10 Startups That Will Change The Car Key Cutting Cost Industry For The Better
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 the parts to replace your keys without having to pay the dealership.
Simply bring a current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours using an on-site key cutting machine. On average, this is 20% less than purchasing through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Many modern vehicles have key fobs that provide a level of security and comfort to the car owner. However they also come with an expense. In some cases, the cost of replacing a key fob which is damaged or lost is high. There are ways to cut down on the expense of these devices. It is cheaper to order an extra key now rather instead of waiting until you lose your car keys and have to pay for the locksmith or towing fees.
Since keys cut -1990s the transponder chip had been a vital component of the majority of cars. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". This technology was designed to combat the rising number of car thefts. A car transponder transmits the secret code through a signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition, the antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder reads the signal and, if it matches with the password, the engine will start. This is important as most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle before driving away.
Transponder chips operate on a similar principle to the microchips in computers and cell phones. They don't require constant power. Instead, they send an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency which 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 made for a car equipped with a transponder chip We strongly suggest that you visit your local locksmith. Many locksmiths have a system to program new keys for your specific vehicle model and. This is an excellent alternative to visiting the dealership.
It's also important to remember that some stores such as AutoZone will provide key programming services. However, they typically charge significantly more than locksmiths. They can do this because they can take advantage of an "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold increases. In other words, they can pass on their costs savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips that pair to the vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming, which can only be completed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This procedure can cost as high as $500 for a new key, the programming of the immobilizer and possibly, labor costs.
The best method to cut down on key cost is to avoid the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. That means having a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key at an hardware store or box store for around $25 to $50, depending on the type of key.
Most people don't know that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discount. The advantage of purchasing a factory key is that it will likely be equipped with the correct transponder chip. This is important, as you won't be able to use an aftermarket car key without having it professionally programmed.
Most hardware stores and box stores do not have the technology to program modern car keys, which is why they can only provide basic key duplication services. You can also go to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith to get them replaced.
Another thing to consider is that if you're considering buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll have to make sure it isn't already programmed to someone else's car. This can be done by looking at the blade of the key to determine if there's an embedded chip or cutout that shows signs of an old key.
Purchasing a key duplication machine is another option, but it won't be affordable for the majority of people. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys and you'll need to cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you're not at ease with a vice hand files are an alternative that is less expensive. However, it's not the most secure method as it could harm the electronics of the key or even break the key inside the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
Many modern cars come with key fobs that are remote controls that allow you to lock and unlock your car and even start the engine. These are tiny remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle via radio waves. These are great features for drivers, but they can be costly to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.
Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronic components. Fobs also need to be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which can add up in cost too.
If you lose your sole working fob, it could cost up to $300 to have a brand new original key and fob from the dealer. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob down to just $50 if you buy it on the internet. Search for the right key fob for your vehicle's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Certain key fobs must be programmed or laser-cut by the local dealer. However, many can be programmed by the buyer.
Key fobs for standard keys are cheaper than more advanced models to replace as they don't come with an embedded chip that requires to be reprogrammed after the fact. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you have to design an original template to replace a damaged or lost key, the cost is much less than purchasing a new key from your car dealer.
You can also lower your key cutting expenses by purchasing a new case to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your key fob but leaving the inside electronics unaltered. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain, and save you the headache of trying to schedule an appointment with the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob offers many benefits. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, especially when you're carrying heavy groceries or other weights in your hands. If they've got this feature, they can help you open your hatch and trunk.
The downside to these types of keys is that they tend to consume battery power and make it difficult to use them for long periods of time. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. A lot of key fobs can be replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. They are often available for much cheaper than dealer-supplied options, when you search on the internet or visit the local hardware store.
If you own an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually very low and range between $10 and $15. You can also purchase an additional key from your local hardware store or box retailer store. Newer keys that require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, but. They are usually laser cut, sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They feature a more robust shank, and less carved-out grooves on the blade and must be programmed using a special machine that is found at the locksmith shop or dealership.
It can be expensive to replace a key using a microchip, and it's usually necessary to visit a dealer to get the replacement code. These keys are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They contain electronic components that must be validated before they can be used to open doors or start your engine. Dealers can charge between $150-$300 for a key that has the key fob, as well as a transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry can also be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them or your key fob battery fails. Most modern cars have these keys, which function by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a device in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car according to the signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk when the key is near the receiver.