How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your keys without having to pay a dealership.

Simply bring a current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours using the key cutting machine on site. It's about 20% less than buying from dealers.

Keys that have Transponder chips

Many modern vehicles have key fobs that provide security and comfort to the car owner. However, these devices come with costs. In certain instances the cost of replacing a key fob that is damaged or lost could be costly. There are ways to reduce the cost of these devices. It's cheaper to purchase an extra key now rather than wait until you lose your car keys and have to pay for locksmith services or towing costs.

The transponder chip (which is named after the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most cars since the mid 1990s. The technology was developed as a response to the rising rate of vehicle theft. In essence, a car transponder chip transmits a signal that contains an encrypted password. When the key is placed in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it and reads the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will begin. This is significant since most thieves connect a hot wire to the vehicle to get it started and then drive off.

Transponder chips operate on the same principle as the microchips in cell phones and computers. They do not require constant power. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal which can be identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder as well as the key head.

We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if in need of a spare key for your vehicle that has a transponder. Most locksmiths will have a device that can program new keys to the specific make and model of your car. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.

Also, it's important to remember that stores like AutoZone provide a key-programming service. They usually charge more than professional locksmiths. This is due to the fact that they are able to take advantage of the "scaling" effect that occurs when the number of units sold increases. In other words, they are able to transfer their cost savings to consumers.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that 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 must be done by an auto locksmith or a dealership. The process could cost as much as $500 for a new key, the programming of the immobilizer and possibly, labor costs.

The best way to avoid the expense of replacing your car keys is to not require them in the first place. This means you should have a spare key in case you lose the original. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key at a hardware store or box store for between $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 purchasing an original key is that it's likely to come with the correct transponder chip. This is important, as you cannot use an aftermarket car key unless it's been professionally programmed.

The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the equipment to program modern car keys, so they can only provide basic duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, auto repair shop, or dealer to have them replaced.

If you're planning to purchase a key for a low price on the internet, ensure that it hasn't been programmed for the vehicle of someone else. You can do this by looking at the blade of the key for chip or a cutout that shows signs of the previous key.

A key duplication machine can be purchased, but it is not a viable option for the majority of people. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys, and you'll have cut a lot of keys to break even. If you don't feel at ease with a vice hand-files are an option that is more affordable. This is not the safest alternative as it can damage the key's electronic components or even break the key inside the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs

Many modern vehicles come with key fobs, which are remote controls to lock and unlock your vehicle and also to start the engine. They are tiny transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle through radio waves. These are a great convenience for drivers but can be costly to duplicate or replace if lost.

Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronic components. They also need to be programmed to work with your vehicle and this can increase the cost.

If you lose your only working fob, it could cost you up to $300 to get a replacement original key and fob from the dealer. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob to just $50 by buying it online. Find the right key fob for your vehicle's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Certain key fobs must be laser-cut or programmed by your local dealer. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the user.

Standard key fobs can be replaced for a lot less than more advanced models since they do not contain an embedded chip that must be reprogrammed. However, they can be costly to duplicate if you need to create templates to replace a damaged or lost key The cost is far less than buying a new key from your car key blade cutting dealer.

Another option to reduce your costs for cutting keys is to purchase a new shell for your key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your keychain, but leaving the inside electronics unchanged. These shells are a cost-effective option to updating your keychain without making an appointment with the dealer.

Keys for Keyless Entry

The car key fob has numerous advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car key cut without having to look for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you are carrying large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. They can even help you open your trunk and hatch in the event that they have this feature built-in.

The downside to these types of getting keys cut is that they often consume battery power which makes it difficult to use them for long periods of time. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, based on the vehicle's model and make. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look on the internet or at your local hardware store, you'll typically find them for a much lower price than dealer-supplied options.

If you already have a standard key then the cost of duplicates can be as just $10 to $15. You can also purchase keys to replace them at your local hardware store or box retailer store. Newer keys that require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, but. They are typically laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as 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 found in a locksmith shop or dealer.

A key with chip could be expensive to replace and usually requires a trip to the dealership to obtain a replacement code. These keys are often referred to as smart or transponder keys, and they come with electronic components that need to be verified by your vehicle before it will open any doors or start the engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 to $300 for a brand new original key that has both the key fob as well as a new transponder chip.

Keys with keyless entry can be costly to replace in the event that you lose them or the battery of your key fob fails. Most modern cars have these keys, which work by sending a signal from your key fob to a receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It will also open the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.