How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

Losing your car keys isn't an ideal option. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts you require to replace your car keys without paying a dealership's high costs.

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

Keys with Transponder chips

Many modern vehicles have key fobs which provide a level of security and ease to the car owner. These devices are not free. In some cases, the cost of replacing a key fob that is damaged or lost is high. The good news is that there are methods to lower the costs associated with these devices. It is much cheaper to get a spare car key now instead of waiting until you lose the key and you are facing the cost of the visit of a locksmith or towing costs.

Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been a key component of the majority of cars. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". This technology was designed to stop the increasing number of car thefts. In essence, the chip in a car transponder transmits a signal that contains a secret password. When the key is inserted in the ignition, an antenna ring around the ignition cylinder detects the signal and, if it matches with the password, the engine is started. This is significant because most thieves simply use hot wires to get it started and then drive off.

Transponder chips operate on the same principle as the microchips in computers and cell phones. The difference is that they don't require constant power to operate. They emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that is detected by special detectors that are placed on the ignition cylinder and key head.

We recommend visiting your Local key cutting locksmith if you need an extra key for your vehicle that has a transponder. Many locksmiths have a tool to program new keys to the specific model and make of the vehicle you own. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership.

It's also important to remember that some stores such as AutoZone provide key programming services. They usually charge more than professional locksmiths. They can achieve this because they benefit from an "scaling effect" that occurs when the number of units sold rises. They can then pass the savings to the consumers.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips which connect to the vehicle whenever the key is inserted in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which can only be completed by a dealership or auto locksmith. This process can cost as high as $500 for an entirely new key, changing of the immobilizer's programming, 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. It is important to have a spare car key in the event that the original is lost. You can buy a duplicate key from the hardware store or at a box store for between $25 to $50, depending on the type of key.

Most people don't know that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discounted price. The advantage of buying the factory key is that it will likely have the right transponder chip. This is essential because you won't be able to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.

Most hardware stores and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, so they only offer basic key duplication services. You can also bring them to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith shop 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 to make sure it isn't already programmed to someone else's car. This can be accomplished by examining the blade of the key to determine if there's chips or cutout that shows evidence of an old key.

The purchase of a key duplication device is an alternative, but it won't be cost-effective for the majority of people. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys themselves, and you'll have to cut a lot of keys to break even. If you don't feel at ease using a vice, hand files are an alternative that is less expensive. It's not the best option because it can cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key in the lock.

Key Fobs with Keys

A lot of modern cars have key fobs that function as remote controls that lock your car, unlock it and even start the engine. These are tiny remote 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.

Contrary to traditional keys that require a reputable locksmith, dealer in automotive, or any other specialist service provider to create keys, key fobs have advanced electronics, making them more expensive to produce than their standard counterparts. They also require to be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which can increase the costs as well.

A new key and fob can cost up to $300 when you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of a new fob by up to 50% if you buy it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have an appropriate key fob for your car model. Some of these keys may require laser cutting by a locksmith or programmed by your local dealer, but a lot can be programmed by the customer easily (though some require two working keys for this).

Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for less than the more sophisticated models since they do not contain an embedded chip that requires reprogramming. They are still expensive to duplicate if you've got damaged or lost keys and require a template reproduce them but they're much cheaper than the expense of replacing an entire key set from the car's dealer.

Another option to reduce your key cutting costs is to purchase a new shell for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that will replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, yet leave the electronic components intact. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain and save you the headache of trying to schedule an appointment at the dealership.

Keys with Keyless Entry

The car key fob comes with many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to look for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you're carrying large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. If they've got this feature they will help you open the trunk and hatch.

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 make and model of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. Many key fobs are easily replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search on the internet or at your local hardware store, you'll often find them at a much lower price than the dealer-supplied alternatives.

If you own a standard key, duplication costs are typically very low, and can range between $10 and $15. You can also buy a replacement key at your local box retailer or hardware store. However replacing keys cut in my area that are more modern and local key cutting require specialized encoding could be costly. They are typically laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys, or high security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and have fewer grooves on the shank. They must be programmed by a specific machine at a locksmith or dealership.

It is costly to replace a key with microchips and it is often necessary to visit a dealer to obtain the replacement code. These keys are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They are equipped with electronics that need to be verified before they can be used to open doors or start your engine. A dealer typically charges between $150 and $300 for a brand new original key that includes both the key fob as well as a new transponder chip.

If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery inside the key fob fails it could cost you to replace the keys. Most modern cars have these keys, which work by sending a signal from the key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk when the key is close to the receiver.