How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. Fortunately, cost of cutting a car key has the technology and parts to replace your key without having to pay the dealership.
Simply bring your current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours using a key cutting machine onsite. It's about 20% less than buying through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars are equipped with key fobs, which provide convenience and security to car owners. However they come at a cost. In certain instances it could be high to replace a lost or damaged key fob. The good news is that there are methods to lower the costs associated with 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 confronted with the expense of the visit of a locksmith or towing charges.
The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most cars since the mid 1990s. This technology was created in response to rising levels of theft from cars. Transponders in cars transmit an encrypted signal. When the key is inserted into ignition, an antenna ring around the ignition cylinder receives this signal and if it matches with the password, the engine will start. This is important as most thieves simply wire the vehicle and then drive off.
Transponder chips operate on a similar basis as microchips found in cell phones and computers. They do not require constant power. They emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that is detected by special detectors that are placed on the ignition cylinder and key head.
If you need to have an extra car key made for a car with transponder chips We strongly suggest that you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to create new keys for your specific vehicle model and. This is an excellent alternative to going to the dealership.
It is also important to know that some stores, like AutoZone will provide key programming services. They usually charge more than a professional locksmith. This is because they can take advantage of the "scaling" effect which occurs when the number of units sold rises. In other words, they can pass on their costs savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with chips or transponders which pair with the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they need programming that is only done by a dealership, auto locksmith, or your vehicle's manufacturer. This procedure can cost up 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 need them in the first place. This means having a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can buy another key for between $25-$50 at a box store or hardware retailer, based on the key type.
Many people don't realize that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discounted price. A factory-issued key will most likely contain the correct transponder. This is crucial because you won't be in a position to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.
Most hardware stores and box stores do not have the technology to program modern car keys, which is why they offer only basic key duplication services. You can also take them to a dealer or an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith shop to have them replaced.
If you plan to buy an inexpensive key online, make sure that it's not programmed to the vehicle of someone else. This can be done by checking the blade of the key for chip or an open cutout that has evidence of a previous key.
A key duplication machine may be purchased, but this is not a viable option for everyone. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys themselves and you'll need to cut many keys to make a profit. If you don't feel at ease using a vice, hand-files are a more affordable alternative. But, it's not the most secure method as it may damage the key's electronics or even cut the key off inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern cars come with remote controls that can lock and unlock the car and even start the motor. These are basically mini remote transmitters that connect to the computer in your vehicle via radio waves to transmit commands. They are a great benefit for drivers, but they are costly to duplicate or replace if lost.
Unlike traditional keys, which require a reputable locksmith, automotive dealer, or other specialty service provider to create keys, key fobs have advanced electronics, making them more expensive to manufacture than the standard keys. They also need to be programmed to work with your vehicle 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 reduce the cost of the new fob by up to 50% if you purchase it online. Search for a key fob for your vehicle's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these key fobs must be programmed or laser-cut by the dealer in your area. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the buyer.
Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for less than the more sophisticated models due to the fact that they don't have an embedded chip which needs to be reprogrammed. They can be costly to duplicate if you've damaged or lost keys and require a template to duplicate them, but they are much cheaper than the expense of replacing a complete key set from the dealer for your car.
Another way to cut your costs for cutting keys is to simply purchase a new case for your key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, but leave the electronic components intact. These shells are a cost-effective solution to update your keychain without making an appointment with a dealer.
Keys for Keyless Entry
Car key fobs offer a lot of benefits. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys. This is especially useful when you are carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. They can also help you open your hatch and trunk, if they have this functionality built-in.
These keys aren't recommended for long-term use since they can drain your battery. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. Key fobs are often repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search on the internet or at your local hardware store, you can often find them at significantly less than dealer-supplied options.
If you own an ordinary key, duplicate costs are typically very affordable and range from $10 to $15. You can also purchase keys to replace them at your local box retailer or hardware store. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption could be costly. They are typically laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high security keys. They have a larger shank and have less grooves carved out on the key's blade, and they must be programmed with a specific machine at a locksmith shop or dealer.
A key that has chip could be expensive to replace and typically requires a trip to the dealership to get the replacement code. These keys are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They contain electronic components that must be validated before they can be used to open doors or start your engine. Dealers can charge between $150 to $300 for a key that includes the key fob and a transponder chip.
Keys that have keyless entry could be costly to replace in the event that you lose them or the battery of your key fob dies. Keyless entry keys are available in the majority of modern automobiles. They work by sending messages from the key fob to an internal receiver in your car. The car then locks or unlocks based on this signal and opens the trunk and hatch if the key is close to the receiver.