How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts you require to replace your car key without having to pay dealership costs.
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 buying through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder chips
Many modern vehicles have key fobs that provide security and comfort for the owner of the vehicle. However, these devices come with a cost. In certain instances it could be expensive to replace a lost or damaged key fob. There are ways to cut down on the cost of these devices. It is much cheaper to have a spare vehicle key made now instead of waiting until you lose the key and are confronted with the expense of an appointment with a locksmith or towing fees.
The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been in use in the majority of cars since the mid-1990s. This technology was developed to stop the increasing number of car thefts. The basic idea behind the car transponder chip emits signals that contain an encrypted password. When the key is placed in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it and reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, then the engine will begin. This is important as most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and then drive off.
Transponder chips operate on the same principle as the microchips in computers and cell phones. The different is that they do not require constant power to operate. Instead, they emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that can be detected by special receivers placed in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself.
We recommend visiting your local locksmith if you require a spare key for a car equipped with a 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 is also important to know that some shops, such as AutoZone will offer a key programming service. They often charge much more than a professional locksmith. They can achieve this because they profit from an "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 are equipped with chips or transponders which pair with the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which must be completed by an auto locksmith or a dealership. This process can cost up to $500 for the new key, reprogramming the immobilizer and perhaps the cost of labor.
The best method to save money on key cutting costs is by avoiding the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. That means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can buy an additional key for $25-$50 at the hardware store or a box store, depending on the key type.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online or at a discounted price from the manufacturer. The advantage of purchasing an original key is that it will be equipped with the correct transponder chip. This is essential since you won't be able to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, so they only offer basic key duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, a repair shop or dealer to get them replaced.
If you're planning to purchase a key for a low price on the internet, ensure that it's not programmed for another vehicle. You can do this by checking the key blade to find chips or a cutout that shows signs of the previous key.
A key duplication machine can be purchased, but it is not an option for everyone. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys themselves and you'll need cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not comfortable with this, a vice or hand file are a much more affordable option. However, it's not the most secure method as it may cause damage to the electronic components of the key or break the key off inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that are remote controls to lock and unlock your vehicle and also to start the engine. These are tiny remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle through radio waves. They are a great benefit for drivers but can be expensive to duplicate or replace if lost.
In contrast to traditional keys, which require a professional locksmith, dealer in automotive, or other specialty service provider to create keys, key fobs are equipped with sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to make than the standard keys. Fobs also require programming to work with your car, which can also add up in price.
If you lose your only working fob, it can cost upwards of $300 to have a new fob and key from the dealer. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob down to just $50 if you buy it on the internet. Search for a key fob that matches your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these fobs might need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by your dealer in your area, but most are programmable by customers with relative ease (though some will require two working keys to do this).
Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for a lot less than more sophisticated models since they do not contain an embedded chip that must be reprogrammed. They are still expensive to duplicate if you've a lost or damaged key and require a template reproduce them, but they are much cheaper than the expense of replacing a complete key set purchased from your dealer in your vehicle.
Another way to cut your key cutting costs is to purchase a new shell for your current key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that can replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, but leave the electronics intact. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain and save you the headache of trying to make an appointment at the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob has many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, especially when you're carrying groceries or other heavy loads in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature they will help you open your hatch and trunk.
These keys aren't ideal for long-term usage because they drain the battery. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, based on the vehicle's make and model. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs can be replaced using replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look online or visit your local hardware store, you'll often find these for a much lower price than dealer-supplied options.
If you own an ordinary key, duplicate costs are typically very low, and can vary from $10 to $15. You might also be able purchase a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain retailer. However replacing G28 Car Keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding could be costly. Keys that are laser cut, sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a more robust blade and have fewer 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 using a microchip and it is often necessary to visit the dealer to obtain the replacement code. They are also known as transponder or smart keys and they are equipped with electronics that must be validated by your car before it will open any doors or start the engine. Dealers can charge between $150 and $300 for a key that includes the key fob and the transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry can also be expensive to replace if you lose them or the battery of your key fob dies. These keys are found in most modern cars. They work by sending a message from the key fob into the car's receiver. The car then locks or unlocks based on this signal and opens the trunk and hatch if the key is close to the receiver.