How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

Losing your car keys is never an ideal option. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car key without having to pay dealership prices.

Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site with a key cutting machine. This costs on average 20% less than buying from a dealer.

Keys with Transponder Chips

Modern cars come with key fobs, which offer security and convenience for car owners. However they also come with an expense. In some cases the cost of replacing a key fob that has been damaged or lost is high. The good news is that there are methods to cut the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to buy a spare key now instead of waiting until you lose your car key and need to pay locksmith services or towing costs.

The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a standard feature in automobiles since the mid-1990s. This technology was developed as a response to the rising rate of vehicle theft. Transponders in cars transmit a secret code via a signal. When the key is placed in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it and reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will begin. This is an important thing because the majority of thieves simply connect a hot wire to the vehicle to start it and then leave the scene.

Transponder chips function on a similar basis as microchips found in cell phones and computers. The different is that they do not need constant power to work. Instead, they emit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency which can be recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself.

We suggest visiting your local locksmith if you need a spare key for your vehicle that has transponder. Many locksmiths have a system to make new keys for your specific car model and make. This is a great alternative to visiting a dealership.

Also, it's important to note that stores like AutoZone provide a key-programming service. They usually charge more than professional locksmiths. They can achieve this because they benefit from the "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold rises. In other words, they can transfer their cost savings to the consumer.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that connect to the vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys because they require programming that can only be completed by a dealership auto locksmith, or your manufacturer of your vehicle. This process can cost up to $500 for the new key, reprogramming the immobilizer, and possibly costs for labor.

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

Many people are unaware that they can buy keys replacement online or at a a discounted price from the manufacturer. A factory-issued key will most likely contain the correct transponder. This is crucial because you won't be able to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.

The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the equipment to program modern car keys They can only provide basic duplication services. You can also bring them to a dealer or a reputable auto repair shop or a locksmith shop to have them replaced.

Another thing to think about is that if you're thinking of buying a cheap key 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 checking the key blade for chip or the cutout to see if it shows evidence of the previous key.

A key duplication machine can be purchased, but it is not an option for the majority of people. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys and you'll need cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you're not happy with this, a vice or hand file are a cheaper alternative. It's not the best alternative as it can cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key in the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs

Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the vehicle, and also start the motor. They are tiny transmitters which communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle using radio waves. They are a convenience for drivers, however they can be costly to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.

Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys due to their sophisticated electronics. Fobs must also be programmed to work with your mobile car key cutting and this can add up in price.

A new key and fob could cost as much as $300 if you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of the new fob by up to 50% if you buy it on the internet. Search for a key fob for your vehicle's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these key fobs need to be programmed or laser-cut by the local dealer. However, many can be programmed by the customer.

Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for a lot less than the more sophisticated models because they do not have an embedded chip which needs to be reprogrammed. They are still expensive to copy if you have a lost or damaged key 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 dealer for your car.

Another option to reduce your key cutting costs is to purchase a new shell for your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the plastic outer and buttons on your key fob, and leave the electronics inside unaltered. These shells are an affordable solution to upgrade your keychain without making an appointment with a dealer.

Keys for Keyless Entry

The car key fob comes with many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, particularly when you're carrying heavy groceries or other loads in your hands. If they have this feature built-in they will help you open your trunk and hatch.

The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they frequently consume battery power which makes it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, depending on your vehicle's make and model. 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 much lower cost than the dealer-supplied version by searching on the internet or visit the local hardware store.

If you have an ordinary key, duplicate costs are typically very low and vary between $10 and $15. You might also be able to purchase a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain retailer. Newer keys that require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, however. Keys that are 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 using a special machine at a locksmith shop or dealer.

A key that has chip could be costly to replace and often requires an appointment with a dealer to get the replacement code. They are also known as smart or transponder 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 typically charges between $150 and $300 for a new original key that includes both the key fob as well as the transponder chip.

Keys with keyless entry can also be costly to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery dies. Most modern cars have these keys, which work by sending a signal from your key fob to a device in your car. The car locks or unlocks itself according to the signal and opens the hatch and trunk if the key is close to the receiver.