How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

Losing your car keys isn't an ideal idea. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and the parts to replace your key without having to pay a dealership.

Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site with a key cutting machine. It's about 20 percent less than buying from an agent.

Keys that have Transponder chips

Modern cars have key fobs, which provide security and convenience to owners. However they come at a cost. In certain instances the cost of replacing a key fob that has been damaged or lost is high. The good news is that there are ways to cut the costs associated with these devices. It's much less expensive to get a spare car key cut key today, rather than waiting until you lose the key and are faced with paying for the visit of a locksmith or towing costs.

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 to counter the growing number of car thefts. Transponders in cars transmit the secret code through a signal. When the key is put in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it reads the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will start. This is an important thing because the majority of thieves simply use hot wires to start it and then leave the scene.

Transponder chips function in a similar way to microchips used in cell phones and computers. The different is that they do not require constant power to operate. Instead, they emit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency that is detected by special receivers placed in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself.

We suggest visiting your local locksmith if you require the spare key for your vehicle that has transponder. Most locksmiths have a device to create new keys for your specific vehicle model and make. This is an excellent alternative to visiting the dealership.

It is also important to know that some stores, like AutoZone will offer a key programming service. They usually charge more than professional locksmiths. They can do this because they can take advantage of an "scaling effect" that occurs when the number of units sold rises. In this way, they could pass on their costs savings to the consumer.

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 keys due to the fact that they need programming that is only done by a dealership, auto locksmith or your vehicle's manufacturer. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for the new key, reprogramming the immobilizer and perhaps the cost of labor.

The best way to reduce the expense of replacing your car keys is to not require them in the first place. That means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can buy another key for between $25-$50 at the hardware store or a box store, depending on the key type.

Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online at a discounted price from the manufacturer. A factory key will most likely have the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you won't be able to make use of an aftermarket car key unless it has been professionally programmed.

The majority of hardware and box stores do not have the technology to program modern car keys, which is why they only offer basic key duplication services. You can bring them to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith to have 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. You can do this by looking at the key blade for chips or the cutout to see if it shows evidence of an earlier key.

A key duplication machine may be purchased, but this isn't an option for most people. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys themselves, and you'll have to cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not happy with this, a vice or hand file are a much more affordable option. It's not the best option as it could damage the key's electronic components or even break the key inside the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs

Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the car and even start the motor. These are small remote transmitters that communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle via radio waves. They're a benefit for drivers, but they can be expensive to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.

Unlike traditional keys, which require a professional locksmith, automotive dealer or a different specialist service provider to design keys, key fobs are equipped with sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to produce than their standard counterparts. Fobs also need to be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which can add up in cost too.

If you lose your sole working fob, it can cost upwards of $300 to get a replacement original key and fob from the dealership made. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of an entirely new fob by up to 50% if you buy it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, Car Key Cutting Cost or an auto parts shop might have an appropriate key fob for the car model you have. Certain key fobs need to be programmed or laser-cut by your local dealer. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the user.

Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for less than more sophisticated models since they do not contain an embedded chip that requires reprogramming. They can still be expensive to duplicate if you've a lost or damaged key and require a template make them again but they're much more affordable than the cost of replacing a complete key set from your dealer in your vehicle.

Another method to reduce your key cutting car key costs is by simply buying a new case for your current key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your key fob but leaving the inside electronics unchanged. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle of having to schedule an appointment with the dealership.

Keys for Keyless Entry

Car key fobs come with many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, especially when you're carrying groceries or other heavy loads in your hands. They can also help you open your trunk and hatch, when they've got this feature built-in.

These keys aren't ideal for long-term usage because they drain batteries. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. A lot of key fobs can be replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available at a lower cost than the dealer-supplied version by searching at the internet or go to the local hardware store.

If you already have a standard key then duplication costs can be as just $10 to $15. You can also buy an additional key from your local box retailer or hardware store. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption can be expensive. They are usually laser cut, sometimes called sidewinder or high-security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and less grooves on the shank. They must be programmed using a special machine in a locksmith or dealership.

A key with chips can be expensive to replace and usually requires a trip to the dealership to obtain a replacement code. These keys are also known as transponder or smart keys. They are equipped with electronics that must be verified before they can open doors or start engines. A dealer typically charges between $150 and $300 for a new original key that has both the key fob and the transponder chip.

Keys with keyless entry can also be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them or the battery of your key fob dies. These keys are found in the majority of modern automobiles. They function by sending messages from the key fob into a receiver within your car. The car locks or unlocks itself based on this signal and opens the trunk and hatch when the key is within close proximity to the receiver.