How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your keys without overpaying at the dealership.

Simply bring your current working nearest key cutting to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours by using the key cutting machine on site. It's about 20 percent less than buying from an agent.

Keys with Transponder Chips

A lot of modern cars come with key fobs which provide security and ease for the owner of the vehicle. However they also come with costs. In some instances, the cost of replacing the key fob that has been damaged or lost is high. The good news is that there are options to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It's cheaper to have a spare car key now instead of waiting until you lose the key and are faced with paying for the visit of a locksmith or towing fees.

The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a standard feature in cars since the mid-1990s. This technology was created in response to the increasing rate of theft from cars. In essence, a car transponder chip transmits an electronic signal that has the secret password. When the key is inserted in the ignition, an antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder receives this signal and if it matches with the password, the engine starts. This is significant since most thieves use hot wires to get it started and then drive off.

Transponder chips operate on the same basis as microchips used in computers and cell phones. They do not require constant power. Instead, they emit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency which can be detected by special receivers placed in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself.

If you need to have a spare car key created for a car with transponder chips, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Most locksmiths will have a tool to program new keys to the specific model and make of the vehicle you own. This is a fantastic alternative to visiting a 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. This is because they are able to benefit from the "scaling" effect that occurs when the quantity of units sold increases. They can then pass on the savings to consumers.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys come with transponders or chips which are linked to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming, which can only be done by a dealership or auto locksmith. This procedure can cost up to $500 for a new key, as well as reprogramming the immobilizer and possibly the cost of labor.

The best way to avoid car key replacement costs is to not have them in the first place. It is important to have a spare car key in case the original key is lost. You can buy a duplicate key at the hardware store or at a box store for about $25 to $50, based on the kind of key.

Many people don't realize that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discount. A factory-issued key cutting places is likely to have the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you cannot make use of an aftermarket car key unless it has been professionally programmed.

Most hardware stores and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, which is why they offer only basic key duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, auto repair shop, or dealer to have them replaced.

If you are planning to purchase a cheap key online, make sure it hasn't been programmed for someone else's vehicle. You can do this by examining the blade of the key for a chip or for a cutout that shows signs of a previous key.

A key duplication machine can be purchased, but it isn't an option for everyone. The machine costs more than keys that are blank, so you'll need to cut many keys to make a profit. If you're not comfortable with that, a vice and hand file are a much cheaper alternative. This is not the safest option because it can damage the key's electronic components or even break the key inside the lock.

motorcycle key cutting Fobs with keys

Many modern vehicles come with key fobs, which are remote controls that allow you to lock your car, unlock it and even start the engine. They are tiny transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle via radio waves. They are a great benefit for drivers, but they are costly to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.

Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys due to their sophisticated electronic components. They also need to be programmed to work with your car and can add cost.

A new key and fob could cost as much as $300 if you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of an entirely new fob by up to 50% if you purchase it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have keys that are compatible with the car model you have. Some of these keys may need to be laser-cut by a locksmith or programmed by your dealer in your area, but most can be customer-programmed with relative ease (though some may require two working keys for this).

Key fobs that are standard are less expensive than more advanced models to replace as they don't contain an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed following the fact. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you need to design an original template for a damaged or lost key The cost is far lower than purchasing a brand new set of keys from your car dealer.

You can also reduce your cost of cutting keys by buying a new shell to replace your old key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, yet leave the electronics intact. These shells are an affordable solution to upgrade your keychain without the need to make an appointment with the dealer.

Keys with Keyless Entry

The car key fob comes with many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, particularly when you're carrying heavy groceries or other weights in your hands. If they've got this feature, they can help you open your trunk and hatch.

The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they frequently consume battery power, making it hard to use them for long periods of time. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, based on the vehicle's model and make. Fortunately, many key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. If you look on the internet or at your local hardware store, you will often find them at less than the dealer-supplied alternatives.

If you already have a standard key, the cost of duplication could be as low as $10-$15. You might also be able to purchase a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain store. Keys that require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, however. They are typically 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 they must be programmed using a specific machine that is found at a locksmith shop or dealer.

A key that has chip could be expensive to replace and typically requires an appointment with a dealer to get the replacement code. These keys are often referred to as transponder or smart keys and they come with electronic components which must be validated by your car before it can open doors or start the engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 to $300 for a new key that includes both the key fob and an updated transponder chip.

If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery inside your key fob dies, it can be costly to replace the keys. The majority of modern cars have these keys, which function by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car according to the signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.