How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

The loss of your car keys isn't a good idea. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car keys without paying a dealership's high cost.

Simply bring your current working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours using an on-site key cutting machine. This costs on average 20 percent less than purchasing from dealers.

Keys with Transponder Chips

A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that provide an element of security and comfort for the owner of the vehicle. However, these devices come with a cost. In some instances the cost of replacing a key fob which has been lost or damaged is high. There are ways to cut down on the expense of these devices. It's much less expensive to have a spare car key now instead of waiting until you lose the key and you are confronted with the expense of the visit of a locksmith or towing charges.

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 the increasing rate of vehicle theft. A car transponder transmits a secret code via a signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition, the antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder reads the signal and, if it matches the password, the engine is started. This is significant because most thieves simply use hot wires to start it and then leave the scene.

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

If you're looking to get a spare car key created for a car equipped with transponder chips, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to create new keys to match your vehicle model and. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership.

Also, it's important to note that stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming option. However, they typically cost more than a locksmith. They do this because they can profit from a "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold increases. In other words, they are able to pass on their costs savings to consumers.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips which pair to the vehicle whenever the key is placed in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which can only be performed by a dealership or auto locksmith. This process can cost of car key cutting up to $500 for a new key, reprogramming the immobilizer and possibly costs for labor.

The best way to reduce cost of replacing car keys is to not need them in the first place. That means having a spare key in case you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key for $25-$50 at a hardware or box store retailer, based on the type of key.

Many people don't realize that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discount. A factory-issued key is likely to contain the correct transponder. This is important since you won't be able to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.

The majority of hardware and box stores don't have the capability to program modern car keys, which is why they only offer basic key duplication services. You can also go to a locksmith, independent auto repair shop or dealer to get them replaced.

Another thing to think about is that if you're thinking of buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll have to make sure it isn't already programmed to another vehicle. This can be done by looking at the blade of the key for chip or an open cutout that has evidence of an earlier key.

Purchasing a key duplication machine is a different option however it's not affordable for the majority of people. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys themselves, and you'll have cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you're not at ease using a vice, a hand file is an alternative that is less expensive. But, it's not the most secure method as it may cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even cut the key off in the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs

Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the vehicle, and also start the motor. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that communicate with the computer in your vehicle via radio waves to send commands. They're a great convenience for drivers, but they can be expensive to replace or duplicate if you lose one.

Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys due to their sophisticated electronic components. Key fobs must also be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which can add up in cost as well.

A new key and fob could cost as much as $300 when you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of the new fob by as much as 50% if you buy it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have keys that are compatible with the car model you have. Some of these keys may require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by a local dealer, but many can be programmed by the customer easily (though some may require two working keys to do this).

Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for less than more advanced models due to the fact that they don't have an embedded chip which needs to be reprogrammed. However, they can be costly to duplicate if you need to design templates to replace a damaged or lost key, the cost is much less than buying a new set of keys from your car dealer.

Another way to cut the cost of cutting keys is by simply buying a new case for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, yet leave the electronic components intact. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain and save you the hassle of having to schedule an appointment at the dealership.

Keys with Keyless Entry

The car key fob offers many benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to look for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you are carrying large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. They can even help you open your hatch and trunk, Car Key Cutting Cost in the event that they have this feature built-in.

These keys aren't recommended for long-term usage because they drain the battery. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, based 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 online or visit your local hardware store, you'll typically find them for less than dealer-supplied options.

If you already have a standard key, the cost of duplication could be as low as $10-$15. You can also purchase keys to replace them at your local box retailer or hardware store. Keys that require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, however. They are typically laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys, or high security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and less grooves on the shank. They have to be programmed using a special machine at a locksmith or dealership.

A key with chips can be expensive to replace and typically requires a trip to the dealership to have the replacement coded. These keys are often referred to as transponder keys or smart keys, and they come with electronic components which must be validated by your vehicle before it will open any doors or start the engine. A dealer can charge between $150 to $300 for a new original key that comes with the key fob and an updated transponder chip.

Keys that have keyless entry could be costly to replace in the event that you lose them or your key fob battery is dead. Keyless entry keys are available in a majority of modern vehicles. They work by sending messages from the key fob into a receiver within your car. The car locks or unlocks the car according to the signal. It will also open the hatch and trunk when the key is near the receiver.