The 10 Scariest Things About Car Key Cutting Cost
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It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts you require to replace your car keys without paying dealership costs.
Simply bring a working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours by using an on-site key cutting machine. On average, this costs 20% less than going through a dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Many modern vehicles have key fobs that provide a level of security and comfort to the car owner. These devices aren't free. In certain instances, it can be quite high to replace a damaged or lost key fob. The good news is that there are methods to cut the costs associated with these devices. It is cheaper to order an extra key now rather instead of waiting until you lose your car keys and need to pay locksmith services or towing costs.
The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most cars since the mid 1990s. The technology was created to counter the growing number of car thefts. Essentially, the chip in a car transponder transmits a signal that contains the secret password. When the key is inserted in the ignition, the antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder reads the signal and, if it matches with the password, the engine is started. This is an important thing since most thieves connect a hot wire to the vehicle to start it and then leave the scene.
Transponder chips function on the same basis as microchips used in cell phones and computers. The difference is that they don't require constant power to function. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal of low frequency that can be recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself.
If you require a spare car key created for a car equipped with a transponder chip We strongly suggest that you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to program new keys for your particular vehicle model and. This is a fantastic alternative to visiting a dealership.
It's also important to note that some stores such as AutoZone offer a key programming service. They usually charge more than a professional locksmith. This is because they are able to profit from the "scaling" effect which occurs when the number of units sold increases. In other words, they can transfer their cost savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips which connect to the vehicle whenever the key is placed in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which can only be done by an auto locksmith or a dealership. This process can cost up to $500 for the new key, reprogramming the immobilizer and perhaps costs for labor.
The best way to reduce cost of replacing car keys is to not require them in the first place. This means you should have an extra key in case you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key from a hardware store or box store for about $25 to $50, based on the kind of key.
Many people don't realize that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discounted price. The advantage of buying a factory key is that it's likely to come with the proper transponder chip. This is important, as you will not be able 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 technology necessary to program modern car keys and therefore, they are unable to offer basic duplication services. You can also bring them to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith to have them replaced.
Another thing to consider is that if you're considering buying a cheap key from an online retailer, you'll need ensure that it's not programmed to another vehicle. This can be accomplished by looking at the blade of the key to see if there is a chip or cutout that shows signs of an old key.
Purchasing a key duplication machine is a different option however, it's not affordable for the majority of people. The cost of the machine is higher than keys that are blank, so you'll need to cut many keys to make a profit. If you're not comfortable with this, a vice or hand file are a much cheaper alternative. This isn't the most secure alternative as it can damage the key's electronic components or even break the key in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the car, and also start the motor. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that connect to your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to transmit commands. They're a benefit for drivers, however they can be expensive to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.
Contrary to traditional keys that require a reputable locksmith, automotive dealer, or other specialty service provider to create keys, key fobs have sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to manufacture than their basic counterparts. Key fobs must also be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which can increase the cost too.
A new key and fob could cost as much as $300 when you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob down to as little as $50 by buying it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto key cutting machine-parts store might have an appropriate key fob for the car key blade cutting model you have. Certain key fobs need to be laser-cut or programmed by your local dealer. However, many of them can be programmed by the buyer.
Key fobs for standard keys are cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace because they don't come with an embedded chip that requires to be reprogrammed following the fact. They are still expensive to duplicate if you've damaged or lost keys and require a template to duplicate them however, they are cheaper than the expense of replacing the entire mobile key cutting set from the dealer in your vehicle.
Another method to reduce the cost of cutting keys is by simply buying a new shell for your key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that can replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronic components intact. These shells are a cost-effective solution to updating your keychain without having to make an appointment with the dealer.
Keys for Keyless Entry
Car key fobs offer numerous advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, especially when you're carrying groceries or other heavy weights in your hands. They can even help you open your trunk and hatch, in the event that they have this feature built in.
These keys aren't ideal for long-term use because they drain batteries. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. Many key fobs are easily replaced with new ones 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 already have a standard key then duplication costs can be as low as $10-$15. You might also be able to buy a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption could be costly. They are typically laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys, or high security keys. They have a larger shank and have less grooves carved out on the blade of the key, and they must be programmed using a specific machine at a dealership or locksmith shop.
A key that has chip could be expensive to replace and typically requires the visit to a dealership to get the replacement code. These are commonly called transponder or smart keys and they are equipped with electronics that must be validated by your vehicle before it can open doors or start the engine. Dealers charge between $150-$300 for a key that comes with the key fob and a transponder chip.
If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery inside your key fob goes out it could cost you to replace them. Keyless entry keys can be found in most modern cars. They function by sending an electronic message from the key fob to the car's receiver. The car then locks or unlocks in accordance with this signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk if the key is close to the receiver.