How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts you need to replace your car keys without having to pay dealership prices.

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

Keys that have Transponder chips

Many modern cars have key fobs that provide security and convenience to the car owner. These devices aren't free. In some cases, the cost of replacing a key fob which is damaged or lost is high. There are ways to cut down on the costs of these devices. It is cheaper to order a spare key now than wait until you lose your car key and need to pay locksmith services 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 in response to rising levels of vehicle theft. Transponders in cars transmit an encrypted signal. When the key is inserted into ignition, an antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder detects the signal and, when it matches the password, the engine starts. This is important as most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and then drive off.

Transponder chips function in a similar way to microchips used in cell phones and computers. They don't require constant power. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that is detected by special detectors that are placed on the ignition cylinder as well as the key head.

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

It's also important to remember that stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming option. However, they often charge significantly more than a locksmith. This is because they can profit from the "scaling" effect which occurs when the number of units sold rises. They can then pass on the savings to the consumers.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys come with transponders or chips which are connected to the vehicle whenever the key is put 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 the manufacturer of your vehicle. This process can cost up to $500 for a new key, the programming of the immobilizer and possibly, labor costs.

The best way to avoid car key replacement costs is to not have them in the first place. This means you should have a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key at a hardware store or box store for between $25 to $50, based on the type of key.

Many people don't realize that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discount. A factory key is likely to contain the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you won't be able to use a car key that is aftermarket unless it's been professionally programmed.

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

Another thing to take into consideration is that if you're considering buying a cheap key from an online retailer, you'll have to ensure that it's not programmed to a vehicle belonging to someone else. This can be done by examining the blade of the key to determine if it has an embedded chip, or a cutout showing signs of an old key.

A key duplication machine may be bought, but it is not a viable option for most people. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys themselves and you'll need cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you're not comfortable using a vice, hand files are an option that is more affordable. But, it's not the most secure option as it could harm the electronics of the key or even cut the key off in the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs

Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that function as remote controls to lock and unlock your car and even start the engine. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that connect to the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to send commands. These are great features for drivers, but they are expensive to duplicate or replace if lost.

Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys due to their sophisticated electronics. They also require to be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which could add up in cost too.

A new key and fob could cost as much as $300 if you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to as little as $50 if you buy it on the internet. Search for a key fob that matches your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these keys may need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by a dealer in your area, but most can be programmed by the customer easily (though some may require two working, current keys to accomplish 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 requires reprogramming. They can still be expensive to duplicate if you've damaged or lost keys cut and programmed near me and require a template reproduce them, but they are much cheaper than the expense of replacing a complete key set from the dealer in your vehicle.

Another method to reduce the cost of cutting keys is to purchase a new case for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your key fob, but leaving the inside electronics unaltered. These shells are an affordable solution to updating your keychain without having to make an appointment with a dealer.

Keys for Keyless Entry

Car key fobs come with numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you're carrying large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. They can even assist you to open your trunk and hatch, if they have this functionality integrated into them.

The downside to these types of keys is that they tend to drain the battery 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, many key fobs can be replaced with replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. They are often available for much cheaper than dealer-supplied options, when you search online or at your local hardware store.

If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplication could be as low as $10 to $15. You might also be able to buy an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain store. Keys that require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, however. These keys are usually laser key cutting-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys, or high security keys. They have a larger shank, and less carved-out grooves on the blade and they must be programmed with a specific machine at a dealership or locksmith shop.

It is costly to replace a key using a microchip, and it's often necessary to visit a dealer in order to have the replacement coded. These keys are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They contain electronic components that must be verified before they can be used to open doors or start engines. A dealer will often charge between $150 to $300 for a new original key that includes both the key fob as well as a new transponder chip.

Keys with keyless entry can also be costly to replace in the event that you lose them or your key fob battery dies. Many modern cars come with keys that function by sending a signal from the key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car then locks or unlocks according to the signal and opens the trunk and hatch if the key is close to the receiver.