How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

The loss of your car keys isn't a good idea. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your keys without having to pay the dealership.

Simply bring your current working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours by using a key cutting machine onsite. On average, this costs 20% less than going through the dealer.

Keys with Transponder Chips

Modern cars have mobile key cutting near me fobs, which offer security and convenience to owners. These devices aren't free. In certain instances the cost of replacing the key fob that has been lost or damaged can be high. There are ways to cut down on the costs of these devices. It is much cheaper to have a spare vehicle key today, rather than waiting until you lose the key and you are faced with paying for a locksmith's visit or towing fees.

The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most cars since the mid-1990s. The technology was developed as a response to the rising rate of vehicle theft. In essence, a car transponder chip transmits an electronic signal that has a secret password. When the key is inserted into the ignition, an antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder reads this signal and when it matches the password, the engine will start. This is important because most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and then drive off.

Transponder chips function on the same basis as microchips found in computers and cell phones. The distinction is that they don't require constant power to function. Instead, they send a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that can be 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 require an extra key for a mobile car key cutting equipped with transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to create new keys for your specific car model and make. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership.

It's also important to know that some stores like AutoZone provide a key-programming service. They typically charge more than professional locksmiths. They can do this because they take advantage of an "scaling effect" that occurs when the number of units sold increases. They can then pass on the savings to consumers.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys come with transponders or chips which are connected to the vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they require programming that can only be completed by a dealership auto locksmith, or your vehicle's manufacturer. This procedure can cost up to $500 for a new key, reprogramming the immobilizer and possibly labor charges.

The best way to avoid cost of replacing car keys is to not require them in the first place. This means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key at the hardware store or at a box store for about $25 to $50, based on the kind of key.

Most people don't know that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discount. A factory-issued key will most likely have the correct transponder. This is vital, as you won't be able to use a car key that is aftermarket without having it professionally programmed.

Most hardware stores and box stores do not have the technology to program modern car keys, so they can only provide basic key duplication services. You can also go to a locksmith, independent auto repair shop, or dealer to have them replaced.

Another thing to take into consideration is that if you're thinking of buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll need to make sure it isn't already programmed to another vehicle. This can be accomplished by looking at the blade of the key to determine if there's an embedded chip or a cutout that shows the signs of an old key.

A key duplication device can be purchased, but this is not a viable option for the majority of people. The machine costs more than keys with blanks, which means you'll need to cut many keys to break even. If you're not comfortable with this, a vice or hand file are a more affordable alternative. This isn't the most secure option because it can damage the key's electronic components or even break the key in the lock.

Key Fobs with Keys

Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the vehicle, and even start the motor. These are basically mini remote transmitters that communicate with your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to transmit commands. They are a great benefit for drivers, but they can be costly to duplicate or replace if lost.

In contrast to traditional keys, which require a professional locksmith, automotive dealer or any other specialist service provider to make keys, key fobs have sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to manufacture than their basic counterparts. They also require to be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which could add up in cost as well.

A new fob and key could cost as much as $300 in the event that you lose your sole functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of an entirely new fob by as much as 50% if you purchase it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have keys that are compatible with the car model you have. Some of these fobs might need to be laser-cut by a locksmith or programmed by a dealer in your area, but most can be customer-programmed with relative ease (though some require two working keys for this).

Standard key fobs can be replaced for less than the more sophisticated models because they do not contain an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed. They can still be expensive to copy if you have damaged or lost keys and require a template make them again, but they are much cheaper than the expense of replacing an entire key set from your dealer in your vehicle.

Another way to cut your key cutting costs is to simply purchase a new case for your key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your key fob and leave the electronics inside unaltered. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle of having to schedule an appointment with the dealership.

Keys with Keyless Entry

Car key fobs have numerous advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to look for your keys. This is particularly useful when you have large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. If they have this feature, they can help you open the trunk and hatch.

These keys are not ideal for long-term usage because they can drain your battery. Additionally, key cutting they are difficult to program, based on your vehicle's model and make. Key fobs are often replaced with new ones from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search online or visit your local hardware store, you can typically find them for less than the dealer-supplied alternatives.

If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplicates can be as low as $10 to $15. You may also be able to buy a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. However, replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding can be expensive. These keys are typically laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a larger shank, and less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and they have to be programmed with a specific machine that is found at a locksmith shop or dealer.

It can be expensive to replace a key that has a microchip, and it's often required to visit a dealer to get the replacement code. These keys are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They have electronics that must be verified before they can be used to open doors or start your engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 and $300 for a brand new original key that has both the key fob and the transponder chip.

If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery inside your key fob goes out, it can be costly to replace the keys. Many modern cars come with these keys, which function by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks itself according to the signal and opens the trunk and hatch when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.