How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

The loss of your car keys is not an ideal idea. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your keys without overpaying at the dealership.

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

Keys that have Transponder chips

Modern cars have key fobs, which provide security and convenience to owners. These devices are not free. In some instances, it can be quite high to replace a lost or damaged key fob. There are methods to lower the costs of these devices. It's cheaper to buy a spare key now than to wait until you lose your car key cut key and have to pay for the locksmith or towing fees.

The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most automobiles since the mid 1990s. The technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of car theft. Transponders in cars transmit the secret code through a signal. When the key is placed in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it detects the signal. If the signal matches the password, then the engine will begin. This is important because most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle before driving off.

Transponder chips work on the same principle as the microchips used in cell phones and computers. They don't require constant power. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal of low frequency that is recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself.

We suggest visiting your local locksmith if in need of an extra key for a vehicle with a transponder. Many locksmiths have a system to program new keys to match your vehicle model and make. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.

It's also important to remember that some stores such as AutoZone will provide key programming services. However, they usually cost higher than a locksmith. They do this because they can take advantage of the "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold rises. They can then pass the savings to consumers.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys come with chips or transponders which pair to the vehicle whenever the key is placed in the ignition. These keys are more costly to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming, which can only be performed by an auto key cutting locksmith or a dealership. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for the new key, reprogramming the immobilizer, and possibly the cost of labor.

The best way to avoid the expense of replacing your car keys is to not require them in the first place. That means having a spare key in case you lose the original. You can purchase a duplicate key for $25 to $50 at a box store or hardware store, depending on the type of key.

Most people don't know that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discount. A factory-issued key is likely to contain the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you cannot use an aftermarket car key unless it's been professionally programmed.

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

If you're planning to purchase a cheap key online, make sure that it's not programmed for someone else's vehicle. This can be done by examining the blade of the key to determine if there's chips or a cutout that shows signs of an old key.

A key duplication machine is another option however it's not affordable for the majority of people. The cost of the machine is higher than keys that are blank, so you'll need to cut many keys to make a profit. If you're not happy with this, a vice and hand file are a much cheaper alternative. But, it's not the most secure method as it may cause damage to the electronic components of the key or break the key off inside the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs

Modern cars come with remote controls that lock and unlock the car and also start the motor. These are small remote transmitters that communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle via radio waves. They are a great benefit for drivers, but they are costly to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.

Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronic components. Key fobs must also be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which could add up in costs as well.

If you lose your sole working fob, it can cost you up to $300 to have a brand new fob and key from the dealer. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of a new fob by up to 50% if you purchase it online. Look for an appropriate key fob for your vehicle's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto key cutting machine-parts shop. 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 easily (though some may require two current, working keys to do this).

Standard 24 hour key cutting fobs are much less expensive than more advanced models to replace because they don't contain an embedded chip that requires to be reprogrammed after the fact. However, they can be costly to duplicate if you have to create templates for a lost or damaged key, the cost is much lower than purchasing a brand new set of keys from your car dealer.

Another option to reduce your costs for cutting keys is to simply purchase an entirely new shell for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your keychain, while leaving the electronics inside unchanged. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and save you the hassle of trying to make an appointment at the dealership.

Keys for Keyless Entry

The car key fob offers many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without the need to hunt for your keys. This is especially useful when you have large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built-in they will help you open your hatch and trunk.

The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they often consume battery power, making it hard to use them for a long period of time. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, depending on the model and make. Many key fobs are easily replaced with new ones from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search on the internet or at your local hardware store, you can typically find them for a much lower price than the dealer-supplied alternatives.

If you already have a standard key, the cost of duplicates can be as low as $10-$15. You can also buy an additional key from your local hardware or box retailer store. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding can be expensive. They are usually laser-cut, often referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a larger shank, and less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and must be programmed using a specific machine that is found at a dealership or locksmith shop.

A key that has chip could be expensive to replace and usually requires the visit to a dealership to get the replacement code. These keys are also known as smart keys or transponder keys. They have electronics that must be verified before they are able to open doors or start your engine. Dealers will charge between $150 to $300 for a key that has the key fob, as well as a transponder chip.

Keys with keyless entry can be costly to replace in the event that you lose them or your key fob battery dies. Keyless entry keys are available in a majority of modern vehicles. They work by sending a message from the key fob to an internal receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It will also open the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.