Don't Be Enticed By These "Trends" About Car Key Cutting Cost
How to Cut cutting car key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys isn't an ideal idea. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts you require to replace your car key without paying dealership prices.
Simply bring a working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours using the key cutting machine on site. On average, this costs 20% less than purchasing through a dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
A lot of modern cars come with key fobs which provide an element of security and ease to the car owner. However they come at a cost. In certain instances it can be expensive to replace a lost or damaged key fob. The good news is that there are ways to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It's cheaper to purchase 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 had been a key component of most automobiles. Its name is derived from "transmitter and responder". The technology was developed as a response to the rising rate of car theft. A car transponder transmits an encrypted signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it detects the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will begin. This is significant because the majority of thieves simply connect a hot wire to the vehicle to get it started and then leave the scene.
Transponder chips function on a similar basis as microchips found in cell phones and computers. The different is that they do not require constant power to function. Instead, they emit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency that is recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself.
We suggest visiting your local locksmith if you need a spare key for your vehicle that has transponder. Most locksmiths have a device to create new keys for your particular car model and make. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to remember that some shops, such as AutoZone provide key programming services. However, they typically cost more than locksmiths. This is due to the fact that they can profit from the "scaling" effect which occurs when the quantity of units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to the consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips that pair with the vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming that is only completed by a dealership auto locksmith, or your vehicle's manufacturer. This procedure can cost as high as $500 for new keys, the programming of the immobilizer and possibly, labor costs.
The best way to avoid the expense of replacing your car keys is to not have them in the first place. It is crucial to have a spare car key in case the original one is lost. You can buy a duplicate key from an hardware store or box store for between $25-$50, based on the kind of key.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online or at an affordable price from the manufacturer. The advantage of buying an original key is that it will likely have the correct transponder chip. This is essential because you won't be in a position to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed.
The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the tools needed to program modern car keys and therefore, they are unable to offer basic duplication services. You can also go to a locksmith, independent auto repair shop or dealer to have them replaced.
If you are planning to purchase an inexpensive key online, make sure it hasn't been programmed for someone else's vehicle. You can do this by checking the key blade to find chip or a cutout that shows signs of the previous key.
A key duplication device can be purchased, but this is not a viable option for everyone. The machine is more expensive than keys with blanks, which means you'll need to cut many keys to make a profit. If you're not comfortable with that, a vice and hand file are a more affordable option. It's not the best alternative as it can damage the key's electronic components or break the key in the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the car and also start the motor. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that connect to your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to transmit commands. They are a convenience for drivers, but they can be expensive to replace or duplicate if you lose one.
Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys because they contain sophisticated electronics. They also need to be programmed to work with your vehicle and this can add up in price.
If you lose your only working fob, it can cost you up to $300 to get a replacement original key and fob from the dealership made. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob down to only $50 by purchasing it online. Search for the right key fob for your vehicle's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Certain key fobs need to be programmed or laser-cut by your local dealer. However, many of them can be programmed by the customer.
Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for a lot less than more advanced models due to the fact that they don't contain an embedded chip that must be reprogrammed. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you need to design a template for a lost or damaged key The cost is far less than purchasing a new set of keys from a car dealer.
Another way to cut the cost of cutting keys is by simply buying an entirely new shell for your current 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. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain, and save you the headache of trying to make an appointment at the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
Car key fobs offer a lot of benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without the need to hunt for your keys. This is especially useful when you are carrying large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. They can even help you open your trunk and hatch, if they have this functionality built-in.
The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they often drain the battery which makes it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, depending on your vehicle's make and model. A lot of key fobs can be replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available for much cheaper than a dealer-supplied option, by searching online or at the local hardware store.
If you already have a standard-sized key, duplication costs can be as low as $10 to $15. You can also buy a replacement key at your local hardware store or box retailer store. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption can be expensive. They are typically laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys or high security keys. They feature a more robust shank and have less grooves carved out on the key's blade, and they have to be programmed using a special machine found in a locksmith shop or dealer.
It can be costly to replace a key that has microchips and it is often required to visit a dealer to obtain the replacement code. These keys are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They are equipped with electronics that must be validated before they can be used to open doors or start your engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 to $300 for a new original key that comes with the key fob and a new transponder chip.
If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery inside your key fob goes out, it can be costly to replace the keys. Many modern cars come with these keys, which function by sending a signal from your key fob to a receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks itself in accordance with this signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.