Car Key Cutting Cost Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters
How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and the parts to replace your key without overpaying at the dealership.
Simply bring a working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours by using an on-site key cutting machine. This costs on average 20 percent less than purchasing from dealers.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Many modern vehicles have key fobs that offer an element of security and ease to the car owner. However they come at an expense. In laser key cutting can be expensive to replace a lost or damaged key fob. There are ways to cut down on the costs of these devices. It's cheaper to buy an extra key now rather than wait until you lose your car key and then pay for a locksmith or towing charges.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been a key component of the majority of cars. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". This technology was developed to counter the growing number of car thefts. Transponders in cars transmit a secret code via a signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition the antenna will ring around it reads the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will begin. This is a big deal since most thieves use hot wires to start it and then take off.
Transponder chips function on a similar basis as microchips in cell phones and computers. The distinction is that they don't require constant power to function. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that is detected by special detectors that are placed on the ignition cylinder and the key head.
We suggest visiting your local locksmith if in need of the spare key for your vehicle that has transponder. Most locksmiths will have a tool that can program new keys to match the model and make of your car. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to remember that some stores such as AutoZone will offer a key programming service. However, they often cost higher than a locksmith. This is due to the fact that they are able to take advantage of the "scaling" effect which occurs when the number of units sold rises. In other words, they are able to transfer their cost savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys have transponders or chips that are connected to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which must be done by an auto locksmith or a dealership. This procedure can cost up to $500 for the new key, reprogramming the immobilizer, and possibly the cost of labor.
The best way to avoid the expense of replacing your car keys is to not need them in the first place. That means having a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can purchase an additional key for $25-$50 at a hardware or box store retailer, based on the key type.
Many people don't realize that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a reduced price. A factory-issued key will most likely have the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you won't be able to make use of an aftermarket car key without having it professionally programmed.
The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the technology necessary to program modern car keys and therefore, they are unable to provide basic duplication services. You can also bring them to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith to get them replaced.
If you're planning to purchase a cheap key on the internet, ensure that it hasn't been programmed for another vehicle. This can be done by checking the key blade to see if there is an embedded chip, or a cutout showing signs of an old key.
A key duplication device can be purchased, but this isn't an option for everyone. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys and you'll need to cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you're not comfortable with that, a vice and hand file are a cheaper alternative. It's not the best alternative as it can cause damage to the electronic components of the key or break the key in the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the vehicle, and also start the motor. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that connect to the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to transmit commands. They are a convenience for drivers, however they can be expensive to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.
Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys due to their sophisticated electronics. Key fobs must also be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which could increase the costs as well.
If you lose your only working fob, it can cost up to $300 to have a new original fob and key from the dealership. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of a new fob by up to 50% if you purchase it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have a key fob that fits your car model. Certain key fobs must be programmed or laser-cut by the local dealer. However, many can be programmed by the customer.
Key fobs that are standard are cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace as they don't have an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed following the fact. They are still expensive to duplicate if you've got damaged or lost keys and require a template make them again however, they are cheaper than the expense of replacing a complete key set from your dealer in your vehicle.
Another method to reduce your costs for cutting keys is to simply purchase a new case for your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronic components intact. These shells are an affordable solution to upgrade your keychain without making an appointment with a dealer.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob comes with numerous advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, especially when you're carrying heavy groceries or other loads in your hands. They can even help you open your trunk and hatch, in the event that they have this feature integrated into them.
These keys aren't recommended for long-term usage because they drain batteries. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Many key fobs are easily repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. They are often available at a much lower cost than dealer-supplied options, when you search at the internet or go to the local hardware store.
If you own a standard key, duplication costs are typically very affordable and vary between $10 and $15. You may also be able to buy a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain store. Keys that are newer and require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, but. They are typically laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys, or high security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and have fewer grooves on its shank. They need to be programmed by a specific machine in a locksmith or dealership.
It is costly to replace a key using microchips and it is often necessary to visit a dealer to obtain the replacement code. These keys are often referred to as smart or transponder keys, and they have electronics inside that need to be verified by your vehicle before it will open any doors or start the engine. A dealer can charge between $150 and $300 for a new original key that has both the key fob and an updated transponder chip.
If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery inside the key fob fails it could be expensive to replace them. These keys are found in most modern cars. They work by sending an electronic message from the key fob to a receiver within your car. The car locks or unlocks itself in accordance with this signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch if the key is within close proximity to the receiver.
