Car Key Cutting Cost Isn't As Difficult As You Think
How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys is not an ideal option. Fortunately, this page has the technology and parts to replace your key without having to pay the dealership.
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
Many modern vehicles have key fobs which provide a level of security and convenience to the car owner. However, these devices come with an expense. In some instances it could be expensive to replace a lost or damaged key fob. There are methods to lower the costs of these devices. It's cheaper to buy a spare key now than to wait until you lose your car key and then pay for a locksmith or towing charges.
Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been an integral part of the majority of automobiles. Its name is derived from "transmitter and responder". The technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of car theft. Transponders in cars transmit an encrypted signal. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder detects this signal and when it matches the password, the engine starts. This is an important thing since most thieves connect a hot wire to the vehicle to get it started and then take off.
Transponder chips operate on a similar basis as microchips in cell phones and computers. The difference is that they don't need constant power to work. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that is detected by special detectors placed on the ignition cylinder as well as key head.
We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if in need of the spare key for your vehicle that has transponder. Many locksmiths have a tool to program new keys to the specific make and model of your car. This is an excellent alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to know that some stores like AutoZone provide a key-programming service. They often charge much more than professional locksmiths. They do this because they benefit from the "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold rises. They can then pass on the savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips which are linked to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming, which must be performed by an auto locksmith or a dealership. This procedure can cost up to $500 for the new key, reprogramming the immobilizer, and possibly costs for labor.
The best way to avoid car key replacement costs is to not need them in the first place. It is important to have an extra car key in the event that the original is lost. You can buy a duplicate key at an hardware store or box store for around $25 to $50, depending on the kind of key.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online at a discounted price from the manufacturer. The benefit of buying an original key is that it's likely to be equipped with the proper transponder chip. This is crucial, since you won't be able to make use of an aftermarket car key unless it's been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the tools needed to program modern car keys and therefore, they are unable to offer basic duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, auto repair shop or dealer to get them replaced.
Another thing to take into consideration is that if you're thinking of purchasing a key for a low price from an online retailer, you'll need to make sure it isn't already programmed to someone else's car. This can be done by checking the key blade to determine if it has an embedded chip or a cutout that shows signs of an old key.
A key duplication machine may be purchased, but it is not a viable option for everyone. The machine costs more than blank keys, so you'll need to cut numerous keys to break even. If you're not happy with this, a vice or hand file are a much cheaper alternative. But, it's not the most secure method as it may harm the electronics of the key or even break the key inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that are remote controls that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle and also to start the engine. These are basically mini remote transmitters that connect to your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to send commands. They're a great convenience for drivers, however they can be costly to replace or duplicate if you lose one.
Contrary to traditional keys that require a reputable locksmith, automotive dealer, or other specialty service provider to make keys, key fobs are equipped with sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to produce than their basic counterparts. Key fobs must also be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which could increase the cost as well.
A new key and fob could cost as much as $300 if you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob down to just $50 by buying it online. Look for an appropriate key fob for your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these fobs might need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by a local dealer, but a lot are programmable by customers with ease (though some will require two working, current keys for this).
Key fobs that are standard are cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace because they don't come with an embedded chip that needs to be programmed after the fact. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you have to design an original template for a lost or damaged key The cost is far less than buying a new set of keys from a car dealer.
You can also lower your cost of cutting keys by purchasing a new case to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that will replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, while leaving the electronics intact. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle of trying to schedule an appointment with the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
The car key fob has many benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to search for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you are carrying large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. If they have this feature, they can help you open your trunk and hatch.
The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they often drain the battery and make it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look on the internet or at your local hardware store, you will often find these for significantly less than the dealer-supplied options.
If you already have a standard 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. Keys that are newer and require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, however. They are usually laser cut, sometimes called sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a more robust blade and have fewer grooves on its shank. They have to be programmed using a special machine in a locksmith or dealership.
It can be costly to replace a key that has microchips and it is usually necessary to visit a dealer in order to get the replacement code. Keys with chips are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They have electronics that must be verified before they can open doors or start engines. A dealer can charge between $150 and $300 for a new key that comes with the key fob as well as a new transponder chip.
If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery in the key fob fails, it can be costly to replace them. Keyless entry keys are available 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 based on the signal. It will also open the trunk and hatch when the key is near the receiver.