Car Key Cutting Cost It's Not As Hard As You Think
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 parts to replace your key without having to pay the dealership.
Simply bring your current working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours by using an on-site key cutting machine. This costs on average 20% less than buying from a dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars are equipped with key fobs, which provide security and convenience for car owners. They are not free. In some cases, the cost of replacing a key fob that has been damaged or lost can be high. The good news is that there are ways to cut the costs associated with these devices. It is cheaper to order an extra key now rather than to wait until you lose your car key and then pay for locksmith services or towing costs.
The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most automobiles since the mid 1990s. The technology was developed in response to rising levels of vehicle theft. In essence, a car transponder chip transmits signals that contain an encrypted password. When the key is inserted into ignition, the antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder reads the signal and, if it matches the password, the engine starts. This is important because most thieves simply wire the vehicle before driving off.
Transponder chips operate on a similar principle to the microchips used in computers and cell phones. The difference is that they don't require constant power to operate. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal which can be detected by special detectors placed on the ignition cylinder as well as key head.
We recommend visiting your local locksmith if you need a spare key for a car equipped with transponder. Most locksmiths will have a tool that can program new keys to match the make and model of your vehicle. This is an excellent alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to note that some shops, such as AutoZone will offer a key programming service. However, they often cost significantly more than a locksmith. This is due to the fact that they can benefit from the "scaling" effect which 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 connect to the vehicle whenever the key is inserted in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they require programming that is only done by a dealership, auto locksmith or your manufacturer of your vehicle. This process can cost up to $500 for a new key, as well as reprogramming the immobilizer and possibly labor charges.
The most effective way to save on car key cutting costs is by avoiding 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 another key for between $25 to $50 at the hardware store or a box shop, based on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online or at reduced prices from the manufacturer. A factory-issued key will most likely have the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you will not be able use 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-day car keys They can only offer basic duplication services. You can take them to a dealer or an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith to have them replaced.
If you plan to buy a cheap key online, make sure that it hasn't been programmed for someone else's vehicle. This can be accomplished by examining the blade of the key to determine if there's chips, or a cutout showing evidence of an old key.
A key duplication machine is an alternative however it's not affordable for most people. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys themselves and you'll need to cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you're not sure about this, a vice and hand file are a more affordable alternative. This is not the safest option as it could damage the key's electronic components or even break the key inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the car, and even start the motor. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that connect to your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to send commands. These are a great convenience for drivers, but they can be costly to duplicate or replace if they are lost.
Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys due to their sophisticated electronics. Fobs also require programming to work with your vehicle, which can also increase the cost.
A new key and fob could cost as much as $300 when you lose your only functional fob. However, car key cutting and programming says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to just $50 by buying it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have an appropriate key fob for the car model you have. Certain key fobs will need to be laser-cut or programmed by your local dealer. However, many of them can be programmed by the user.
Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for a lot less than more advanced models because they do not contain an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed. While they can be expensive to duplicate if you need to design an original template for a damaged or lost key The cost is far less than buying a new set of keys from a car dealer.
You can also lower your key cutting costs by purchasing a new shell to replace your old key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that can replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronics intact. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle of trying to schedule an appointment with the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
The car key fob has numerous advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without the need to hunt for your keys. This is particularly useful when you are carrying large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. They can even help you open your trunk and hatch, in the event that they have this feature built-in.
The downside to these types of keys is that they frequently drain the battery which makes it difficult to use for long periods of time. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, based on your vehicle's make and model. Many key fobs are easily replaced with new ones from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. These can often be found at a lower cost than a dealer-supplied option, when you search on the internet or visit the local hardware store.
If you have an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually low, and can vary between $10 and $15. You can also purchase an additional key from your local box retailer or hardware store. Keys that are newer and require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, but. They are usually laser cut, sometimes referred to as sidewinder or high-security keys. These keys have a thicker blade and less grooves on the shank. They have to be programmed using a special machine at a locksmith or dealership.
A key that has a chip can be quite costly to replace and often requires a trip to the dealership to have the replacement coded. These keys are often referred to as transponder keys or smart keys, and they come with electronic components that must be validated 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 as well as the transponder chip.
If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery in the key fob fails, it can be costly to replace the keys. The majority of modern cars have these keys, which function by sending a signal from your key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks the car according to the signal. It will also open the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.