How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts you require to replace your car key without paying dealership prices.

Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site with a key cutting machine. It's about 20 percent less than purchasing from a dealer.

Keys with Transponder Chips

Many modern cars have key fobs that provide a level of security and ease for the owner of the vehicle. These devices aren't free. In certain instances the cost of replacing the key fob that has been lost or damaged is high. There are ways to cut down on the expense of these devices. It's cheaper to purchase an extra key today instead of waiting until you lose your car key and have to pay for a locksmith or towing charges.

The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words "transmitter + responder") has been in use in the majority of automobiles since the mid-1990s. The technology was created to stop the increasing number of car thefts. In essence, the car transponder chip emits signals that contain the secret password. When the key is inserted in the ignition the antenna will ring around it and reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, then the engine will start. This is an important thing because most thieves simply hot wire the vehicle to get it started and then drive off.

Transponder chips function on a similar basis as microchips found in cell phones and computers. They don't require constant power. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal of 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 you need a spare key for your vehicle that has transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to program new keys to the specific model and make of your vehicle. This is getting a car key cut fantastic alternative to visiting the dealership.

It's also important to note that some stores such as AutoZone will provide key programming services. However, they often charge significantly more than locksmiths. They do this because they profit from a "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold rises. In this way, they could pass on their costs savings to the consumer.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that are connected to the car when the key is turned 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 performed by a dealership, auto locksmith or your vehicle's manufacturer. The process could cost up to $500 for a new key, the changing of the immobilizer's programming, and the possibility of labor costs.

The most effective method to cut down on key cost is to avoid the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. This means you should have 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 between $25 to $50, based on the type of key.

Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online or at a discounted price from the manufacturer. The advantage of purchasing the factory key is that it will be equipped with the correct transponder chip. This is important because you won't be in a position to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed.

The majority of hardware 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 bring them to a dealer or a reputable auto repair shop or a locksmith to have them replaced.

Another thing to take into consideration is that if you're planning on purchasing a key for a low price from an online retailer, you'll need 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 it has chips or a cutout that shows signs of an old key.

The purchase of a key duplication device is an alternative, but it won't be affordable for most people. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys, and you'll have cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you're not comfortable with this, a vice and hand file are a much more affordable option. But, it's not the most secure option as it may cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even cut the key off inside the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs

Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that are remote controls to lock and unlock your car and even start the engine. They are tiny transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves. They're a great 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 electronic components. Fobs also need to be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which could increase the cost as well.

A new fob and key could cost as much as $300 when you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of a new fob by up to 50% if you buy it online. Look for a key fob for your vehicle's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these fobs may require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by a local dealer, but many are programmable by customers easily (though some may require two current, working keys to do this).

Key fobs for standard keys are cheaper than more advanced models to replace because they don't come with an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed after the fact. They are still expensive to duplicate if you've damaged or lost keys and require a template to make them again but they're much cheaper than the expense of replacing an entire key set from the dealer in your vehicle.

You can also cut down on key cutting costs by buying a new shell to replace your old key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your key fob, while leaving the electronics inside unaltered. These shells are a cost-effective solution to upgrade your keychain without having to make an appointment with a dealer.

Keys for Keyless Entry

The car key fob offers many advantages. They let you lock and Car Key Cutting Cost unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, especially when you're carrying heavy groceries or other weights in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built-in they will help you open the trunk and hatch.

The downside where to get car key cut these types of keys is that they often consume battery power and make it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. Key fobs are often replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available at a much lower cost than a dealer-supplied option, by searching at the internet or go to your local hardware store.

If you already have a standard key, the cost of duplication could be as just $10 to $15. You might also be able to purchase a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain retailer. Keys that are newer and require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, however. They are usually laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high security keys. They have a thicker shank, and less carved-out grooves on the blade of the key, and they have to be programmed with a specific machine that is found at a locksmith shop or dealer.

It can be costly to replace a key using a microchip and it is often required to visit a dealer in order to have the replacement coded. These keys are also known as smart keys or transponder keys. They are equipped with electronics that need to be verified before they can be used to open doors or start engines. Dealers can charge between $150 to $300 for a key that includes the key fob, as well as a transponder chip.

If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery inside your key fob goes out it could cost you to replace the keys. The majority of modern cars have keys that function by sending a signal from the key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks itself in accordance with this signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.