10 Things We Hate About Car Key Cutting Cost

How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your keys without having to pay a dealership.

Bring a key that is working 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 an agent.

Keys with Transponder Chips

Modern cars are equipped with key fobs that provide security and convenience to owners. However, these devices come with a cost. In some instances it can be high to replace a damaged or lost key fob. The good news is that there are ways to cut the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to purchase an extra key today instead of waiting until you lose your car keys and need to pay locksmith services or towing costs.

The transponder chip (which is named after the words "transmitter + responder") has been in use in the majority of automobiles since the mid 1990s. This technology was developed to combat the rising number of car thefts. Transponders in cars transmit the secret code through a signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition, the antenna ring around the ignition cylinder receives this signal and if it matches the password, the engine starts. This is a big deal since most thieves hot wire the vehicle to start it, and then take off.

Transponder chips operate on the same principle as the microchips in cell phones and computers. The different is that they do not need constant power to work. Instead, they transmit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that can be identified by special receivers in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself.

We suggest visiting your local locksmith if you need a spare key for your vehicle that has transponder. Most locksmiths will have a tool that can program new keys for the make and model of the vehicle you own. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.

It's also important to know that some stores like AutoZone provide a key-programming service. They usually charge more than a professional locksmith. They can do this because they benefit from an "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold increases. They can then pass on the savings to the consumers.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that are connected to the car when the key is put in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which must be done by an auto locksmith or dealership. This procedure can cost as high as $500 for an entirely new key, programming of the immobilizer and possibly, labor costs.

The best method to save money on key cost is to avoid the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. This means you should have a spare key in case you lose the original. You can buy an additional key for $25 to $50 at a box store or hardware shop, based on the key type.

Many people are unaware that they can buy keys replacement online or at a a discounted price from the manufacturer. The advantage of purchasing the factory key is that it will have the correct transponder chip. This is important, as you will not be able use a car key that is aftermarket unless it's been professionally programmed.

The majority of hardware stores and box stores don't have the capability to program modern car keys, so they only offer basic key duplication services. You can also go to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith to have them replaced.

Another thing to take into consideration is that if you're thinking of buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll need to make sure it isn't already programmed to another vehicle. This can be done by examining the blade of the key to determine if there's a chip or cutout that shows signs of an old key.

Purchasing a key duplication machine is an alternative, but it won't be affordable for the majority of people. The machine is more expensive than keys that are blank, so you'll have to cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you're not comfortable using a vice, hand files are an alternative that is less expensive. This isn't the most secure alternative as it can damage the key's electronic components or break the key in the lock.

hop over to these guys  with Key Fobs

Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the car and start the motor. These are basically mini remote transmitters that connect to the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to transmit commands. These are great features for drivers, but they can be costly to duplicate or replace if lost.

Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys because they contain sophisticated electronics. Key fobs must also be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which can add up in costs as well.

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 cut the cost of a replacement fob to only $50 if you buy it on the internet. Search for the right key fob for your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these fobs might require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by your local dealer, but a lot can be programmed by the customer easily (though some will require two working, current keys for this).

Key fobs that are standard are less expensive than more advanced models to replace because they don't contain an embedded chip that has to be programmed after the fact. While they can be expensive to duplicate if you have to create an original template for a lost or damaged key, the cost is much lower than purchasing a brand new set of keys from your 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 new shells that replace the plastic outer and buttons on your keychain, but leaving the inside electronics unaltered. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle of having to make an appointment at the dealership.

Keys for Keyless Entry

The car key fob has many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without the need to hunt for your keys. This is especially useful when you have large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. They can even help you open your hatch and trunk, if they have this functionality built in.

The downside to these types of keys is that they often consume battery power, making it hard to use them for a long period of time. Additionally, they are difficult to program, depending on the make and model. Fortunately, most key fobs can be replaced with replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. If you look online or in your local hardware store, you can often find them at less than the dealer-supplied options.

If you already have a standard key then the cost of duplication could be as just $10 to $15. You can also purchase an additional key from your local hardware store or box retailer store. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding could be costly. They are typically laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys, or high security keys. These keys have a thicker blade and have fewer grooves on the shank. They need to be programmed by a specific machine found in a locksmith dealership.

A key that has a chip can be quite expensive to replace and typically requires an appointment with a dealer to obtain a replacement code. These keys are often referred to as transponder or smart keys and they come with electronic components that must be validated by your car before it will open any doors or start the engine. Dealers can charge between $150 to $300 for a key that has the key fob, as well as transponder chips.

If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery inside your key fob goes out it could be expensive to replace the keys. Many modern cars come with these keys, which function by sending a signal from the key fob to a device in your car. The car locks or unlocks itself based on this signal and opens the hatch and trunk if the key is in close proximity to the receiver.