning fob, it could cost up to $300 to have a brand new fob and key from the dealership made. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of an entirely new fob by as much as 50% if purchasing it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have keys that are compatible with the car model you have. Some of these fobs may need to be laser-cut by a locksmith or programmed by your local dealer, but a lot can be programmed by the customer with ease (though some will require two working, current keys to do this).
Standard key fobs can be replaced for a lot less than more sophisticated models since they do not have an embedded chip which must be reprogrammed. While they can be expensive to duplicate if you need to design an original template for a lost or damaged key, the cost is much lower than purchasing a brand new set of keys from a car dealer.
You can also reduce your cost of cutting keys by buying a new shell to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that will replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronics intact. These shells are an affordable solution to updating your keychain without having to make an appointment with a dealer.
Keys for Keyless Entry
The car key fob comes with many benefits. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, particularly when you're carrying groceries or other heavy items in your hands. If they've got this feature built in, they can help you open your trunk and hatch.
These keys are not ideal for long-term use because they drain the battery. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. Fortunately, many key fobs can be replaced with replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look on the internet or at your local hardware store, you will often find these for less 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 might also be able purchase a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain store. However, replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding could be costly. These keys are typically laser-cut, often referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and less grooves on the shank. They must be programmed by a specific machine found in a locksmith dealership.
A key with chips can be expensive to replace and typically requires the visit to a dealership to obtain a replacement code. These keys are often referred to as transponder or smart keys and they are equipped with electronics which must be validated by your car before it will open any doors or start the engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 and $300 for a new key that includes both the key fob and a new transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry can also be costly to replace if you lose them or the battery of your key fob fails. These keys are found in a majority of modern vehicles. They work by sending a message from the key fob into an internal receiver in your car. The car then locks or unlocks in accordance with this signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.