10 Misconceptions Your Boss Holds About Car Key Cutting Cost Car Key Cutting Cost
How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
The loss of your car keys is never a good idea. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your keys without having to pay the 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. It's about 20% less than going through a dealer.
Keys that have Transponder chips
Many modern cars have key fobs that provide security and ease for the owner of the vehicle. They are not free. In some cases the cost of replacing the key fob that has been damaged or lost could be costly. There are methods to lower the expense of these devices. It's much less expensive 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 fees.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been an integral part of the majority of cars. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". This technology was developed to counter the growing number of car thefts. Essentially, the chip in a car transponder transmits an electronic signal that has the secret password. When the key is put in the ignition, the antenna ring around it and reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will begin. This is important because most thieves simply wire the vehicle and drive away.
Transponder chips operate on the same principle as the microchips in cell phones and computers. 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 the key head.
We recommend visiting your local locksmith if you require the spare key for a vehicle with transponder. Most locksmiths have a device to create new keys for your specific vehicle model and. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to remember that stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming option. They typically charge more than professional locksmiths. This is because they are able to take advantage of the "scaling" effect that occurs when the quantity of units sold increases. In this way, they could transfer their savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips which connect to the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming, which must be performed by an auto locksmith or a dealership. This process can cost up to $500 for the new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer and perhaps the cost of labor.
The best way to reduce car key replacement costs is to not need them in the first place. This means you should have an extra key in case you lose the original. You can purchase a duplicate key for $25 to $50 at the hardware store or a box shop, based on the type of key.
Many people don't realize that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discounted price. The benefit of buying an original key is that it will be equipped with the right transponder chip. 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 tools needed to program modern-day car keys They can only provide basic duplication services. You can bring them to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith to have them replaced.
If you're planning to purchase a cheap key on the internet, ensure that it's not programmed for the vehicle of someone else. This can be done by looking at the blade of the key to determine if it has a chip, or a cutout showing the signs of an old key.
Purchasing a key duplication machine is another option, but it won't be affordable for most people. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys themselves, and you'll have to cut a lot of keys to break even. If you don't feel at ease using a vice, hand-files are an alternative that is less expensive. This is not the safest option as it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that function as remote controls that allow you to lock and unlock your car and start the engine. They are tiny transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves. These are a great convenience for drivers but can be costly to duplicate or replace if they are lost.
Contrary to traditional keys that require a professional locksmith, automotive dealer or any other specialist service provider to make keys, key fobs have sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to produce than their basic counterparts. They also need to be programmed to work with your vehicle, which can also add cost.
If you lose your sole working fob, it can cost up to $300 to get a replacement original fob and key from the dealer. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob down to just $50 if you buy it on the internet. Search for an appropriate key fob for your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these key fobs will need to be laser-cut or programmed by the dealer in your area. However, many can be programmed by the buyer.
Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for less than more sophisticated models because they do not contain an embedded chip that must be reprogrammed. However, they can be costly to duplicate in the event that you need to create a template to replace a damaged or lost key, the cost is much less than buying a new set of keys from a car dealer.
Another method to reduce your key cutting costs is to simply purchase a new case for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the plastic outer and buttons on your keychain, while leaving the electronics inside unchanged. These shells are an affordable solution to update your keychain without the need to make an appointment with the dealer.
Keys for Keyless Entry
Car key fobs offer numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, particularly when you're carrying groceries or other heavy items in your hands. They can even assist you to open your trunk and hatch, when they've got this feature built in.
These keys aren't recommended for long-term use since they can drain your battery. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. Fortunately, many key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. If you search online or in your local hardware store, you can often find these for a much lower price than the dealer-supplied alternatives.
If you have a standard key, duplication costs are usually very affordable and range between $10 and $15. You might also be able to purchase a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. Keys that require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, however. These keys are typically laser cut, sometimes called sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a thicker shank and have less grooves carved out on the blade and they have to be programmed using a specific machine found in a dealership or locksmith shop.
A key with a chip can be quite costly to replace and often requires the visit to a dealership to get the replacement code. These keys are often referred to as smart or transponder keys, and they come with electronic components that need to be verified by your car before it will open any doors or start the engine. Dealers will charge between $150 to $300 for a key that comes with the key fob, as well as a transponder chip.
If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery inside your key fob goes out it could cost you to replace the keys. G28 Car Keys come with these keys, which function by sending a signal from the key fob to a receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.