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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
The loss of your car keys is not a good idea. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your key without having to pay the dealership.
Simply bring a current working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours by using a key cutting machine onsite. On average, this costs 20% less than going through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Many modern vehicles have key fobs that offer security and convenience to the car owner. They are not free. In certain instances, the cost of replacing a key fob that is damaged or lost is high. The good news is that there are ways to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It's cheaper to have a spare vehicle key today instead of waiting until you lose the key and you are facing the cost of an appointment with a locksmith or towing fees.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been an integral part of all cars. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". This technology was created in response to the increasing rate of vehicle theft. Essentially, a car transponder chip transmits a signal that contains the secret password. When the key is inserted in the ignition, the antenna ring around it detects the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will start. This is crucial because the majority of thieves simply wire the vehicle before driving off.
Transponder chips work on a similar principle to the microchips found in cell phones and computers. They don't require constant power. Instead, they emit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency that can be identified by special receivers in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself.
If you require an extra car key made for a vehicle equipped with a transponder chip, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Many locksmiths have a tool that can program new keys to the specific make and model of your car. This is an excellent alternative to going to the dealership.
It is also important to know that some shops, such as AutoZone provide key programming services. They often charge much more than a professional locksmith. They do this because they take advantage of the "scaling effect" that occurs when the number of units sold increases. In other words, they are able to transfer their savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with chips or transponders which are linked to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they require programming that is only completed by a dealership auto locksmith, or your vehicle's manufacturer. This process can cost as much as $500 for an entirely new key, reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possible labor charges.
The best way to avoid car key replacement costs is to not have them in the first place. That means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can buy an additional key for $25-$50 at a hardware or box store 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. A factory-issued key will likely contain the correct transponder. This is essential because you won't be able to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed.
www.g28carkeys.co.uk of hardware and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, so they can only provide basic key duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, a repair shop, or dealer to get them replaced.
If you are planning to purchase a cheap key online, make sure that it's not programmed for another vehicle. 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 is another option however, it's not affordable for the majority of people. The machine is more expensive than keys with blanks, which means you'll have to cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you're not at ease with a vice a hand file is a more affordable alternative. But, it's not the most secure option as it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Many modern cars come with key fobs that are remote controls to 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 benefit for drivers, however they can be costly to replace or duplicate if you lose one.
Key fobs are more expensive than traditional 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 can cost up to $300 in the event that you lose your sole functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut 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 a key fob that fits the car model you have. Some of these fobs might need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by your local dealer, but many can be customer-programmed with ease (though some require two working, current keys to do this).
Key fobs for standard keys are cheaper than more advanced models to replace as they don't come with an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed after the fact. They can be costly to duplicate if you've got damaged or lost keys and require a template duplicate them but they're much cheaper than the expense of replacing the entire key set from your dealer in your vehicle.
Another way to cut your costs for cutting keys is to purchase a new shell for your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, but leave the electronic components intact. These shells are a cost-effective solution to update your keychain without making an appointment with a dealer.
Keys for Keyless Entry
Car key fobs come with a lot of benefits. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, particularly when you're carrying heavy groceries or other weights in your hands. They can even assist you to open your trunk and hatch if they have this functionality built in.
The downside to these types of keys is that they tend to drain the battery which makes it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, based on the vehicle's make and model. Fortunately, many key fobs can be replaced using replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. If you search online or in your local hardware store, you will typically find them for less than the dealer-supplied alternatives.
If you already have a standard key then duplication costs can be as just $10 to $15. You might also be able to buy a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain retailer. Keys that are newer and require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, however. They are typically laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys, or high security keys. They have a thicker shank and have less grooves carved out on the blade of the key, and they must be programmed using a special machine at the locksmith shop or dealership.
It can be costly to replace a key that has a microchip, and it's often required to visit a dealer in order to have the replacement coded. These keys are often referred to as transponder keys or smart keys, and they are equipped with electronics which must be validated by your car before it can open doors or start the engine. A dealer typically charges between $150 and $300 for a new original key that comes with the key fob and a new transponder chip.
If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery in the key fob fails it could be expensive to replace them. Most modern cars have keys that function by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk when the key is near the receiver.