How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your key without overpaying at the dealership.

Simply bring a current working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours by using an on-site key cutting machine. It's about 20% less than purchasing through the dealer.

Keys with Transponder Chips

Modern cars have key fobs, which provide security and convenience to owners. These devices aren't free. In some instances it could be high to replace a damaged or lost key fob. There are ways to cut down on the costs of these devices. It's cheaper to purchase an extra key now rather than wait until you lose your car keys and need to pay a locksmith or towing charges.

Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been an integral part of most automobiles. The name derives from "transmitter and responder". This technology was developed to combat the rising number of car thefts. In essence, a car transponder chip transmits signals that contain an encrypted password. When the key is inserted in the ignition, an antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder receives the signal and, when it matches the password, the engine will start. This is important because most thieves simply wire the vehicle and then drive away.

Transponder chips operate in a similar way to microchips in computers and cell phones. They don't require constant power. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency that is recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself.

We recommend visiting your local locksmith if you need the spare key for a vehicle with a transponder. Many locksmiths have a system to create new keys to match your car model and make. This is a fantastic alternative to visiting the dealership.

It's also important to note that stores such as AutoZone provide a key-programming service. However, they often cost more than a locksmith. This is because they are able to profit from the "scaling" effect which occurs when the number of units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to 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 because they require programming that is only performed by a dealership, auto locksmith, or your manufacturer of your vehicle. This process can cost as high as $500 for new keys, the reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possibly, labor costs.

The best way to cut down on the expense of replacing your car keys is to not need them in the first place. This means having a spare key in case you lose the original. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key from the hardware store or at a box store for between $25 to $50, based on the kind of key.

Most people don't know that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discounted price. A factory key will likely contain the correct transponder. This is vital, as you will not be able use an aftermarket car key unless it has been professionally programmed.

Most hardware stores and car key cut box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, which is why they can only provide basic key duplication services. You can bring them to a dealer or a reputable auto repair shop or a locksmith to have them replaced.

Another thing to think about is that if you're considering buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll need make sure it isn't already programmed to a vehicle belonging to someone else. This can be done by examining the blade of the key to see if there is chips, or a cutout showing signs of an old key.

A key duplication machine is a different option however it's not affordable for most people. The machine costs more than blank keys, so you'll have to cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you don't feel at ease using a vice, hand-files are an alternative that is less expensive. However, it's not the most secure method as it may damage the key cutting services near me's electronics or break the key off inside the lock.

Key Fobs with Keys

Many modern cars come with key fobs that function as remote controls to lock and unlock your car and also to start the engine. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that connect to the computer in your vehicle via radio waves to send commands. These are great features for drivers, but they are expensive to duplicate or replace if they are lost.

Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys because they contain sophisticated electronics. Fobs must also be programmed to work with your vehicle and can add up in price.

A new key and fob could cost as much as $300 in the event that you lose your sole functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement car key cutting fob down to as little as $50 by buying it online. Look for a key fob that matches your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these fobs might require laser cutting by a locksmith or programmed by your dealer in your area, but most can be programmed by the customer easily (though some require two working keys for this).

Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for less than the more sophisticated models because they do not contain an embedded chip that must be reprogrammed. However, they can be costly to duplicate in the event that you need to design a template for a damaged or lost key it is less than purchasing a new set of keys from a car key cut dealer.

Another way to cut your costs for cutting keys 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 keychain, but leaving the inside electronics 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 for Keyless Entry

The car key fob offers many benefits. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, especially if you're carrying groceries or other heavy loads in your hands. They can even assist you to open your trunk and hatch in the event that they have this feature built-in.

These keys aren't ideal for long-term use because they drain batteries. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, depending on the vehicle's make and model. Fortunately, many key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search online or in your local hardware store, you'll often find these for less than the dealer-supplied alternatives.

If you have a standard key, duplication costs are usually very low and vary from $10 to $15. You may also be able to purchase a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain store. Keys that are newer and require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, however. These keys are typically laser-cut, often called sidewinder or high-security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and less grooves on its shank. They have to be programmed by a special machine at a locksmith or dealership.

A key with a chip can be quite expensive to replace and usually requires the visit to a dealership to get the replacement code. These are commonly called transponder or smart keys and they come with electronic components that need to be verified by your car before it can open doors or start the engine. A dealer can charge between $150 and $300 for a new key that has both the key fob as well as the transponder chip.

If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery inside the key fob fails, it can be costly to replace the keys. Keyless entry keys can be found in a majority of modern vehicles. They function by sending a message from the key fob to an internal receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.