How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys is not an ideal option. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your key without having to pay the dealership.
Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site with a key-cutting machine. It's about 20 percent less than purchasing from a dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Many modern vehicles have key fobs that provide an element of security and comfort to the car owner. However, these devices come with a cost. In some instances the cost of replacing a key fob that has been damaged or lost can be high. There are ways to cut down on the expense of these devices. It's cheaper to purchase a spare key now than to wait until you lose your car key and need to pay the locksmith or towing fees.
The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most automobiles since the mid 1990s. This technology was created in response to the increasing rate of car theft. A car transponder transmits an encrypted signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will begin. This is important as most thieves simply wire the vehicle and then drive away.
Transponder chips operate on the same basis as microchips used in computers and cell phones. The different is that they do not need constant power to work. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency which can be identified by special receivers in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself.
We recommend visiting your local locksmith if you require the spare key for a vehicle with a transponder. Many locksmiths have a system to make new keys for your particular vehicle model and make. This is a great alternative to visiting a dealership.
It is also important to know that some shops, such as AutoZone will provide key programming services. However, they typically cost more than locksmiths. They do this because they benefit from a "scaling effect" that occurs when the number of units sold rises. In this way, they could transfer their cost savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with chips or transponders that are connected to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which must be done by an auto locksmith or a dealership. This process can cost up to $500 for the new key, as well as reprogramming the immobilizer and perhaps costs for labor.
The best method to cut down on key cost is to avoid the need to replace your keys in the first place. It is essential to have an extra car key in case the original one is lost. You can purchase a duplicate key for $25 to $50 at a box store or hardware retailer, based on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can buy keys replacement online or at a reduced prices from the manufacturer. The benefit of buying an original key is that it will be equipped with the right transponder chip. This is important because you won't be able to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box stores don't have the capability to program modern car keys, so they only offer basic key duplication services. You can also take them to a dealer or a reputable auto repair shop or a locksmith to get them replaced.
Another thing to think about is that if you're considering purchasing a key for a low price from an online retailer, you'll have to ensure that it's not programmed to someone else's car. This can be done by examining the blade of the key for chip or a cutout that shows signs of an earlier key.
The purchase of a key duplication device is a different option, but it won't be affordable for most people. The cost of the machine is higher than keys with blanks, which means you'll have to cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you're not at ease using a vice, hand files are an option that is more affordable. But, it's not the most secure method as it may damage the key's electronics or even break the key in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the car and even start the motor. These are tiny remote transmitters which communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle using radio waves. These are a great convenience for drivers, but they are expensive to duplicate or replace if lost.
Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys due to their sophisticated electronic components. Fobs also require programming to work with your car and this can increase the cost.
A new fob and key can cost up to $300 when you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of the new fob by up to 50% if you buy it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have a key fob that fits your car model. Some of these key fobs must be laser-cut or programmed by your local dealer. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the buyer.
Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for a lot less than more sophisticated models because they do not have an embedded chip which requires reprogramming. They can be costly to duplicate if you've got a lost or damaged key and require a template make them again, but they are much cheaper than the expense of replacing an entire key set from the car's dealer.
Another way to cut your costs for cutting keys is by simply buying a new shell for your current key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that will replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, while leaving the electronics intact. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle of having to schedule an appointment with the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs offer numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, particularly when you're carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. They can also help you open your trunk and hatch, if they have this functionality integrated into them.
The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they often drain the battery and make it difficult to use for long periods of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Fortunately, many key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. If local key cutting search online or in your local hardware store, you will typically find them for significantly less than dealer-supplied options.
If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplication could be as low as $10-$15. You may also be able to purchase a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain store. However, replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding could be costly. They are typically laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a more robust blade and less grooves on its shank. They must be programmed by a specific machine in a locksmith or dealership.
It can be costly to replace a key using a microchip and it is 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 must be verified before they can open doors or start engines. Dealers will charge between $150 to $300 for a key that comes with the key fob, as well as a 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 them. Many modern cars come with these keys, which function by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a device in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It will also open the trunk and hatch when the key is near the receiver.