How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys is never an ideal idea. Luckily, car key cutting cost has the technology and the 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 its contours by using the key cutting machine on site. It's about 20% less than going through the dealer.
Keys that have Transponder chips
Modern cars are equipped with key fobs, which provide security and convenience for car owners. However, these devices come with an expense. In some instances, the cost of replacing a key fob which is damaged or lost is high. There are ways to reduce the costs of these devices. It's cheaper to buy an extra key today than to wait until you lose your car keys and have to pay for a locksmith or towing charges.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been a vital component of most automobiles. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". This technology was developed to counter the growing number of car thefts. A car transponder transmits the secret code through a signal. When the key is inserted into ignition, the antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder detects this signal and if it matches with the password, the engine will start. This is an important thing because the majority of thieves simply use hot wires to start it and then leave the scene.
Transponder chips work in a similar way to the microchips found in computers and cell phones. The different is that they do not require constant power to function. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal which can be detected by special detectors that are placed on the ignition cylinder and key head.
We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if you require the spare key for a car equipped with transponder. Most locksmiths have a device to program new keys to match your car model and make. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
Also, auto key cutting to note that stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming option. They often charge much more than a professional locksmith. This is because they are able to benefit from the "scaling" effect which occurs when the quantity 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 paired to the car when the key is put in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming that is only completed by a dealership auto locksmith or the vehicle's manufacturer. This procedure can cost as much as $500 for an entirely new key, changing of the immobilizer's programming, and possibly, labor costs.
The best way to cut down on cost of replacing car keys is to not require them in the first place. This means having a spare key in case you lose the original. You can buy another key for between $25-$50 at the hardware store or a box store, depending on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discount. A factory-issued key will likely have the correct transponder. This is vital, as you will not be able use an aftermarket car key unless it's been professionally programmed.
The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the equipment to program modern-day car keys and therefore, they are unable to offer basic duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, auto repair shop or the dealer to get them replaced.
Another thing to think about is that if you're planning on buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll need to make sure it isn't already programmed to someone else's car. This can be accomplished by examining the blade of the key to determine if there's chips or cutout that shows evidence of an old key.
The purchase of a key duplication device is a different option however, it's not affordable for the majority of people. The machine is more expensive than keys with blanks, which means you'll need to cut numerous keys in order to break even. If you're not at ease with a vice hand-files are a more affordable alternative. However, it's not the most secure option as it may harm the electronics of the key or even cut the key off in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the car and also start the motor. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that communicate with your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to transmit commands. They're a benefit for drivers, but they can be costly to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.
Unlike traditional keys, which require a great locksmith, automotive dealer, or any other specialist service provider to make, key fobs contain sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to manufacture than their basic counterparts. Fobs also need to 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 when you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob down to just $50 if you buy it on the internet. Search for the right key fob that matches your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these key fobs must be laser-cut or programmed by the local dealer. However, many of them can be programmed by the buyer.
Key fobs for standard keys are cheaper than more advanced models to replace because they don't have an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed following the fact. However, they can be costly to duplicate if you need to create an original template for a lost or damaged key The cost is far less than purchasing a new set of keys from a car dealer.
Another way to cut your costs for cutting keys is by simply buying a new case for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that can replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronic components intact. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain and save you the hassle of trying to make an appointment at the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs offer a lot of benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, especially if you're carrying groceries or other heavy items in your hands. They can even assist you to open your trunk and hatch, when they've got this feature integrated into them.
These keys aren't recommended for long-term use because they can drain your battery. Additionally, they are difficult to program, based on the vehicle's model and make. A lot of key fobs can be repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. These can often be found for much cheaper than the dealer-supplied version if you look on the internet or visit the local hardware store.
If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplication could be as low as $10-$15. You can also purchase an additional key from your local hardware or box retailer store. Newer keys that require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, but. These keys are usually laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys, or high security keys. They have a thicker shank, and less carved-out grooves on the blade and must be programmed using a specific machine that is found at a dealership or locksmith shop.
It can be costly to replace a key with a microchip, and it's usually necessary to visit a dealer in order to have the replacement coded. These keys are often referred to as transponder or smart keys and they are equipped with electronics that need to be verified by your vehicle before it will open any doors or start the engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 to $300 for a brand new original key that has both the key fob as well as a new transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry may also be costly to replace in the event that you lose them or your key fob battery dies. Keyless entry keys can be found in a majority of modern vehicles. They function by transmitting a message from the key fob to a receiver within your car. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It will also open the hatch and trunk when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.