How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts you need to replace your car keys without paying dealership prices.
Simply bring a working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours by using the key cutting machine on site. It's typically 20 percent less than buying from an agent.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars come with key fobs, which offer security and convenience to owners. They are not free. In some instances, the cost of replacing a key fob that is damaged or lost is high. There are methods to lower the cost of these devices. It is much cheaper to have a spare car key today, rather than waiting until you lose the key and are faced with paying for a locksmith's visit or towing costs.
The transponder chip (which is named after the words "transmitter + responder") has been in use in the majority of automobiles 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 the secret password. When the key is placed in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, then the engine will start. This is important because most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and drive off.
Transponder chips operate on a similar basis as microchips in computers and cell phones. The different is that they do not need constant power to work. Instead, they emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal which can be detected by special receivers placed in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself.
We suggest visiting your local locksmith if you need a spare key for a car equipped with transponder. Many locksmiths have a system to create new keys for your particular car model and make. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership.
It's also important to note that some shops, such as AutoZone offer a key programming service. They often charge much more than a professional locksmith. This is due to the fact that they are able to profit from the "scaling" effect which occurs when the number of units sold rises. In this way, they could pass on their costs savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips which are connected with the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. motorcycle key cutting are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which must be performed by a dealership or auto locksmith. This procedure can cost up to $500 for a new key, the changing of the immobilizer's programming, and possible labor charges.
The best way to reduce car key replacement costs is to not have them in the first place. It is essential to have an extra car key in the event that the original one is lost. You can buy a duplicate key at a hardware store or box store for around $25 to $50, depending on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase keys replacement online or at a reduced prices from the manufacturer. A factory key will likely contain the correct transponder. This is important, as you cannot use an aftermarket car 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 offer only basic key duplication services. You can also take them to a dealer or a reputable auto repair shop, or a locksmith to have them replaced.
Another thing to think about is that if you're planning on buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll have to make sure it isn't already programmed to someone else's car. This can be done by looking at the blade of the key to determine if it has an embedded chip or a cutout that shows signs of an old key.
A key duplication machine can be purchased, but it isn't an option for most people. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys, and you'll have cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you don't feel at ease using a vice, hand files are an option that is more affordable. It's not the best option as it could harm the electronic components of the key or even break the key inside the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
Modern cars come with remote controls that can lock and unlock the vehicle, and start the motor. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that connect to your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to transmit commands. These are great features for drivers but can be expensive to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.
Contrary to traditional keys that require a reputable locksmith, automotive dealer, or other specialty service provider to create, key fobs contain sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to make than their standard counterparts. Key fobs must also be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which could increase the cost as well.
If you lose your only functioning fob, it could cost upwards of $300 to have a brand new original fob and key from the dealership. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of a new fob by up to 50% if purchasing it online. Look for web for your vehicle's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these keys may require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by a local dealer, but a lot can be programmed by the customer with relative ease (though some will require two working, current keys to do this).
Key fobs that are standard are cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace as they don't have an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed after the fact. However, they can be costly to duplicate in the event that you need to create templates to replace a damaged or lost key it is less than purchasing a new key from your car dealer.
You can also cut down on key cutting costs by buying a new shell to replace your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that will replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, yet leave the electronics intact. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle of having to schedule an appointment at the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs offer many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, especially if you're carrying groceries or other heavy items in your hands. They can even help you open your trunk and hatch, when they've got this feature integrated into them.
The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they frequently drain the battery and make it difficult to use them for long periods of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Key fobs are often repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. These can often be found at a much lower cost than a dealer-supplied option, when you search at the internet or go to the local hardware store.
If you already have a standard key then duplication costs can be as low as $10-$15. You can also buy an additional key from your local box retailer or hardware store. Keys that require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, however. These keys are usually laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. These keys have a thicker blade and less grooves on the shank. They have to be programmed by a specific machine found in a locksmith dealership.
It can be costly to replace a key with a microchip and it is often necessary to visit a dealer in order to get the replacement code. They are also known as smart or transponder keys, and they come with electronic components which must be validated by your car before it will open any doors or start the engine. A dealer can charge between $150 to $300 for a brand new original key that comes with the key fob as well as a new transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry may be costly to replace if you lose them or the battery of your key fob fails. Many modern cars come with keys that function by sending a signal from the key fob to a receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks itself in accordance with this signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.