How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys is not an ideal option. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your key without overpaying at the dealership.
Simply bring your current working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours using the key cutting machine on site. On average, this costs 20% less than buying through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Many modern cars have key fobs that offer a level of security and convenience for the owner of the vehicle. These devices are not free. In some cases, it can be quite expensive to replace a lost or damaged key fob. The good news is that there are ways to lower the costs associated with these devices. It is much cheaper to have a spare car key made now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and are confronted with the expense of a locksmith's visit or towing costs.
Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been a key component of the majority of cars. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". This technology was developed as a response to the rising rate of car theft. The basic idea behind the chip in a car transponder transmits a signal that contains the secret password. When cut car keys is inserted into ignition, the antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder detects this signal and if it matches with the password, the engine will start. This is important because most thieves simply wire the vehicle and drive off.
Transponder chips function in a similar way to microchips used in cell phones and computers. They do not require constant power. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal which can be identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder as well as the key head.
We suggest visiting your local locksmith if in need of a spare key for a car equipped with a transponder. Many locksmiths have a tool to program new keys to match the make and model of your car. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership.
It's also important to remember that some stores, like AutoZone will offer a key programming service. They often charge much more than professional locksmiths. They can do this because they can profit from an "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold rises. They can then pass on the savings to the consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with chips or transponders that are connected to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming, which can only be done by an auto locksmith or a dealership. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for the new key, reprogramming the immobilizer and perhaps the cost of labor.
The best way to reduce cost of replacing car keys is to not need them in the first place. This means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can buy another key for between $25-$50 at a hardware or box store shop, based on the key type.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online at reduced prices from the manufacturer. A factory key is likely to have the correct transponder. This is important, as you won't be able to use a car key that is aftermarket unless it's been professionally programmed.
Most hardware stores and box stores don't have the capability to program modern car keys, so they offer only basic key duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, a repair shop or dealer to have them replaced.
Another thing to think about 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 an embedded chip or a cutout that shows evidence of an old key.
A key duplication machine may be purchased, but this is not an option for the majority of people. The machine costs more than keys with blanks, which means you'll need to cut many keys in order to break even. If you're not at ease using a vice, a hand file is an alternative that is less expensive. But, it's not the most secure method as it could damage the key's electronics or even break the key inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that are remote controls that lock your car, unlock it and also to start the engine. These are basically mini remote transmitters that communicate with your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to send commands. They're a great convenience for drivers, however they can be costly to replace or duplicate if you lose one.
Contrary to traditional keys that require a reputable locksmith, dealer in automotive, or other specialty service provider to design keys, key fobs have sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to make than the standard keys. They also need to be programmed to work with your vehicle and this can add up in price.
If you lose your only working fob, it could cost upwards of $300 to have a brand new original 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. Look for an appropriate key fob for your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these fobs may require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by your local dealer, but a lot are programmable by customers with ease (though some require two working, current keys to accomplish this).
Key fobs that are standard are cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace since they don't have an embedded chip that requires to be reprogrammed following the fact. They can be costly to duplicate if you've got a lost or damaged key and require a template reproduce them however, they are cheaper than the expense of replacing an entire key set from the car's dealer.
Another option to reduce the cost of cutting keys is to simply purchase an entirely new shell for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your key fob, but leaving the inside electronics unaltered. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain, and save you the hassle of having to make an appointment at the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
The car key fob offers many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, especially if you're carrying groceries or other heavy weights in your hands. If they have this feature they will assist you to open your trunk and hatch.
The downside to these types of keys is that they tend to drain the battery, making it hard to use for long periods of time. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, based on the make and model. A lot of key fobs can be repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. These are usually available at a much lower cost than a dealer-supplied option, by searching on the internet or visit your local hardware store.
If you own an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually low and range from $10 to $15. You can also purchase an additional key from your local hardware or box retailer store. However, replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding can be expensive. They are typically laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys, or high security keys. They feature a more robust shank, and less carved-out grooves on the blade and they must be programmed using a specific machine that is found at the locksmith shop or dealership.
A key with chip could be expensive to replace and usually requires a trip to the dealership to have the replacement coded. Keys with chips are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They contain electronic components that must be validated before they can be used to open doors or start your engine. Dealers charge between $150-$300 for a key that includes the key fob and transponder chips.
Keys with keyless entry can also be costly to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery fails. The majority of modern cars have these keys, which function by sending a signal from the key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks itself according to the signal and opens the trunk and hatch if the key is in close proximity to the receiver.