How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your key without having to pay a dealership.
Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site using a key-cutting machine. On average, this is 20% less than buying through a dealer.
Keys that have Transponder chips
Modern cars are equipped with key fobs, which offer convenience and security to car owners. These devices aren't free. In some cases it can be high to replace a damaged or lost key fob. The good news is that there are methods to cut the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to buy an extra key today than wait until you lose your car key and then pay for locksmith services or towing costs.
The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been in use in the majority of cars since the mid 1990s. The technology was developed in response to rising levels of theft from cars. Essentially, the car transponder chip emits a signal that contains a secret password. When the key is placed in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it and reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will begin. This is important because most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle before driving away.
Transponder chips work on the same principle as the microchips found in computers and cell phones. The different is that they do not need constant power to work. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal which can be identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder as well as the key head.
If you need to have an extra car key made for a vehicle equipped with a transponder chip We strongly suggest that you visit your local locksmith. Most locksmiths will have a tool to program new keys to the specific make and model of your car. This is a great alternative to visiting a dealership.
It's also important to remember that some stores, like AutoZone will offer a key programming service. However, they typically cost more than a locksmith. This is because they are able to benefit from the "scaling" effect which occurs when the number of units sold rises. In this way, they could pass on their costs savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with chips or transponders which connect to the vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. These keys are more costly to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which can only be completed by an auto locksmith or dealership. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for a new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer and possibly costs for labor.
The best way to avoid the expense of replacing your car keys is to not have them in the first place. That means having a spare key in case you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key for $25 to $50 at a hardware or box store shop, based on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online or at reduced prices from the manufacturer. A factory key is likely to have the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you cannot use a car key that is aftermarket unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware and box stores don't have the capability to program modern car keys, so they only offer basic key duplication services. You can also visit a locksmith, independent auto repair shop or dealer to get them replaced.
Another thing to consider is that if you're thinking of buying a cheap key from an online retailer, you'll have to ensure that it's not programmed to someone else's car. This can be done by checking the key blade to see if there is a chip, or a cutout showing evidence of an old key.
A key duplication machine can be purchased, but it is not an option for most people. The machine is more expensive than keys with blanks, which means you'll have to cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not at ease with a vice a hand file is an alternative that is less expensive. However, it's not the most secure method as it may damage the key's electronics or break the key off inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that are remote controls to lock your car, unlock it and even start the engine. They are tiny transmitters which communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle via radio waves. They're a benefit for drivers, but they can be costly to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.
Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronics. Fobs must also be programmed to work with your car and this can add cost.
A new key and fob could cost as much as $300 if you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of an entirely new fob by up to 50% if you buy it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have a key fob that fits your car model. Some of these keys may need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by your local dealer, but a lot are programmable by customers with ease (though some may require two working keys to accomplish this).
Standard key fobs can be replaced for a lot less than the more sophisticated models due to the fact that they don't have an embedded chip which requires reprogramming. They can still be expensive to copy if you have damaged or lost keys and require a template make them again, but they are much more affordable than the cost of replacing a complete key set from the car's dealer.
Another option to reduce your key cutting costs is to purchase a new shell for your current key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that will replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronics intact. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain, and save you the hassle of trying to schedule an appointment with the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs have a lot of benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to search for your keys. This is especially useful when you are carrying large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. If they've got this feature built-in they will assist you to open the trunk and hatch.
These keys aren't recommended for long-term use since they can drain your battery. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. A lot of key fobs can be replaced with new ones from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search online or in your local hardware store, you'll typically find them for significantly less than the dealer-supplied alternatives.
If you have an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually affordable and range from $10 to $15. You may also be able purchase an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain retailer. Keys that are newer and require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, however. Keys that are laser-cut, often referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and have fewer grooves on the shank. They have to be programmed using a special machine at a locksmith or dealership.
A key with chips can be costly to replace and often requires the visit to a dealership to get the replacement code. These keys are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They contain electronic components that need to be verified before they are able to open doors or start your engine. Dealers can charge between $150-$300 for a key that includes the key fob as well as the transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry may be costly to replace if you lose them or the battery of your key fob dies. Many modern cars come with these keys, which function by sending a signal from the key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks itself based on this signal and opens the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.