Don't Be Enticed By These "Trends" Concerning Car Key Cutting Cost
How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys is never a good idea. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and the parts to replace your key without having to pay the dealership.
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. On average, this costs 20% less than going through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder chips
Many modern vehicles have key fobs that offer security and ease to the car owner. However they come at an expense. In some instances, the cost of replacing the key fob that has been lost or damaged could be costly. There are ways to cut down on the cost of these devices. It's much less expensive to have a spare vehicle key now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and are faced with paying for the visit of a locksmith or towing costs.
The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a standard feature in automobiles since the mid 1990s. The technology was developed as a response to the rising rate of car theft. A car transponder transmits a secret code via a signal. When the key is put in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will start. This is important as most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and drive away.
Transponder chips operate in a similar way to the microchips found in cell phones and computers. They don't require constant power. Instead, they transmit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal 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 require the spare key for a vehicle with transponder. Most locksmiths have a device to make new keys to match your vehicle model and make. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership.
Also, it's important to note that stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming service. They usually charge more than professional locksmiths. They do this because they profit from an "scaling effect" that occurs when the number of units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys have chips or transponders which are linked to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys because they require programming that is only completed by a dealership auto locksmith or the manufacturer of your vehicle. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for the new key, reprogramming the immobilizer, and possibly labor charges.
The most effective method to save money on key cutting costs is by avoiding the need to replace your keys in the first place. It is important to have a spare car key in case the original one is lost. You can purchase an additional key for $25-$50 at a box store or hardware 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 key is likely to contain 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.
Most hardware stores and box stores do not have the technology to program modern car keys, which is why they can only provide basic key duplication services. You can also visit a locksmith, independent auto repair shop, or dealer to have 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 have to ensure that it's not programmed to a vehicle belonging to someone else. This can be done by looking at the blade of the key to determine if it has an embedded chip or a cutout that shows the signs of an old key.
A key duplication machine is another option however, it's not affordable for most people. The machine is more expensive than keys that are blank, so you'll need to cut numerous keys to make a profit. If you don't feel comfortable using a vice, hand-files are an option that is more affordable. It's not the best option because it can damage the key's electronic components or even break the key in the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
Modern cars come with remote controls that can lock and unlock the car and even start the motor. They are tiny transmitters that communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle via radio waves. These are great features for drivers, but they are expensive to duplicate or replace if they are lost.
In contrast to traditional keys, which require a professional locksmith, dealer in automotive, or a different specialist service provider to design keys, key fobs are equipped with advanced electronics, making them more expensive to produce than the standard keys. Key fobs must also be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which could add up in cost too.
If you lose your sole functioning fob, it could cost upwards of $300 to have a new original fob and key from the dealership. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to as little as $50 by buying it online. Find a key fob for your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these fobs may require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by a local dealer, but a lot are programmable by customers with relative ease (though some require two current, working keys for this).
Key fobs for standard keys are less expensive than more advanced models to replace because they don't contain an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed following the fact. They can still be expensive to duplicate if you've got damaged or lost keys and require a template to duplicate them however, they are cheaper than the expense of replacing a complete key set purchased from your car's dealer.
You can also lower your key cutting expenses by purchasing a new shell to replace your old key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your key fob and leave the electronics inside unchanged. These shells are a cost-effective solution to update your keychain without having to make 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 find your keys, especially if you're carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. If they have this feature they will help you open your trunk and hatch.
These keys aren't recommended for long-term use because they can drain your battery. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. Many key fobs are easily replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. They are often available at a lower cost than dealer-supplied options, if you look at the internet or go to your local hardware store.
If you already have a standard key, the cost of duplication could be as low as $10 to $15. You may also be able purchase an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain store. Keys that require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, however. They are usually laser-cut, and are sometimes called sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a more robust blade and less grooves on its shank. They must be programmed by a special machine at a locksmith or dealership.
A key that has a chip can be quite expensive to replace and usually requires a trip to the dealership to obtain a replacement code. These are commonly called transponder or smart keys and they are equipped with electronics which must be validated by your car before it can open doors or start the engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 to $300 for a new key that includes both the key fob and a new transponder chip.
key cutter with keyless entry can also be costly to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery dies. Keyless entry keys are available in the majority of modern automobiles. They work by sending an electronic message from the key fob to an internal receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It will also open the hatch and trunk when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.