How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys is not a good idea. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car key without paying a dealership's high cost.
Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site with a key cutting machine. It's about 20 percent less than buying from dealers.
key cutting open now with Transponder Chips
Modern cars are equipped with key fobs, which provide convenience and security to car owners. These devices are not free. In some instances, it can be quite expensive to replace a damaged or lost key fob. The good news is that there are options to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It is cheaper to order an extra key today than wait until you lose your car keys and have to pay for locksmith services or towing costs.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been a key component of most cars. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". This technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of vehicle theft. A car transponder transmits an encrypted signal. When the key is inserted into ignition, an antenna ring around the ignition cylinder reads the signal and, if it matches the password, the engine will start. This is a big deal because the majority of thieves simply hot wire the vehicle to start it and then take off.
Transponder chips operate in a similar way to the microchips found in computers and cell phones. The different is that they do not require constant power to function. Instead, they emit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency which can be recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself.
We suggest visiting your local locksmith if you require the spare key for your vehicle that has transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool that can program new keys to match the model and make of your vehicle. This is an excellent 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 usually charge more than professional locksmiths. This is due to the fact that they are able to take advantage of the "scaling" effect that occurs when the number of units sold rises. They can then pass the savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come 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 because they require programming that can only be done by a dealership, auto locksmith or the manufacturer of your vehicle. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for a new key, reprogramming the immobilizer, and possibly the cost of labor.
The most effective method to cut down on key cutting costs is by avoiding the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. This means having an extra key in case you lose the original. key cutting open now can buy a duplicate key from the hardware store or at a box store for about $25-$50, based on the type of key.
Most people don't know that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a reduced price. A factory key is likely to have the correct transponder. This is important 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 capability to program modern car keys, which is why they can only provide basic key duplication services. You can also visit a locksmith, independent auto repair shop or the dealer to have them replaced.
If you plan to buy an inexpensive key online, make sure that it hasn't been programmed for someone else's vehicle. This can be done by looking at the key blade for chips or the cutout to see if it shows evidence of an earlier key.
Purchasing a key duplication machine is a different option however, it's not cost-effective for the majority of people. The machine costs more than keys with blanks, which means you'll need to cut numerous keys to make a profit. If you don't feel comfortable using a vice, hand-files are an option that is more affordable. However, this isn't the safest method because it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even cut the key off in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Many modern vehicles come with key fobs, which are remote controls that lock your car, unlock it and even start the engine. These are basically mini remote transmitters that communicate with your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to send commands. These are great features for drivers, but they are costly to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.
Contrary to traditional keys that require a professional locksmith, automotive dealer or other specialty service provider to create, key fobs contain sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to manufacture than their basic counterparts. They also need to be programmed to work with your car, which can also add up in price.
If you lose your sole working fob, it could cost up to $300 to get a replacement fob and key from the dealer. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob down to as little as $50 by buying it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have keys that are compatible with your car model. Some of these key fobs will need to be programmed or laser-cut by your local dealer. However, many can be programmed by the user.
Standard key fobs can be replaced for less than the more sophisticated models because they do not have an embedded chip which requires reprogramming. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you need to design a template to replace a damaged or lost key The cost is far less than purchasing a new set of keys from a car dealer.
Another way to cut your costs for cutting keys is by simply buying a new shell for your key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the plastic outer and buttons on your key fob, but leaving the inside electronics unchanged. These shells are an affordable solution to upgrade your keychain without having to make an appointment with the dealer.
Keys for Keyless Entry
The car key fob comes with numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, particularly when you're carrying groceries or other heavy weights in your hands. If they have this feature built-in, they can help you open your hatch and trunk.
The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they frequently consume battery power and make it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. Many key fobs are easily replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. If you look on the internet or at your local hardware store, you can often find them at a much lower price than the dealer-supplied alternatives.
If you own a standard key, duplication costs are usually very low and range from $10 to $15. You may also be able to purchase a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain retailer. Newer keys that require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, but. They are usually laser-cut, often 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 found in a locksmith dealership.
It is costly to replace a key that has a microchip and it is often necessary to visit the dealer to have the replacement coded. Keys with chips are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They contain electronic components that must be verified before they can be used to open doors or start engines. Dealers can charge between $150 to $300 for a key that comes with the key fob as well as the transponder chip.
If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery in the key fob fails, it can be costly to replace them. Most modern cars have these keys, which work by sending a signal from your key fob to a receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks itself according to the signal and opens the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.
