20 Up-Andcomers To Watch The Car Key Cutting Cost Industry
How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
The loss of your car keys isn't a good idea. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your key without overpaying at the dealership.
Simply bring keys cut working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours by using a key cutting machine onsite. It's about 20 percent less than purchasing from a dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars are equipped with key fobs, which provide security and convenience to owners. These devices aren't free. In some cases it could be high to replace a lost or damaged key fob. The good news is that there are methods to cut the costs associated with these devices. It is cheaper to order a spare key now instead of waiting until you lose your car keys and then pay for the locksmith or towing fees.
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 developed in response to the increasing rate of car theft. The basic idea behind the car transponder chip emits an electronic signal that has a secret password. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the antenna ring around the ignition cylinder detects the signal and, if it matches with the password, the engine is started. This is a big deal since most thieves hot wire the vehicle to get it started and then take off.
Transponder chips function on the same basis as microchips in computers and cell phones. The different is that they do not require constant power to function. Instead, they send an electromagnetic signal of low frequency which can be identified by special receivers in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself.
If you need to have a spare car key made for a vehicle equipped with transponder chips We strongly suggest that you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a device that can program new keys to the specific make and model of your vehicle. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to remember that stores such as AutoZone provide a key-programming service. However, they typically cost more than a locksmith. This is due to the fact that they are able to profit from the "scaling" effect which occurs when the number of units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to the consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with chips or transponders which are connected to the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming that is only done by a dealership, auto locksmith or the manufacturer of your vehicle. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for the new key, as well as reprogramming the immobilizer and possibly the cost of 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 case you lose the original. You can purchase a duplicate key for $25-$50 at a box store or hardware shop, based on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase keys replacement online or at a a discounted price from the manufacturer. The advantage of purchasing an original key is that it will be equipped with the proper transponder chip. This is important because you won't be able to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed.
The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the equipment to program modern 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.
If you are planning to purchase a key for a low price online, make sure it's not programmed to someone else's vehicle. This can be done by looking at the key blade for chips or the cutout to see if it shows evidence of an earlier key.
A key duplication device can be purchased, but it isn't an option for most people. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys themselves and you'll need to cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you're not comfortable using a vice, a hand file is a more affordable alternative. However, this isn't the most secure option as it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even cut the key off in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the car and also start the motor. They are tiny transmitters which communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle through radio waves. They are a convenience for drivers, but they can be costly to replace or duplicate if you lose one.
Unlike traditional keys, which require a professional locksmith, dealer in automotive, or other specialty service provider to design keys, key fobs are equipped with advanced electronics, making them more expensive to manufacture than their basic counterparts. Fobs also need to be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which can increase the cost as well.
If you lose your only working fob, it could cost upwards of $300 to have a new original fob and key from the dealer. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of the new fob by as much as 50% if you purchase it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have keys that are compatible with your car model. Some of these keys may require laser cutting by a locksmith or programmed by a dealer in your area, but most can be customer-programmed with relative ease (though some may require two current, working keys for this).
Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for less than more sophisticated models since they do not contain an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed. They can be costly to copy if you have a lost or damaged key and require a template duplicate them but they're much more affordable than the cost of replacing the entire key set from your dealer for your car.
Another way to cut the cost of cutting keys is by simply buying an entirely new shell for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your keychain, but leaving the inside electronics unaltered. 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 for Keyless Entry
Car key fobs have a lot of benefits. They let you lock and unlock your car without the need to hunt for your keys. This is especially useful when you have heavy groceries or other items in your hands. They can even assist you to open your trunk and hatch when they've got this feature built in.
The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they frequently drain the battery, making it hard to use them for long periods of time. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Fortunately, most key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available for much cheaper than a dealer-supplied option, by searching online or at the local hardware store.
If you have a standard key, duplication costs are typically very affordable and vary from $10 to $15. You can also purchase a replacement key at your local box retailer or hardware store. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption can be expensive. They are typically laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys, or high security keys. They have a more robust blade and have fewer grooves on its shank. They need to be programmed by a special machine in a locksmith or dealership.
It can be expensive to replace a key with microchips and it is often required to visit a dealer in order to have the replacement coded. These are commonly called transponder keys or smart keys, and they come with electronic components that need to be verified by your car before it can open doors or start the engine. A dealer can charge between $150 and $300 for a brand new original key that has both the key fob as well as the transponder chip.
Keys that have keyless entry could also be costly to replace if you lose them or the battery of your key fob fails. Most modern cars have keys that function by sending a signal from your key fob to a device in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk when the key is close to the receiver.