How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
The loss of your car keys isn't an ideal idea. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your key without overpaying at the dealership.
Simply bring a working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours using the key cutting machine on site. This costs on average 20% less than buying from a dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Many modern vehicles have key fobs which provide a level of security and comfort for the owner of the vehicle. They are not free. In certain instances, it can be quite high to replace a lost or damaged key fob. There are ways to cut down on the expense of these devices. It's cheaper to buy an extra key today than wait until you lose your car key and have to pay for the locksmith or towing fees.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip had been a vital component of most automobiles. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". This technology was designed to counter the growing number of car thefts. A car transponder transmits a secret code via a signal. When the key is placed in the ignition the antenna will ring around it reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, then the engine will begin. This is a big deal because most thieves simply connect a hot wire to the vehicle to start it, and then leave the scene.
Transponder chips function on a similar basis as microchips in computers and cell phones. 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 and key head.
If you require a spare car key made for a car equipped with transponder chips We strongly suggest that you visit your local locksmith. Most locksmiths will have a tool to program new keys for the model and make of your vehicle. This is an excellent alternative to visiting a dealership.
It's also important to note that some stores such as AutoZone provide key programming services. They typically charge more than a professional locksmith. They achieve this because they take advantage of an "scaling effect" that occurs when the number of units sold rises. In other words, they can transfer their savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with chips or transponders that are paired to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. These keys are more costly to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming, which can only be performed by an auto locksmith or a dealership. This procedure can cost up to $500 for the new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer and possibly costs for labor.
The best way to avoid cost of replacing car keys is to not need them in the first place. That means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can purchase a duplicate key for $25-$50 at a box store or hardware shop, based on the key type.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a reduced price. A factory-issued key is likely to contain the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you won't be able to make use of an aftermarket car key without having it professionally programmed.
visit site 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 go to an independent locksmith, a repair shop, or dealer to have them replaced.
If you are planning to purchase a key for a low price online, make sure it's not programmed to another vehicle. This can be done by checking the blade of the key for a chip or for an open cutout that has evidence of the previous key.
A key duplication machine is an alternative 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 with a vice hand files are a more affordable alternative. However, this isn't the most secure method as it may cause damage to 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 car, and also start the motor. These are basically mini remote transmitters that connect to the computer in your vehicle via radio waves to transmit commands. They're a great convenience for drivers, but they can be costly to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.
Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys because they contain sophisticated electronic components. They also need to be programmed to work with your vehicle and can add cost.
A new key and fob can cost up to $300 when you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of the new fob by as much as 50% if you purchase it online. Search for a key fob for your vehicle's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these fobs might require laser cutting by a locksmith or programmed by a local dealer, but a lot are programmable by customers with ease (though some require two current, working keys to do this).
Key fobs that are standard are less expensive than more advanced models to replace because they don't have an embedded chip that needs to be programmed after the fact. They can be costly to duplicate if you've got damaged or lost keys and require a template reproduce them but they're much more affordable than the cost of replacing an entire key set from your dealer for your car.
Another way to cut your costs for cutting keys is by simply buying an entirely new shell for your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that can replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronics intact. These shells are an affordable solution to updating your keychain without the need to make an appointment with the dealer.
Keys for Keyless Entry
The car key fob has many benefits. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without the need to hunt for your keys. This is particularly useful when you're carrying large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. If they've got this feature built in they will help you open your trunk and hatch.
These keys aren't recommended for long-term usage because they drain the battery. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Many key fobs are easily repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search online or visit your local hardware store, you'll often find them at less than the dealer-supplied options.
If you own an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually low and range from $10 to $15. You might also be able purchase a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain retailer. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding could be costly. Keys that are laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a thicker shank and have less grooves carved out on the blade of the key, and they have to be programmed using a special machine at a locksmith shop or dealer.
It is costly to replace a key that has microchips and it is usually necessary to visit a dealer to obtain the replacement code. These keys are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They are equipped with electronics that need to be verified before they can open doors or start your engine. A dealer typically charges between $150 to $300 for a new original key that has both the key fob as well as an updated transponder chip.
Keys that have keyless entry could also be costly to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery is dead. Most modern cars have these keys, which function by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a device in your car. The car then locks or unlocks in accordance with this signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.