The 10 Most Scariest Things About Car Key Cutting Cost
How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts you need to replace your car key without paying a dealership's high cost.
Simply bring your current working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours by using a key cutting machine onsite. It's about 20 percent less than purchasing from dealers.
Keys that have Transponder chips
Many modern vehicles have key fobs that offer an element of security and convenience to the car owner. These devices are not free. In some cases, the cost of replacing the key fob that is damaged or lost can be high. The good news is that there are methods to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It is cheaper to order an extra key now rather than wait until you lose your car key and then pay for a locksmith or towing charges.
The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a standard feature in cars since the mid 1990s. The technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of vehicle theft. In essence, a car transponder chip transmits signals that contain an encrypted password. When the key is inserted into the ignition, an antenna ring around the ignition cylinder receives this signal and if it matches the password, the engine is started. This is significant because most thieves simply connect a hot wire to the vehicle to get it started and then leave the scene.
Transponder chips work on the same principle as the microchips found in cell phones and computers. They do not require constant power. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that is identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder and key head.
If you're looking to get a spare car key created for a car with transponder chips, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Most locksmiths have a device to program new keys for your specific vehicle model and. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
Also, it's important to remember that stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming option. They often charge much more than professional locksmiths. This is because they can take advantage of the "scaling" effect that occurs when the number of units sold increases. In this way, they could pass on their costs savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys have 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 car keys due to the fact that they need programming that can only be completed by a dealership auto locksmith, or your vehicle's manufacturer. This procedure can cost up to $500 for a new key, as well as reprogramming the immobilizer and possibly the cost of labor.
The best way to reduce cost of replacing car keys is to not require them in the first place. That means having a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key for $25-$50 at a hardware or box store retailer, based on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online at reduced prices from the manufacturer. The benefit of buying a factory key is that it will come with the right transponder chip. This is important, as you will not be able use an aftermarket car key without having it 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 go to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith shop to have them replaced.
If you plan to buy a cheap key on the internet, ensure that it's not programmed for someone else's vehicle. This can be accomplished by examining the blade of the key to see if there is a chip or a cutout that shows signs of an old key.
A key duplication machine can be bought, but it isn't an option for most people. The cost of the machine is higher than keys with blanks, which means you'll need to cut many keys to make a profit. If you don't feel at ease using a vice, hand-files are an alternative that is less expensive. This isn't the most secure alternative as it can cause damage to the electronic components of the key or break the automotive key cutting in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the car, and also start the motor. These are tiny remote transmitters which communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle via radio waves. These are a great convenience for drivers, but they are costly to duplicate or replace if lost.
Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys due to their sophisticated electronics. They also require to be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which can increase the cost too.
If you lose your sole functioning fob, it could cost you up to $300 to get a replacement original key and fob from the dealership. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of an entirely new fob by as much as 50% if you purchase it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have an appropriate key fob for your car model. Some of these key fobs must be programmed or laser-cut by your local dealer. However, many of them can be programmed by the customer.
Standard 24 hour key cutting fobs are much cheaper than more advanced models to replace because they don't contain an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed after the fact. They are still expensive to duplicate if you've got damaged or lost keys and require a template make them again, but they are much cheaper than the expense of replacing an entire key set from your dealer in your vehicle.
Another option to reduce your key cutting costs is by simply buying a new shell for your key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that can replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronics intact. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain and save you the hassle of trying to schedule an appointment at the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs have many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to look for your keys. This is especially useful when you have heavy groceries or other items in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature, they can help you open your trunk and hatch.
These keys aren't ideal for long-term usage because they drain the battery. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, depending on your vehicle's make and model. Fortunately, most key fobs can be replaced using replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available at a much lower cost than dealer-supplied options, if you look at the internet or go to your local hardware store.
If you already have a standard key, the cost of duplicates can be as just $10 to $15. You may also be able to buy a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain retailer. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption could be costly. These keys are typically laser-cut, often referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. These keys have a thicker blade and less grooves on the shank. They must be programmed using a special machine at a locksmith or dealership.
It is costly to replace a key that has a microchip, and it's often necessary to visit the dealer to have the replacement coded. These keys are also known as transponder or smart keys. They have electronics that need to be verified before they can be used to open doors or start your engine. A dealer typically charges between $150 to $300 for a new original key that comes with the key fob and the transponder chip.
If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery in your key fob goes out it could cost you to replace the keys. Keyless entry keys are available in most modern cars. They function by sending an electronic message from the key fob into a receiver within your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.
