The 10 Scariest Things About Car Key Cutting Cost
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Losing your car keys isn't an ideal idea. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car keys without having to pay dealership costs.
Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and Car Key Cutting Cost an associate will match the contours on site with a key cutting machine. It's about 20% less than buying through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder chips
Modern cars come with key fobs, which offer security and convenience to owners. However they also come with costs. In some instances it can be expensive to replace a damaged or lost key fob. The good news is that there are ways 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 need to pay locksmith services or towing costs.
The transponder chip (which is named after the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most cars since the mid-1990s. The technology was created to combat the rising number of car thefts. The basic idea behind the chip in a car transponder transmits signals that contain the secret password. When the key is inserted into the ignition, an antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder reads the signal and, if it matches with the password, the engine is started. This is an important thing since most thieves hot wire the vehicle to get it started and then leave the scene.
Transponder chips operate on a similar principle to the microchips in cell phones and computers. They don't require constant power. Instead, they transmit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal which can be identified by special receivers in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself.
We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if in need of the spare key for a vehicle with a transponder. Many locksmiths have a device that can program new keys to the specific model and make of your car. This is an excellent alternative to visiting a dealership.
It is also important to know that some stores such as AutoZone offer a key programming service. They typically charge more than professional locksmiths. They do this because they can benefit from an "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold rises. They can then pass the savings to the consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips which pair to the vehicle whenever the key is put in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys because they require programming that is only performed by a dealership, auto locksmith or the manufacturer of your vehicle. This process can cost as high as $500 for new keys, the changing of the immobilizer's programming, and possibly, labor costs.
The best way to save on car key cost is to avoid the need to replace your keys in the first place. That 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 type of key.
Most people don't know that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a reduced price. A factory-issued key will likely contain the correct transponder. This is crucial because you won't be able to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the technology necessary to program modern car key and therefore, they are unable to offer basic duplication services. You can also bring them to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith to have them replaced.
If you're planning to purchase an inexpensive key online, make sure it's not programmed to another vehicle. This can be accomplished by checking the key blade to see if there is an embedded chip or a cutout that shows evidence of an old key.
A key duplication machine is a different option however, it's not affordable for the majority of people. The machine is more expensive than keys that are blank, so you'll need to cut numerous keys in order to break even. If you're not comfortable using a vice, hand files are an option that is more affordable. However, this isn't the most secure method as it may damage the key's electronics or even cut the key off in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Many modern cars come with key fobs that are remote controls to lock your car, unlock it and also to start the engine. These are tiny remote transmitters which communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle through radio waves. These are great features for drivers, but they can be expensive to duplicate or replace if lost.
Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys due to their sophisticated electronics. They also need to be programmed to work with your vehicle and this can increase the cost.
A new fob and key could cost as much as $300 if you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of a new fob by up to 50% if purchasing it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have an appropriate key fob for the car model you have. Some of these fobs might require laser cutting by a locksmith or programmed by your local dealer, but many can be customer-programmed with relative ease (though some will require two current, working keys to do this).
Key fobs for standard keys are less expensive than more advanced models to replace as they don't have an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed following the fact. Although they can be costly to duplicate in the event that you need to create templates for a lost or damaged key The cost is far less than purchasing a new key from your car dealer.
You can also lower your key cutting costs by buying a new shell to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that will replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, while leaving the electronics intact. These shells are an affordable solution to update your keychain without making an appointment with the dealer.
Keys for Keyless Entry
The car key fob comes with many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, especially when you're carrying groceries or other heavy weights in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature they will assist you to open your trunk and hatch.
The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they tend to consume battery power which makes it difficult to use them for long periods of time. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. A lot of key fobs can be replaced with new ones from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available for much cheaper than the dealer-supplied version when you search on the internet or visit your local hardware store.
If you already have a standard-sized key cutting car, duplication costs can be as just $10 to $15. You might also be able to buy a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain retailers. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding could be costly. They are usually laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a larger shank and less carved-out grooves on the blade of the key, and must be programmed using a special machine found in a locksmith shop or dealer.
It is costly to replace a key using microchips and it is often necessary to visit a dealer in order to have the replacement coded. These are commonly called transponder keys or smart keys, and they come with electronic components that need to be verified by your car before it can open doors or start the engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 and $300 for a new key that has both the key fob and an updated transponder chip.
If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery inside your key fob dies it could cost you to replace the keys. Keyless entry keys are available in a majority of modern vehicles. They function by transmitting an electronic message from the key fob into an internal receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It will also open the hatch and trunk when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.
