How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

The loss of your car keys is not a good idea. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts you need to replace your car keys without paying a dealership's high cost.

Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site with a key-cutting machine. It's typically 20% less than buying from dealers.

Keys with Transponder Chips

Modern cars have key fobs that provide security and convenience for car owners. These devices aren't free. In some instances the cost of replacing a key fob that has been damaged or lost could be costly. There are ways to reduce the cost of these devices. It's cheaper to buy a spare key now than wait until you lose your car key and need to pay the locksmith or towing fees.

The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most automobiles since the mid 1990s. This technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of vehicle theft. A car transponder transmits an encrypted signal. When the key is placed in the ignition the antenna will ring around it and reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will start. This is an important thing because most thieves simply use hot wires to get it started and then take off.

Transponder chips work on a similar principle to the microchips found in cell phones and computers. They don't require constant power. Instead, they send an electromagnetic signal of low frequency that is detected by special receivers placed in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself.

We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if you require the spare key for a vehicle with a transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool that can program new keys to the specific model and make of your car. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.

Also, it's important to know that some stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming option. However, they often cost more than a locksmith. They can do this because they can take advantage of a "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold rises. In other words, they are able to transfer their cost savings to consumers.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys are equipped with chips or transponders that are paired to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they need programming that can only be completed by a dealership auto locksmith or the manufacturer of your vehicle. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for the new key, as well as reprogramming the immobilizer and Car Key Cutting Cost possibly the cost of labor.

The best way to reduce car key replacement costs is to not require them in the first place. That means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key at the hardware store or at a box store for around $25 to $50, based on the kind of key.

Many people don't realize that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discounted price. The benefit of buying a factory key is that it will likely come with the right transponder chip. This is crucial since you won't be able to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed.

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

Another thing to think about is that if you're planning on purchasing a key for a low price from an online retailer, you'll need to make sure it isn't already programmed to someone else's car. This can be done by examining the key blade for a chip or for the cutout to see if it shows evidence of the previous key.

A key duplication machine can be bought, but it isn't an option for everyone. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys and you'll need to cut many keys in order to break even. If you're not comfortable using a vice, hand files are an alternative that is less expensive. It's not the best option as it could damage the key's electronic components or break the key in the lock.

Key Fobs with keys

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 connect to the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to transmit commands. These are a great convenience for drivers, but they are expensive to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.

Unlike traditional keys, which require a great locksmith, automotive dealer, or any other specialist service provider to create, key fobs contain sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to manufacture than their basic counterparts. Key fobs must also be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which could add up in cost too.

If you lose your only working fob, it can cost you up to $300 to get a replacement original fob and key from the dealership made. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of an entirely new fob by up to 50% if purchasing it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have an appropriate key fob for the car model you have. Certain key fobs must be laser-cut or programmed by the local dealer. However, many can be programmed by the buyer.

Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for less than more sophisticated models since they do not have an embedded chip which needs to be reprogrammed. They are still expensive to copy if you have damaged or lost keys and require a template to reproduce them but they're much more affordable than the cost of replacing an entire key set purchased from your car's dealer.

Another way to cut your key cutting costs is by simply buying a new case for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your keychain, and leave the electronics inside unaltered. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle of having to schedule an appointment at the dealership.

Keys with Keyless Entry

Car key fobs come with a lot of benefits. They allow you to 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 built-in they will help you open your hatch and trunk.

These keys aren't ideal for long-term usage because they drain batteries. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs can be replaced with replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available at a lower cost than the dealer-supplied version if you look online or at your local hardware store.

If you already have a standard key, duplication costs can be as low as $10 to $15. You may also be able purchase a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain retailer. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption could be costly. These keys are typically laser-cut, often called sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a larger shank and less carved-out grooves on the blade of the key, and they have to be programmed with a specific machine at a locksmith shop or dealer.

It can be expensive to replace a key with a microchip, and it's often required to visit a dealer in order to have the replacement coded. These keys are often referred to as smart or transponder keys, and they are equipped with electronics that need to be verified by your vehicle before it will open any doors or start the engine. A dealer typically charges between $150 and $300 for a new original key that includes both the key fob and an updated transponder chip.

If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery in your key fob goes out it could be expensive to replace the keys. These keys are found in a majority of modern vehicles. They function by transmitting messages from the key cuts for cars 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.