The History Of Car Key Cutting Cost
How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
The loss of your car keys is not an ideal option. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts you require to replace your car keys without paying a dealership's high costs.
Simply bring a current working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours using a key cutting machine onsite. This costs on average 20 percent less than buying from a dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Many modern cars have key fobs which provide a level of security and comfort for the owner of the vehicle. However they come at costs. In certain instances, it can be quite expensive to replace a damaged or lost 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 today than to wait until you lose your car keys and have to pay for a locksmith or towing charges.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip had been a vital component of most automobiles. Its name is derived from "transmitter and responder". This technology was designed to combat the rising number of car thefts. The car transponder transmits a secret code via a signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition, the antenna ring around the ignition cylinder receives the signal and, if it matches the password, the engine will start. This is important because most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle before driving away.
Transponder chips function in a similar way to microchips found in cell phones and computers. They do not require constant power. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that can be identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder as well as the key head.
We suggest visiting your local locksmith if you require a spare key for a car equipped with transponder. Many locksmiths have a system to program new keys for your particular car model and make. car key cut cost is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership.
It's also important to remember that some shops, such as AutoZone provide key programming services. However, they typically cost significantly more than a locksmith. This is due to the fact that they are able to profit from the "scaling" effect which occurs when the number of units sold increases. In this way, they could pass on their costs savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips which connect with the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys because they require programming that is only done by a dealership, auto locksmith or the manufacturer of your vehicle. The process could cost as much as $500 for a new key, the reprogramming of the immobilizer, and the possibility of labor costs.
The best way to avoid car key replacement costs is to not require them in the first place. This means you should have a spare key in case you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key at the hardware store or at a box store for around $25-$50, based on the kind of key.
Many people don't realize that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discount. The advantage of buying the factory key is that it will come with the right transponder chip. This is essential because you won't be able to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed.
Most hardware stores and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, so they can only provide basic key duplication services. You can also take them to a dealer or an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith to have them replaced.
Another thing to take into consideration is that if you're planning on buying a cheap key from an online retailer, you'll need ensure that it's not programmed to another vehicle. This can be accomplished by looking at the blade of the key to determine if it has a chip, or a cutout showing signs of an old key.
The purchase of a key duplication device is an alternative however, it's not cost-effective for the majority of people. The cost of the machine is higher than blank keys, so you'll need to cut numerous keys in order to break even. If you're not at ease with a vice hand-files are a more affordable alternative. However, this isn't the most secure method as it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even cut the key off inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the vehicle, and start the motor. They are tiny transmitters which communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves. These are great features for drivers but can be expensive to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.
Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronic components. Fobs must also be programmed to work with your car, which can also add up in price.
A new key and fob could cost as much as $300 if 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 purchasing it on the internet. Look for an appropriate key fob for your vehicle's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these key fobs will need to be programmed or laser-cut by your local dealer. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the customer.
Key fobs that are standard are cheaper than more advanced models to replace since they don't have an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed after the fact. However, they can be costly to duplicate if you have to design templates to replace a damaged or lost key it is less than purchasing a new set of keys from your car dealer.
You can also lower your key cutting expenses by buying a new shell to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, yet leave the electronic components intact. They're an affordable way 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 vehicle without having to search for your keys, especially when you're carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. They can even assist you to open your hatch and trunk, when they've got this feature built-in.
These keys are not ideal for long-term use since they drain the battery. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. Fortunately, many key fobs can be replaced with replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search online or visit your local hardware store, you will often find them at significantly less than the dealer-supplied options.
If you have a standard key, duplication costs are typically very low and vary between $10 and $15. You may also be able purchase a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain retailer. However, replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding can be expensive. These keys are typically laser cut, sometimes referred to as sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a more robust blade and less grooves on the shank. They have to be programmed by a specific machine at a locksmith or dealership.
It can be costly to replace a key that has a microchip and it is often necessary to visit a dealer in order to have the replacement coded. These keys are also known as transponder or smart keys. They contain electronic components that must be verified before they can be used to open doors or start your engine. Dealers will charge between $150-$300 for a key that has the key fob as well as transponder chips.
Keys with keyless entry can also be expensive to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery fails. Most modern cars have these keys, which function by sending a signal from your key fob to a receiver in your car. The car then locks or unlocks based on this signal and opens the hatch and trunk if the key is within close proximity to the receiver.