How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your key without overpaying at the dealership.
Simply bring a current working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours by using a key cutting machine onsite. It's about 20% less than going through a dealer.
Keys that have Transponder chips
Many modern cars have key fobs which provide security and comfort to the car owner. They are not free. In some instances, it can be quite high to replace a lost or damaged key fob. There are ways to reduce the cost of these devices. It's much less expensive to have a spare car key made now instead of waiting until you lose the key and are faced with paying for an appointment with a locksmith or towing charges.
The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a standard feature in automobiles since the mid 1990s. The technology was developed in response to rising levels of theft from cars. The basic idea behind a car transponder chip transmits an electronic signal that has a secret password. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the antenna ring around the ignition cylinder detects this signal and if it matches with the password, the engine will start. This is crucial because the majority of thieves simply wire the vehicle and then drive away.
Transponder chips operate on a similar principle to the microchips used in cell phones and computers. They don't require constant power. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency which can be detected by special receivers placed in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself.
We suggest visiting your local locksmith if you require the spare key for a car equipped with transponder. Many locksmiths have a system to make new keys for your particular vehicle model and make. This is a fantastic alternative to going to the dealership.
Also, it's important to note that stores such as AutoZone provide a key-programming service. They usually charge more than a professional locksmith. This is because they can take advantage of the "scaling" effect that occurs when the number of units sold rises. In this way, they could transfer their savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that are connected to the vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which can only be completed by an auto locksmith or a dealership. This process can cost up to $500 for a new key, the changing of the immobilizer's programming, and possible labor charges.
The best way to reduce cost of replacing car keys is to not have them in the first place. That means having a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can buy an additional key for $25 to $50 at a box store or hardware store, depending on the type of key.
Many people don't realize that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a reduced price. A factory key will most likely have the correct transponder. This is essential since you won't be able to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority 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 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 need to make sure it isn't already programmed to another vehicle. You can do this by looking at the key blade to find chip or an open cutout that has evidence of the previous key.
A key duplication machine can be purchased, but this 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're not happy with this, a vice and hand file are a more affordable option. It's not the best alternative as it can damage the key's electronic components or even break the key in the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the vehicle, and also start the motor. car keys cut and programmed are tiny remote transmitters which communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle via radio waves. These are a great convenience for drivers, but they can be expensive to duplicate or replace if they are lost.
Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys because they contain sophisticated electronics. Key fobs must also be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which could increase the cost as well.
A new key and fob can cost up to $300 in the event that you lose your sole functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of an entirely new fob by up to 50% if you buy it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have keys that are compatible with the car model you have. Some of these fobs might need to be laser-cut by a locksmith or programmed by your dealer in your area, but most can be customer-programmed with ease (though some may require two current, working keys to do this).
Key fobs for standard keys are cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace as they don't have an embedded chip that needs 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 duplicate them however, they are more affordable than the cost of replacing a complete key set from the car's dealer.
You can also cut down on cost of cutting keys by buying a new shell to replace your old key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that will replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, yet leave the electronics intact. These shells are a cost-effective solution to updating your keychain without having to make an appointment with a dealer.
Keys for Keyless Entry
Car key fobs offer many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without the need to hunt for your keys. This is especially useful when you have heavy groceries or other items in your hands. They can even help you open your trunk and hatch, in the event that they have this feature built-in.
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 may also be difficult to program. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs can be replaced using replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available at a much lower cost than the dealer-supplied version when you search online or at the local hardware store.
If you already have a standard key, duplication costs can be as just $10 to $15. You might also be able to purchase a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption could be costly. They are usually laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys, or high security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and less grooves on its shank. They must be programmed using a special machine at a locksmith or dealership.
A key with chip could be expensive to replace and typically requires a trip to the dealership to get the replacement code. These keys are also known as smart keys or transponder keys. They have electronics that need to be verified before they can be used to open doors or start engines. A dealer typically charges between $150 and $300 for a new original key that has both the key fob and the transponder chip.
Keys that have keyless entry could also be costly to replace if you lose them or the battery of your key fob fails. Many modern cars come with keys that 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 hatch and trunk if the key is within close proximity to the receiver.