How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

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

Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site with a key cutting machine. On average, this is 20% less than purchasing through the dealer.

Keys with Transponder Chips

Modern cars come with key fobs that provide convenience and security to car owners. These devices are not free. In certain instances it can be expensive to replace a lost or damaged key fob. There are methods to lower the costs of these devices. It's much less expensive to get a spare car key made now instead of waiting until you lose the key and are faced with paying for the visit of a locksmith or towing charges.

Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been a key component of all cars. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". The technology was created to counter the growing number of car thefts. In essence, the chip in a car transponder transmits signals that contain the secret password. When the key is put in the ignition, the antenna ring around it detects the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will begin. This is important as most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and then drive away.

Transponder chips function on the same basis as microchips used in cell phones and computers. They don't require constant power. Instead, they send an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency which can be detected by special receivers placed in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself.

We suggest visiting your local locksmith if in need of a spare key for a vehicle with a transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to program new keys to the specific make and model of your car. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.

Also, it's important to know that some stores such as AutoZone provide a key-programming service. They usually charge more than a professional locksmith. This is because they can benefit 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 are equipped with chips or transponders which pair with the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys because they require programming that can only be done by a dealership, auto locksmith or your manufacturer of your vehicle. This procedure can cost as high as $500 for a new car key cut key, the reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possible labor charges.

The most effective method to save money on key cutting costs is by avoiding the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. It is essential to have a spare car key in case the original key is lost. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key cutting car at an hardware store or box store for between $25 to $50, depending on the type of key.

Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online at a discounted price from the manufacturer. A factory-issued key is likely to have the correct transponder. This is important, as you will not be able use an aftermarket car key without having it professionally programmed.

The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the tools needed to program modern-day car keys, so they can only provide basic duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, a repair shop, or dealer to get them replaced.

If you are planning to purchase an inexpensive key on the internet, ensure that it hasn't been programmed for someone else's vehicle. This can be done by looking at the blade of the key cut to see if there is an embedded chip or a cutout that shows the signs of an old key.

The purchase of a key duplication device is another option however, it's not affordable for most people. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys themselves, and you'll have cut a lot of keys 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 safest method because it may cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even cut the key off inside the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs

Modern cars come with remote controls that can lock and unlock the vehicle, and also start the motor. These are tiny remote transmitters that communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle through radio waves. They're a benefit for drivers, however they can be expensive to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.

Contrary to traditional keys that require a great locksmith, automotive dealer, or a different specialist service provider to make keys, key fobs have advanced electronics, making them more expensive to produce than the standard keys. They also need to be programmed to work with your vehicle, which can also add up in price.

If you lose your only working fob, it could cost up to $300 to have a brand new fob and key from the dealer. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob down to just $50 by buying it online. Search for a key fob for your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these key fobs must be laser-cut or programmed by the dealer in your area. However, many of them can be programmed by the buyer.

Standard key fobs are much cheaper than more advanced models to replace as they don't come with an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed after the fact. They can be costly to duplicate if you've a lost or damaged key and require a template to reproduce them however, they are more affordable than the cost of replacing the entire key set from your dealer for your car.

Another option to reduce your key cutting costs is to simply purchase a new shell for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, but leave the electronic components intact. They're a cost to get car key cut-effective way to refresh your keychain and save you the hassle of having to make an appointment at the dealership.

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, especially if you're carrying groceries or other heavy items in your hands. They can also help you open your trunk and hatch if they have this functionality built-in.

The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they frequently drain the battery which makes it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. 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 lower cost than dealer-supplied options, when you search on the internet or visit the local hardware store.

If you have an ordinary key, duplicate costs are typically very low, and can vary between $10 and $15. You may also be able to buy a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. Keys that are newer and require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, however. They are usually laser cut, sometimes called sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a thicker shank and have less grooves carved out on the blade of the key, and must be programmed using a special machine that is found at the locksmith shop or dealership.

A key with a chip can be quite costly to replace and often requires an appointment with a dealer to get the replacement code. They are also known as transponder keys or smart keys, and they are equipped with electronics that need to be verified by your vehicle before it will open any doors or start the engine. Dealers will charge between $150 and $300 for a key that includes the key fob, as well as transponder chips.

Keys with keyless entry can also be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them or the battery of your key fob fails. Many modern cars come with these keys, which function by sending a signal from the key cut fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks itself in accordance with this signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk if the key is close to the receiver.