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 that you need to replace your car keys without paying a dealership's high prices.
Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site using a key-cutting machine. On average, this is 20% less than going through the dealer.
mobile key cutting near me 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 aren't free. In certain instances the cost of replacing a key fob that has been damaged or lost can be high. There are methods to lower the cost of these devices. It's much less expensive to get a spare car key today instead of waiting until you lose the key and you are facing the cost of a locksmith's visit or towing fees.
The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most cars since the mid 1990s. This technology was created in response to the increasing rate of vehicle theft. The car transponder transmits a secret code via a signal. When the key is inserted into the ignition, an antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder reads this signal and when it matches the password, the engine starts. This is an important thing since most thieves hot wire the vehicle to start it and then drive off.
Transponder chips operate on a similar principle to the microchips found in cell phones and computers. They do not require constant power. Instead, they emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal which can be detected by special receivers placed in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself.
We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if you require an extra key for a vehicle with a transponder. Most locksmiths have a device to create new keys to match your vehicle model and make. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership.
It's also important to remember that some stores, like AutoZone will provide key programming services. However, they often cost significantly higher than a locksmith. This is because they are able to take advantage of the "scaling" effect which occurs when the number of units sold increases. In this way, they could transfer their cost savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that pair to the vehicle whenever the key is placed in the ignition. These keys are more costly to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming, which must be done by a dealership or auto locksmith. The process could cost up to $500 for a new key, the programming of the immobilizer and the possibility of labor costs.
The best way to save on car key cutting costs is by avoiding the need to replace your keys in the first place. This means you should have a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key at the hardware store or at a box store for around $25-$50, based on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discount. 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 stores and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, so they can only provide basic key duplication services. You can go to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop, or a locksmith to get them replaced.
If you're planning to purchase a cheap key online, make sure it's not programmed for the vehicle of someone else. This can be accomplished by examining the blade of the key to determine if there's an embedded chip or cutout that shows the signs of an old key.
A key duplication machine may be purchased, but this isn't an option for most people. The machine is more expensive than keys that are blank, so you'll have to cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not sure about that, a vice and hand file are a much more affordable alternative. This is not the safest option as it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key or break the key in the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the car and even start the motor. These are small remote transmitters which communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle via radio waves. They're a great convenience for drivers, but they can be expensive to replace or duplicate if you lose one.
In contrast to traditional keys, which require a reputable locksmith, automotive dealer, or other specialty service provider to design, key fobs contain advanced electronics, making them more expensive to make than their basic counterparts. Key fobs must also be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which can add up in cost as well.
If you lose your only functioning fob, it could cost upwards of $300 to have a new fob and key from the dealership. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of an entirely new fob by up to 50% if you purchase it on the internet. Find the right key fob for your vehicle's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Certain key fobs need to be laser-cut or programmed by your local dealer. However, many of them can be programmed by the buyer.
Key fobs that are standard are cheaper than more advanced models to replace as they don't come with an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed after the fact. They can still be expensive to copy if you have a lost or damaged key and need a template to make them again however, they are more affordable than the cost of replacing an entire key set purchased from your dealer for your car.
Another option to reduce your key cutting costs is to purchase a new case for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your key fob, and leave the electronics inside unchanged. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and spare you the headache of trying to schedule an appointment at the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs offer many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to look for your keys. This is particularly useful when you have large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. If they have this feature built-in they will help you open the trunk and hatch.
These keys aren't ideal for long-term use because they drain batteries. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, depending on your vehicle's make and model. Fortunately, many key fobs can be replaced with replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. They are often available for much cheaper than the dealer-supplied version by searching online or at your local hardware store.
If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplicates can be as low as $10 to $15. You might also be able to buy a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain store. Newer keys that require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, but. They are usually laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high security keys. These keys have a thicker blade and have fewer grooves on the shank. They must be programmed by a specific machine in a locksmith or dealership.
A key with chips can be expensive to replace and usually requires an appointment with a dealer to have the replacement coded. They are also known as transponder or smart keys and they have electronics inside which must be validated by your vehicle before it will open any doors or start the engine. A dealer typically charges between $150 to $300 for a new key that comes with the key fob and a new transponder chip.
If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery inside your key fob dies it could cost you to replace the keys. The majority of 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 according to the signal and opens the trunk and hatch if the key is in close proximity to the receiver.