How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
The loss of your car keys is not a good idea. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and the parts to replace your keys without having to pay a dealership.
Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site with a key cutting machine. This costs on average 20 percent less than buying from an agent.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars are equipped with key fobs that provide security and convenience for car owners. However they come at a cost. In some cases the cost of replacing a key fob that is damaged or lost could be costly. The good news is that there are ways to cut the costs associated with these devices. It is cheaper to order an extra key now rather instead of waiting until you lose your car key and have to pay for the locksmith or towing fees.
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 created to combat the rising number of car thefts. Essentially, a car transponder chip transmits signals that contain an encrypted password. When the key is inserted into ignition, an antenna ring around the ignition cylinder detects the signal and, when it matches the password, the engine will start. This is an important thing because most thieves simply connect a hot wire to the vehicle to start it and then drive off.
Transponder chips operate on the same principle as the microchips found in cell phones and computers. They don't require constant power. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that can be detected by special detectors placed on the ignition cylinder as well as key head.
We suggest visiting your local locksmith if you require a spare key for your vehicle that has transponder. Many locksmiths have a tool to program new keys to the specific make and model of your vehicle. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership.
It is also important to know that some stores such as AutoZone will offer a key programming service. However, they often charge significantly more than locksmiths. This is due to the fact that they can take advantage of the "scaling" effect which occurs when the number of units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to the consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips that are paired to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming that can only be completed by a dealership auto locksmith, or your vehicle's manufacturer. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for a new key, reprogramming the immobilizer and possibly labor charges.
The most effective 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 at the hardware store or at a box store for about $25 to $50, based on the kind of key.
Many people don't realize that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a reduced price. A factory-issued key will likely contain the correct transponder. This is important, as you cannot 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 equipment to program modern car keys They can only provide basic duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, a repair shop or dealer to have them replaced.
If you plan to buy a key for a low price on the internet, ensure that it hasn't been programmed for another vehicle. This can be done by looking at the blade of the key for chips or a cutout that shows signs of a previous key.
Purchasing a key duplication machine is another option however it's not affordable for most people. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys, and you'll have to cut many keys in order to break even. If you don't feel at ease using a vice, hand-files are an option that is more affordable. But, it's not the most secure method as it may harm the electronics of the key or even break the key in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the vehicle, and also start the motor. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to send commands. These are great features for drivers but can be expensive to duplicate or replace if they are lost.
Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronic components. They also require to be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which could add up in costs as well.
A new fob and key could cost as much as $300 when you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of the new fob by up to 50% if purchasing it on the internet. Find the right key fob that matches your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Certain key fobs need to be laser-cut or programmed by the local dealer. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the user.
Key fobs for standard keys are less expensive than more advanced models to replace as they don't contain an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed after the fact. They can be costly to duplicate if you've got damaged or lost keys and require a template to reproduce them, but they are much more affordable than the cost of replacing a complete key set purchased from your dealer in your vehicle.
Another way to cut your costs for cutting keys is by simply buying a new shell for your key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that can replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, while leaving the electronics intact. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain, and save you the headache of trying to schedule an appointment at the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
The car key fob comes with many benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, especially when you're carrying heavy groceries or other weights in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built-in they will help you open the trunk and hatch.
These keys aren't ideal for long-term usage because they drain the battery. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. Fortunately, most key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look online or in your local hardware store, you can often find them at significantly less than the dealer-supplied options.
If you already have a standard key, the cost of duplication could be as low as $10-$15. You may also be able purchase an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. Keys that are newer and require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, but. These keys are typically laser-cut, often referred to as sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a larger shank and less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and must be programmed using a special machine found in a locksmith shop or dealer.
A key that has chip could be expensive to replace and typically requires an appointment with a dealer to get the replacement code. Keys with chips are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They have electronics that must be verified before they are able to open doors or start your engine. A dealer can charge between $150 to $300 for a brand new original key that has both the key fob as well as an updated transponder chip.
If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery inside your key fob goes out it could be expensive to replace the keys. Keyless entry keys can be found in a majority of modern vehicles. They function by sending messages from the key fob into the car's receiver. The car locks or unlocks itself in accordance with this signal. get more info opens the hatch and trunk if the key is within close proximity to the receiver.