The Top 5 Reasons People Thrive In The Car Key Cutting Cost Industry
How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts you need to replace your car keys without paying a dealership's high prices.
Simply bring a working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours by using an on-site key cutting machine. It's about 20% less than purchasing through a dealer.
Keys that have Transponder chips
Many modern vehicles have key fobs that offer an element of security and convenience for the owner of the vehicle. However they also come with costs. In some cases the cost of replacing a key fob which has been lost or damaged could be costly. The good news is that there are ways to cut the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to have a spare vehicle key made now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and are facing the cost of the visit of a locksmith or towing costs.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip had been a key component of most automobiles. Its name is derived from "transmitter and responder". This technology was developed to counter the growing number of car thefts. The car transponder transmits a secret code via a signal. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the antenna ring around the ignition cylinder detects the signal and, when it matches the password, the engine is started. This is an important thing because the majority of thieves simply use hot wires to start it and then drive off.
Transponder chips work on the same principle as the microchips used in computers and cell phones. They do not require constant power. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal of low frequency that can be recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself.
If you're looking to get a spare car key created for a car with a transponder chip, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Many locksmiths have a tool to program new keys for the model and make of your car. This is a fantastic alternative to going to the dealership.
Also, it's important to note that stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming option. They typically charge more than professional locksmiths. This is due to the fact that they are able to profit from the "scaling" effect that occurs when the number of units sold increases. They can then pass on the savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips which are linked to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which must be done by a dealership or auto locksmith. This procedure can cost as high as $500 for new keys, the reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possibly, labor costs.
The best method to cut down on key cutting costs is by avoiding the need to replace your keys in the first place. It is essential to have an extra car key in case the original key is lost. You can buy a duplicate key from an hardware store or box store for around $25-$50, based on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discount. The advantage of buying an original key is that it's likely to be equipped with the correct transponder chip. This is crucial, since you cannot make use of an aftermarket car key without having it professionally programmed.
The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the equipment to program modern car key, so they can only offer basic duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, auto repair shop or the dealer to get them replaced.
If you're planning to purchase a key for a low price online, make sure that it's not programmed to the vehicle of someone else. This can be accomplished by looking at the blade of the key to determine if it has a chip or cutout that shows evidence of an old key.
Purchasing a key duplication machine is a different option however, it's not affordable for the majority of people. The machine is more expensive than blank keys, so you'll need to cut numerous keys to break even. If cost to get a key cut 're not at ease using a vice, a hand file is an option that is more affordable. But, it's not the safest method because it could harm the electronics of the key or even break the key inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Many modern cars come with key fobs that function as remote controls that lock your car, unlock it and also to start the engine. These are basically mini remote transmitters that connect to the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to transmit commands. They're a great convenience for drivers, but they can be expensive to replace or duplicate if you lose one.
Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys because they contain sophisticated electronics. They also need to be programmed to work with your vehicle and can add up in price.
A new fob and key 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 to only $50 by buying it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have an appropriate key fob for your car model. Certain key fobs will need to be programmed or laser-cut by your local dealer. However, many can be programmed by the customer.
Key fobs that are standard are cheaper than more advanced models to replace as they don't contain an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed following the fact. They can be costly to copy if you have a lost or damaged key and require a template to reproduce them, but they are much cheaper than the expense of replacing a complete key set from the dealer in your vehicle.
Another option to reduce the cost of cutting keys is to purchase a new case for your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your key fob and leave the electronics inside unchanged. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain and spare you the headache of trying to schedule an appointment with the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
Car key fobs offer many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, especially when you're carrying heavy groceries or other loads in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built in they will assist you to open your trunk and hatch.
These keys are not ideal for long-term use since they drain batteries. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, based on the model and make. Key fobs are often replaced with new ones from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. If you search online or visit your local hardware store, you can often find them at significantly less than the dealer-supplied options.
If you already have a standard key, the cost of duplication could be as low as $10 to $15. You can also purchase keys to replace them at your local hardware store or box retailer store. However, replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding could be costly. They are usually laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys or high security keys. They have a larger shank and less carved-out grooves on the blade of the key, and must be programmed with a specific machine that is found at a dealership or locksmith shop.
It is costly to replace a key using a microchip, and it's often required to visit the dealer to obtain the replacement code. These keys are also known as smart keys or transponder keys. They are equipped with electronics that must be validated before they can open doors or start your engine. Dealers can charge between $150-$300 for a key that comes with the key fob, as well as a transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry may also be costly to replace if you lose them or the battery of your key fob fails. The majority of modern cars have these keys, which function by sending a signal from your key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk when the key is close to the receiver.