How to Cut Your car key cutting cost [
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It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your key without overpaying at the dealership.
Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site using a key-cutting machine. It's typically 20 percent less than purchasing from dealers.
Keys with Transponder chips
A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that offer an element of security and comfort to the car owner. However they also come with a cost. In some cases, the cost of replacing a key fob that is damaged or lost can be high. The good news is that there are ways to cut the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to buy an extra key today than wait until you lose your car keys and have to pay for a locksmith or towing charges.
The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been in use in the majority of automobiles since the mid 1990s. 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, an antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder reads the signal and, when it matches the password, the engine will start. This is significant because the majority of thieves simply hot wire the vehicle to start it and then drive off.
Transponder chips function on the same basis as microchips used in computers and cell phones. They don't require constant power. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal which can be identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder and key head.
We recommend visiting your local locksmith if you need a spare key for a vehicle with transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to program new keys to match your car model and make. This is a fantastic alternative to visiting a dealership.
It's also important to note that some stores such as AutoZone will provide key programming services. However, they often charge significantly higher than a locksmith. This is because they can benefit 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 are equipped with transponders or chips which connect to the vehicle whenever the key is inserted in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming that can only be done by a dealership, auto locksmith or the vehicle's manufacturer. The process could cost as high as $500 for a new key, the programming of the immobilizer and possibly, labor costs.
The best way to save on car key cost is to avoid the need to replace your keys in the first place. It is essential to have an extra car key in the event that the original key is lost. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key at a hardware store or box store for about $25 to $50, based on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online or at an affordable price from the manufacturer. The benefit of buying the factory key is that it will come with the correct transponder chip. This is crucial, since you won't be able to use a car key that is aftermarket unless it's been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, which is why they offer only basic key duplication services. You can also bring them to a dealer or a reputable auto repair shop or a locksmith shop to get them replaced.
Another thing to consider is that if you're planning on buying a cheap key from an online retailer, you'll have to make sure it isn't already programmed to a vehicle belonging to someone else. This can be done by examining the blade of the key to determine if it has chips or cutout that shows evidence of an old key.
A key duplication machine is an alternative however, it's not affordable for most people. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys and you'll need to cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you're not comfortable with this, a vice and hand file are a much more affordable alternative. This isn't the most secure option as it could harm the electronic components of the key or even break the key inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that function as remote controls to lock and unlock your car and even start the engine. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that communicate with your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to send commands. They're a benefit for drivers, however they can be expensive to replace or duplicate if you lose one.
Unlike traditional keys, which require a great locksmith, automotive dealer, or a different specialist service provider to make keys, key fobs have sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to manufacture than their basic counterparts. They also need to be programmed to work with your vehicle and can increase the cost.
If you lose your sole working fob, it could cost up to $300 to have a new original key and fob from the dealer. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of the new fob by up to 50% if you purchase it on the internet. Search for an appropriate key fob that matches your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Certain key fobs need to be programmed or laser-cut by the dealer in your area. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the buyer.
Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for a lot less than more sophisticated models because they do not contain an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed. However, they can be costly to duplicate if you need to design templates for a lost or damaged key it is less than buying a new key from your
car keys cut and programmed dealer.
You can also reduce your cost of cutting keys by purchasing a new case to replace your old key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of new shells that replace the plastic outer and buttons on your keychain, and leave the electronics inside unchanged. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain and save you the hassle of trying to schedule an appointment with the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
Car key fobs come with many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to look for your keys. This is particularly useful when you're carrying large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. They can even help you open your trunk and hatch in the event that they have this feature built in.
These keys aren't ideal for long-term usage because they drain batteries. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look online or visit your local hardware store, you will often find these for less than the dealer-supplied alternatives.
If you already have a standard key then the cost of duplicates can be as low as $10-$15. You may also be able purchase a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain store. However replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding can be expensive. They are usually laser cut, sometimes called sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a thicker shank, and less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and they have to be programmed using a specific machine at a locksmith shop or dealer.
A key with chip could be expensive to replace and typically requires an appointment with a dealer to obtain a replacement code.
