How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

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

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

Keys that have Transponder chips

Modern cars have key fobs that provide convenience and security to car owners. These devices are not free. In certain instances, the cost of replacing a key fob which is damaged or lost is high. The good news is that there are methods to lower the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to buy an extra key now rather than to wait until you lose your car keys and then pay for a locksmith or towing charges.

Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been an integral part of the majority of cars. The name derives from "transmitter and responder". This technology was developed to combat the rising number of car thefts. The basic idea behind a car transponder chip transmits a signal that contains the secret password. When the key is put in the ignition the antenna will ring around it reads the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will begin. This is a big deal because the majority of thieves simply use hot wires to start it, and then drive off.

Transponder chips function on a similar basis as microchips in cell phones and computers. They do not require constant power. Instead, they transmit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that is recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself.

We suggest visiting your local locksmith if in need of an extra key for a vehicle with transponder. Many locksmiths have a tool to program new keys to the specific make and model of your car. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.

It is also important to know that some stores, like AutoZone will provide key programming services. They typically charge more than a professional locksmith. This is due to the fact that they can benefit from the "scaling" effect that occurs when the number of units sold increases. In other words, they are able to pass on their costs savings to consumers.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys are equipped with chips or transponders that are paired to the car when the key cut place is inserted into the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they need programming that can only be performed by a dealership, auto locksmith or the vehicle's manufacturer. This process can cost up to $500 for a new key, reprogramming the immobilizer and possibly costs for labor.

The most effective way to save on car 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 duplicate key for $25 to $50 at the hardware store or a box store, depending on the key type.

Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a reduced price. The advantage of purchasing the factory key is that it will come with the correct transponder chip. This is essential because you won't be in a position to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.

The majority of hardware stores and box stores don't have the capability to program modern car keys, so they can only provide basic key duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, a repair shop or the dealer to get them replaced.

If you plan to buy a cheap key online, make sure that it's not programmed to the vehicle of someone else. This can be done by examining the key cutting places blade to find chip or the cutout to see if it shows evidence of the previous key.

Purchasing a key duplication machine is another option however, it's not affordable for most people. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys, and you'll have to cut many keys in order to break even. If you're not comfortable using a vice, a hand file is a more affordable alternative. However, this isn't the most secure option as it could damage the key's electronics or even break the key in the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs

Many modern cars come with key fobs that function as remote controls to lock and unlock your car and even start the engine. They are tiny transmitters which communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle through radio waves. These are great features for drivers, but they can be expensive to duplicate or replace if lost.

Unlike traditional keys, which require a great locksmith, automotive dealer, or any other specialist service provider to design, key fobs contain sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to produce than the standard keys. They also need to be programmed to work with your car and can add cost.

If you lose your sole working fob, it can cost you up to $300 to get a replacement fob and key from the dealer. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob down to as little as $50 if you buy it on the internet. Look for an appropriate key fob that matches your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto key cutting machine-parts shop. Some of these fobs may require laser cutting by a locksmith or programmed by your local dealer, but a lot are programmable by customers with ease (though some may require two current, working keys for this).

Standard key fobs are much less expensive than more advanced models to replace because they don't contain an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed following the fact. They can be costly to duplicate if you've got a lost or damaged key and need a template to reproduce them however, they are more affordable than the cost of replacing an entire key set from the car's dealer.

You can also cut down on key cutting costs by purchasing a new shell to replace your old key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that will replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, yet leave the electronic components intact. These shells are a cost-effective solution to upgrade your keychain without having to make an appointment with a dealer.

Keys for Keyless Entry

The car key fob has many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to look for your keys. This is especially useful when you are carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. They can also help you open your hatch and trunk, if they have this functionality integrated into them.

The downside to these types of keys is that they often consume battery power and make it difficult to use them for long periods of time. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, based on the vehicle's make and model. A lot of key fobs can be repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available at a lower cost than the dealer-supplied version if you look online or at the local hardware store.

If you own a standard key, duplication costs are usually very affordable and range from $10 to $15. You can also purchase a replacement key at your local hardware or box retailer store. Newer keys that require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, but. They are usually laser-cut, often referred to as sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a thicker shank and less carved-out grooves on the blade of the key, and they must be programmed using a special machine that is found at the locksmith shop or dealership.

A key that has chip could be costly to replace and often requires an appointment with a dealer to obtain a replacement code. These keys are also known as smart keys or transponder keys. They contain electronic components that must be verified before they can open doors or start engines. Dealers charge between $150-$300 for a key that includes the key fob as well as the transponder chip.

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