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 you need to replace your car keys without paying dealership cost.
Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site with a key cutting machine. This costs on average 20 percent less than purchasing from dealers.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars have key fobs, which offer security and convenience for car owners. These devices are not free. In some instances it can be expensive to replace a damaged or lost key fob. There are ways to cut down on the cost of these devices. It's much less expensive to have a spare vehicle key now instead of waiting until you lose the key and you are facing the cost of the visit of a locksmith or towing fees.
The transponder chip (which is named after the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most cars since the mid-1990s. The technology was developed as a response to the rising rate of theft from cars. G28 Car Keys UK transmits the secret code through a signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition, an antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder reads the signal and, when it matches the password, the engine is started. This is an important thing because most thieves simply connect a hot wire to the vehicle to get it started and then take off.
Transponder chips operate on the same principle as the microchips used in cell phones and computers. They do not require constant power. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that is detected by special detectors placed on the ignition cylinder as well as key head.
We recommend visiting your local locksmith if you require a spare key for a vehicle with transponder. Most locksmiths will have a tool to program new keys to the specific model and make of the vehicle you own. This is an excellent alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to know that some stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming option. However, they typically cost significantly higher than a locksmith. This is due to the fact that they can benefit from the "scaling" effect which occurs when the number of units sold increases. They can then pass on the savings to the consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips that connect with the vehicle when the key is inserted into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming that can only be performed by a dealership, auto locksmith or the manufacturer of your vehicle. The process could cost as high as $500 for a new key, the reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possibly, labor costs.
The best way to cut down on the expense of replacing your car keys is to not require them in the first place. It is crucial to have a spare car key in case the original one is lost. You can purchase a duplicate key for $25-$50 at a box store or hardware retailer, based on the key type.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online at reduced prices from the manufacturer. A factory-issued key will likely contain the correct transponder. This is important, as you will not be able make use of an aftermarket car key unless it's been 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 also visit an independent locksmith, auto repair shop or the dealer to have them replaced.
Another thing to take into consideration is that if you're considering buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll have to ensure that it's not programmed to someone else's car. You can do this by checking the key blade to find chips or the cutout to see if it shows evidence 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 machine is more expensive than blank keys, so you'll need to cut numerous keys to break even. If you're not comfortable using a vice, hand files are an option that is more affordable. This is not the safest option because it can cause damage to the electronic components of the key or break the key in the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that are remote controls that lock and unlock your car and even start the engine. These are small remote transmitters that communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle through radio waves. These are a great convenience for drivers, but they can be expensive to duplicate or replace if lost.
Unlike traditional keys, which require a great locksmith, dealer in automotive, or any other specialist service provider to make, key fobs contain sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to manufacture than their standard counterparts. Fobs also require programming to work with your car and can add up in price.
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 shop might have an appropriate key fob for your car model. Some of these fobs might require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by a local dealer, but many are programmable by customers with relative ease (though some will require two current, working keys to do this).
Key fobs for standard keys are cheaper than more advanced models to replace because they don't contain an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed following the fact. They can still be expensive to duplicate if you've got a lost or damaged key and require a template make them again but they're much cheaper than the expense of replacing a complete key set from the dealer for your car.
Another way to cut the cost of cutting keys is to purchase an entirely new shell for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, but leave the electronics intact. These shells are a cost-effective option to upgrade your keychain without the need to make an appointment with a dealer.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob has many benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, especially when you're carrying heavy groceries or other weights in your hands. If they have this feature they will help you open your trunk and hatch.
The downside to these types of keys is that they frequently drain the battery and make it difficult to use for long periods of time. Additionally, they are difficult to program, based on your vehicle's make and model. Key fobs are often repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. They are often available at a lower cost than a dealer-supplied option, if you look on the internet or visit the local hardware store.
If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplicates can be as low as $10-$15. You may also be able to purchase a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain retailers. Keys that require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, however. They are usually laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys or high security keys. These keys have a thicker blade and have fewer grooves on its shank. They must be programmed by a specific machine at a locksmith or dealership.
It is costly to replace a key that has microchips and it is usually necessary to visit a dealer in order to have the replacement coded. These are commonly called transponder keys 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 typically charges between $150 to $300 for a brand new original key that includes both the key fob as well as a new transponder chip.
If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery inside your key fob dies, it can be costly to replace the keys. Keyless entry keys are available in the majority of modern automobiles. They work by sending messages from the key fob into a receiver within your car. The car locks or unlocks itself based on this signal and opens the hatch and trunk if the key is close to the receiver.