How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys is never an ideal option. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your keys without overpaying at the dealership.
Simply bring a current working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours by using a key cutting machine onsite. On average, this is 20% less than purchasing through a dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars are equipped with key fobs, which offer convenience and security to car owners. However they come at a cost. In certain instances the cost of replacing a key fob which is damaged or lost can be high. The good news is that there are options to lower the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to have a spare car key now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and you are faced with paying for an appointment with a locksmith or towing charges.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip had been a vital component of the majority of automobiles. The name derives from "transmitter and responder". nearest key cutting G28 Car Keys was created to stop the increasing number of car thefts. Essentially, a car transponder chip transmits an electronic signal that has the secret password. When the key is placed in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it detects the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will begin. This is important as most thieves simply wire the vehicle and drive off.
Transponder chips operate in a similar way to microchips in computers and cell phones. The different is that they do not require constant power to operate. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that can be identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder and the key head.
We suggest visiting your local locksmith if you need the spare key for a car equipped with transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to create new keys to match your vehicle model and make. This is a fantastic alternative to visiting a dealership.
It is also important to know that some shops, such as AutoZone offer a key programming service. However, they typically cost significantly more than a locksmith. They do this because they benefit from a "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold rises. 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. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys because they require programming that can only be done by a dealership, auto locksmith or the vehicle's manufacturer. This procedure can cost up to $500 for a new key, the changing of the immobilizer's programming, and the possibility of labor costs.
The best method to cut down on key cutting costs is by avoiding the need to replace your keys in the first place. This means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can purchase a cheap 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 at reduced prices from the manufacturer. The advantage of buying an original key is that it's likely to come with the proper transponder chip. This is crucial, since you won't be able to make use of an aftermarket car key unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the technology necessary to program modern car keys and therefore, they are unable to provide basic duplication services. You can also take them to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith to get them replaced.
If you plan to buy a key for a low price online, make sure that it's not programmed to someone else's vehicle. You can do this by looking at the key blade for chips or a cutout that shows signs of an earlier key.
Purchasing a key duplication machine is a different option however it's not affordable for most people. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys, and you'll have to cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not happy with this, a vice or hand file are a more affordable alternative. This isn't the most secure option as it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key in the lock.
Key Fobs with keys
Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the vehicle, and even start the motor. They are tiny transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves. They are a great benefit for drivers but can be expensive to duplicate or replace if lost.
Contrary to traditional keys that require a professional locksmith, automotive dealer or any other specialist service provider to design, key fobs contain sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to produce than their standard counterparts. Fobs also need to be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which can increase the cost too.
If you lose your sole functioning fob, it could cost you up to $300 to have a brand new fob and key from the dealership. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob down to only $50 by purchasing it online. Look for a key fob that matches your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these key fobs must be programmed or laser-cut by the local dealer. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the buyer.
Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for less than more sophisticated models since they do not contain an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed. They can be costly to copy if you have damaged or lost keys and need a template to duplicate them, but they are much more affordable than the cost of replacing an entire key set from your dealer for your car.
Another method to reduce your key cutting costs is to purchase a new shell for your current key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, while leaving the electronic components intact. These shells are a cost-effective solution to updating your keychain without making an appointment with the dealer.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs have numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without the need to hunt for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you have heavy groceries or other items in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built-in they will help you open your trunk and hatch.
The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they tend to drain the battery and make it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Additionally, they are difficult to program, depending on your vehicle's model and make. Fortunately, most key fobs can be replaced using replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look on the internet or at your local hardware store, you will typically find them for significantly less than the dealer-supplied options.
If you already have a standard key then the cost of duplication could be as low as $10 to $15. You might also be able purchase a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain retailers. Newer keys that require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, but. They are usually laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys or high security keys. They feature a more robust shank, and less carved-out grooves on the blade of the key, and must be programmed using a specific machine at a locksmith shop or dealer.
It can be costly to replace a key that has a microchip and it is usually necessary to visit the dealer to get the replacement code. These are commonly called transponder or smart keys and they are equipped with electronics that need to be verified by your car before it can open doors or start the engine. A dealer can charge between $150 and $300 for a brand new original key that includes both the key fob as well as a new transponder chip.
Keys that have keyless entry could be costly to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery dies. The majority of modern cars have these keys, which function by sending a signal from the key fob to a receiver in your car. The car then locks or unlocks according to the signal and opens the trunk and hatch when the key is within close proximity to the receiver.