How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

Losing your car keys isn't a good idea. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your keys without overpaying at the dealership.

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

Keys with Transponder Chips

Modern cars are equipped with key fobs that provide security and convenience for car owners. These devices are not free. In certain instances, the cost of replacing a key fob that has been lost or damaged could be costly. The good news is that there are ways to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It is much cheaper to have a spare car keys cut car key today, rather than waiting until you lose the key and are facing the cost of the visit of a locksmith or towing costs.

The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most cars since the mid 1990s. This technology was designed to stop the increasing number of car thefts. The basic idea behind the car transponder chip emits signals that contain a secret password. When the key is placed in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it and reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, then the engine will begin. This is important because most thieves simply wire the vehicle and drive away.

Transponder chips operate in a similar way to the microchips used in computers and cell phones. They do not require constant power. Instead, they emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that can be identified by special receivers in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself.

We suggest visiting your local locksmith if you need an extra key for your vehicle that has transponder. Most locksmiths have a device to program new keys to match your vehicle model and. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.

It is also important to know that some stores, like AutoZone offer a key programming service. However, they typically cost more than locksmiths. This is because they can benefit from the "scaling" effect that occurs when the number of units sold rises. They can then pass on the savings to consumers.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys come with chips or transponders that are connected to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. These keys are more costly 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 much as $500 for a new key, the changing of the immobilizer's programming, and possibly, labor costs.

The best way to avoid cost of replacing car keys is to not require 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 for $25-$50 at a box store or hardware store, depending on the type of key.

Many people don't realize that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discount. A factory key will likely contain the correct transponder. This is vital, as you cannot use a car key that is aftermarket without having it professionally programmed.

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

If you are planning to purchase a key for a low price on the internet, ensure that it's not programmed for another vehicle. This can be done by examining the key blade to find a chip or for an open cutout that has evidence of the previous key.

Purchasing a key duplication machine is an alternative however it's not cost-effective for the majority of people. The machine costs more than keys with blanks, which means you'll need to cut numerous keys to make a profit. If you're not happy with this, a vice and hand file are a cheaper alternative. This isn't the most secure alternative as it can harm the electronic components of the key or break the key in the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs

A lot of modern cars have key fobs, which are remote controls that lock and unlock your car and start the engine. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that communicate with your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to send commands. They are a convenience for Car Key Cutting Cost drivers, however they can be expensive to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.

Contrary to traditional keys that require a reputable locksmith, automotive dealer or any other specialist service provider to design, key fobs contain advanced electronics, making them more expensive to make than their basic counterparts. Key fobs must also be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which can add up in cost as well.

A new key and fob can cost up to $300 when you lose your only functional fob. 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. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have an appropriate key fob for your car model. Some of these keys may need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by your local dealer, but many can be programmed by the customer with relative ease (though some may require two current, working keys to do this).

Key fobs for standard keys are cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace because they don't have an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed after the fact. However, they can be costly to duplicate in the event that you need to design a template to replace a damaged or lost key, the cost is much less than purchasing a new set of keys from your car dealer.

Another method to reduce the cost of cutting keys is to purchase a new shell for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your key fob while leaving the electronics inside unaltered. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain and save you the hassle of having to schedule an appointment at the dealership.

Keys with Keyless Entry

The car key fob comes with numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to search for your keys. This is especially useful when you have heavy groceries or other items in your hands. They can even help you open your hatch and trunk, in the event that they have this feature built-in.

The downside to these types of keys is that they often consume battery power, making it hard to use them for long periods of time. Additionally, they are difficult to program, based on the model and make. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs can be replaced using replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. They are often available at a much lower cost than a dealer-supplied option, if you look on the internet or visit the local hardware store.

If you have a standard key, duplication costs are usually very low and vary between $10 and $15. You might also be able purchase a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain retailer. Newer keys that require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, however. These keys are typically laser cut, sometimes 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 have to be programmed with a specific machine found in a dealership or locksmith shop.

A key with chips can be expensive to replace and typically requires the visit to a dealership to obtain a replacement code. They are also known as transponder keys or smart keys, and they have electronics inside that need to be verified by your car keys cutting before it can open doors or start the engine. A dealer typically charges between $150 to $300 for a new original key that comes with the key fob as well as an updated transponder chip.

Keys that have keyless entry could also be expensive to replace if you lose them or the battery of your key fob fails. Keyless entry keys are available in a majority of modern vehicles. They work by sending messages from the key fob into a receiver within your car. The car locks or unlocks itself in accordance with this signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is within close proximity to the receiver.