How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car keys without paying dealership cost.

Simply bring your current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours using a key cutting machine onsite. This costs on average 20 percent less than buying from a dealer.

Keys that have Transponder chips

Many modern cars have key fobs that provide an element of security and ease for the owner of the vehicle. They are not free. In certain instances, it can be quite expensive to replace a lost or damaged key fob. The good news is that there are options to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It's cheaper to buy an extra key today than to wait until you lose your car key and then pay for a locksmith laser cut keys near me or towing charges.

The transponder chip (which is named after the words "transmitter + responder") has been a standard feature in cars since the mid 1990s. The technology was created to stop the increasing number of car thefts. The car transponder transmits an encrypted signal. When the key is placed in the ignition, the antenna ring around it detects the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will start. This is significant because the majority of thieves simply hot wire the vehicle to get it started and then drive off.

Transponder chips work on the same principle as the microchips used in computers and cell phones. The difference is that they don't need constant power to work. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency that can be detected by special receivers placed in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself.

We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if you need the spare key for a vehicle with transponder. Many locksmiths have a tool to program new keys for the model and make of the vehicle you own. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.

It's also important to note that stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming option. They usually charge more than professional locksmiths. They do this because they take advantage of the "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold increases. They can then pass on the savings to the consumers.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys are equipped with chips or transponders that are connected to the car when the key is put in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they require programming that is only performed by a dealership, auto key cutting machine locksmith, or your manufacturer of your vehicle. This process can cost as much as $500 for new keys, the changing of the immobilizer's programming, and possible labor charges.

The best way to avoid cost of replacing car keys is to not have them in the first place. This means having a spare key in case you lose the original. You can purchase an additional key for $25-$50 at a hardware or box store 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. A factory-issued key will likely contain the correct transponder. This is important, as you won't be able to make use of an aftermarket car key unless it's been professionally programmed.

The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the equipment to program modern car keys and therefore, they are unable to offer basic duplication services. You can also go to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith to get them replaced.

If you're planning to purchase a key for a low price online, make sure that it hasn't been programmed for another vehicle. This can be done by examining the key blade to find chip or a cutout that shows signs of an earlier key.

Purchasing a key duplication machine is a different option however, it's not cost-effective for the majority of people. The machine costs more than keys with blanks, which means you'll have to cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not comfortable with this, a vice or hand file are a much cheaper alternative. It's not the best option as it could damage the key's electronic components or even break the key in the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs

Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the vehicle, and even start the motor. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that communicate with the computer in your vehicle via radio waves to send commands. They are a convenience for drivers, however they can be costly to replace or duplicate if you lose one.

Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronics. Key fobs must also be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which can add up in costs as well.

A new fob and key can cost up to $300 when you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob to as little as $50 by purchasing it online. Find an appropriate key fob for your vehicle's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these key fobs must be laser-cut or programmed by your local dealer. However, many can be programmed by the customer.

Standard key fobs are much less expensive than more advanced models to replace since they don't have an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed after the fact. They can be costly to duplicate if you've damaged or lost keys and require a template to duplicate them however, they are cheaper than the expense of replacing an entire key set purchased from your dealer for your car.

Another option to reduce the cost of cutting keys is by simply buying a new shell for your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that can replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, but leave the electronic components intact. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and save you the hassle of trying to schedule an appointment with the dealership.

Keys for Keyless Entry

Car key fobs offer numerous advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car 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. If they're equipped with this feature built in, they can help you open your trunk and hatch.

These keys aren't ideal for long-term use since they can drain your battery. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, depending on the vehicle's model and make. Many key fobs are easily replaced with new ones from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. These can often be found at a lower cost than a dealer-supplied option, by searching on the internet or visit the local hardware store.

If you already have a standard key, the cost of duplication could be as low as $10-$15. You can also purchase a replacement key at your local hardware store or box retailer store. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption could be costly. These keys are typically laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder or high-security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and have fewer grooves on its shank. They have to be programmed by a specific machine in a locksmith or dealership.

It is costly to replace a key that has microchips and it is usually necessary to visit a dealer in order to have the replacement coded. These keys are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They contain electronic components that need to be verified before they can be used to open doors or start your engine. Dealers charge between $150 and $300 for a key that comes with the key fob as well as a transponder chip.

Keys with keyless entry may be costly to replace if you lose them or the battery of your key fob dies. Keyless entry keys are available in most modern cars. They function by transmitting an electronic message from the mobile key cutting fob to an internal receiver in your car. The car then locks or unlocks according to the signal and opens the trunk and hatch when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.