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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
The loss of your car keys is not an ideal idea. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your keys without overpaying at 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% less than buying from a dealer.
Keys with 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 certain instances the cost of replacing a key fob that has been lost or damaged is high. There are ways to cut down on the costs of these devices. It's much less expensive to get a spare car key made now instead of waiting until you lose the key and you are confronted with the expense of the visit of a locksmith or towing fees.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been a vital component of all cars. Its name is derived from "transmitter and responder". This technology was created in response to rising levels of vehicle theft. The basic idea behind the car transponder chip emits a signal that contains the secret password. When the key is placed in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it and reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will begin. This is important as most thieves simply wire the vehicle and drive off.
Transponder chips work on the same principle as the microchips found in cell phones and computers. They don't require constant power. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that is identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder and the key head.
If you're looking to get a spare car key made for a car with a transponder chip We highly recommend you visit your local locksmith. 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.
It's also important to remember that stores like AutoZone provide a key-programming service. However, they usually cost significantly more than locksmiths. They do this because they can take advantage of the "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to the consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips which connect to the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. These keys are more costly to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which can only be done by an auto locksmith or dealership. The process could cost as high as $500 for new keys, the reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possible labor charges.
The best method to cut down on key cutting costs is by avoiding the need to replace your keys in the first place. This means you should have a spare key in case you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key at the hardware store or at a box store for between $25-$50, based on the kind of key.
Most people don't know that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a reduced price. The advantage of purchasing the factory key is that it will likely be equipped with the proper transponder chip. This is vital, as you cannot use a car key that is aftermarket unless it's been professionally programmed.
The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the equipment to program modern car keys They can only offer basic duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, a repair shop or dealer to get them replaced.
If you plan to buy an inexpensive key online, make sure it's not programmed to another vehicle. This can be accomplished by examining the blade of the key to see if there is a chip or a cutout that shows the signs of an old key.
A key duplication device can be purchased, but it isn't an option for most people. The machine costs more than blank keys, so you'll have to cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not at ease with a vice hand files are an alternative that is less expensive. This is not the safest alternative as it can damage the key's electronic components or break the key in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that are remote controls that lock and unlock your vehicle and start the engine. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that connect to your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to transmit commands. These are a great convenience for drivers but can be expensive to duplicate or replace if they are lost.
Contrary to traditional keys that require a reputable locksmith, automotive dealer, or a different specialist service provider to design, key fobs contain sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to make than the standard keys. They also require to be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which could add up in cost too.
A new fob and key could cost as much as $300 in the event that you lose your sole 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. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have keys that are compatible with your car model. Some of these fobs might need to be laser-cut by a locksmith or programmed by your local dealer, but many can be customer-programmed with ease (though some will require two working, current keys to do this).
Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for less than more advanced models because they do not contain an embedded chip that must be reprogrammed. Although they can be costly to duplicate in the event that you need to create templates for a damaged or lost key The cost is far less than purchasing a new key from your car dealer.
You can also reduce your key cutting costs by buying a new shell to replace your current 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 solution to update your keychain without the need to make an appointment with a dealer.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs come with a lot of benefits. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to look for your keys. places to get keys cut near me is especially useful when you're carrying large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. If they have this feature they will assist you to open your trunk and hatch.
The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they frequently consume battery power and make it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. A lot of key fobs can be replaced with 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 online or at your local hardware store.
If you already have a standard key then duplication costs can be as low as $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. These keys are usually laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys or high security keys. These keys have a thicker blade and less grooves on the shank. They need to be programmed by a specific machine found in a locksmith dealership.
It can be costly to replace a key using microchips and it is often required to visit a dealer to obtain the replacement code. These are commonly called transponder keys or smart keys, and they are equipped with electronics that need to be verified by your car before it will open any doors or start the engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 and $300 for a new original key that includes both the key fob as well as a new transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry can also be costly to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery fails. Many modern cars come with these keys, which function by sending a signal from the key fob to a receiver inside 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.