Car Key Cutting Cost It's Not As Hard As You Think
How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys is not an ideal option. 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. It's about 20 percent less than purchasing from a dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars are equipped with key fobs that provide security and convenience for car owners. However they also come with costs. In certain instances, it can be quite expensive to replace a lost or damaged key fob. The good news is that there are options to lower the costs associated with these devices. It is much cheaper to get a spare car key today instead of waiting until you lose the key and are facing the cost of a locksmith's visit or towing charges.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been an integral part of most cars. The name derives from "transmitter and responder". This technology was developed to combat the rising number of car thefts. In essence, a car transponder chip transmits an electronic signal that has the secret password. When the key is placed in the ignition, the antenna ring around it reads the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will start. This is crucial because the majority of thieves simply wire the vehicle and then drive away.
Transponder chips operate on the same principle as the microchips found in cell phones and computers. They do not require constant power. Instead, they emit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency which can be identified by special receivers in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself.
We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if you need an extra key for a vehicle with a transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to program new keys for your particular vehicle model and make. 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. They do this because they profit from a "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold rises. In this way, they could transfer their cost savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with chips or transponders that are connected to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which can only be performed by an auto locksmith or a dealership. This procedure can cost as high as $500 for an entirely new key, programming of the immobilizer and the possibility of labor costs.
The best way to avoid cost of replacing car keys is to not need them in the first place. This means you should have a spare key in case you lose the original. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key from a hardware store or box store for around $25 to $50, based on the kind of key.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online at reduced prices from the manufacturer. The advantage of buying a factory key is that it will likely have the proper transponder chip. This is important, as you will not be able make use of an aftermarket car key unless it has been professionally programmed.
Most hardware stores and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, so they only offer basic key duplication services. You can take them to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop, or a locksmith to get them replaced.
Another thing to consider is that if you're considering buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll need to make sure it isn't already programmed to a vehicle belonging to someone else. This can be accomplished by examining the blade of the key to see if there is a chip or cutout that shows the signs of an old key.
Purchasing a key duplication machine is another option however it's not affordable for most people. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys themselves, and you'll have cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you don't feel at ease with a vice hand-files are a more affordable alternative. This is not the safest option because it can harm the electronic components of the key or even break the key 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 vehicle and start the engine. They are tiny transmitters which 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.
Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys because they contain sophisticated electronic components. Fobs also need to be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which can increase the cost as well.
A new fob and key can cost up to $300 when you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of an entirely new fob by as much as 50% if you purchase it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have an appropriate key fob for the car model you have. Some of these key fobs must be programmed or laser-cut by the local dealer. However, many can be programmed by the buyer.
Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for less than more advanced models since they do not contain an embedded chip that must be reprogrammed. They can still be expensive to copy if you have damaged or lost keys and require a template make them again however, they are more affordable than the cost of replacing an entire key set from the dealer for your car.
You can also cut down on cost of cutting keys by purchasing a new shell to replace your old key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your key fob, 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 with Keyless Entry
The car key fob comes with many benefits. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you are carrying large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built in, they can help you open your hatch and trunk.
The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they frequently consume battery power, making it hard to use for long periods of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Fortunately, most key fobs can be replaced using replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search online or visit your local hardware store, you'll often find them at a much lower price than the dealer-supplied alternatives.
If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplication could be as just $10 to $15. You may also be able to buy a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain retailers. Keys that are newer and require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, but. These keys are typically laser-cut, often called sidewinder or high-security keys. These keys have a thicker blade and have fewer grooves on its shank. They have to be programmed by a special machine found in a locksmith dealership.
It is costly to replace a key with a microchip, and it's usually necessary to visit the dealer to have the replacement coded. mobile key cutting with chips are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They are equipped with electronics that need to be verified before they can open doors or start your engine. Dealers can charge between $150 and $300 for a key that has the key fob and the transponder chip.
If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery in your key fob goes out it could cost you to replace them. Many modern cars come with these keys, which work by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk when the key is near the receiver.