How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

Losing your car keys is never an ideal option. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car key without paying a dealership's high cost.

Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site with a key cut-cutting machine. It's about 20% less than going through a dealer.

Keys with Transponder Chips

Modern cars come with key fobs that provide convenience and security to car owners. These devices aren't free. In certain instances, it can be quite high to replace a damaged or lost key fob. There are ways to reduce the cost of these devices. It is cheaper to order an extra key today instead of waiting until you lose your car keys and need to pay 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 created to combat the rising number of car thefts. A car transponder transmits an encrypted signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition, the antenna ring around the ignition cylinder detects the signal and, if it matches the password, the engine will start. This is crucial because the majority of thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle before driving away.

Transponder chips operate on a similar basis as microchips found in cell phones and computers. The different is that they do not need constant power to work. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that is identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder and the key head.

If you require a spare car key made for a vehicle equipped with transponder chips, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Most locksmiths have a device to make new keys for your particular car model and make. This is a great alternative to visiting the dealership.

Also, it's important to remember that stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming option. However, they often charge significantly more than locksmiths. They achieve this because they profit from an "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold increases. They can then pass on the savings to the consumers.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips which are connected to the vehicle when 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 performed by a dealership, auto locksmith or your manufacturer of your vehicle. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for the new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer and possibly labor charges.

The best way to cut down on car key replacement costs is to not have them in the first place. It is essential to have an extra car motorcycle key cutting near me in the event that the original key is lost. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key at the hardware store or at a box store for around $25 to $50, based on the kind of key.

Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discounted price. A factory-issued key is likely to have the correct transponder. This is important because you won't be able to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed.

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

If you are planning to purchase a cheap key online, make sure that it hasn't been programmed for another vehicle. This can be done by checking the key blade to find chips or an open cutout that has evidence of a previous key.

A key duplication device can be purchased, but it is not an option for everyone. The machine costs more than keys that are blank, so you'll need to cut many keys to make a profit. If you're not sure about that, a vice and hand file are a much cheaper alternative. It's not the best option because it can harm the electronic components of the key or break the key in the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs

Many modern cars come with key fobs that are remote controls that allow you to lock your car, unlock it and even start the engine. They are tiny transmitters which communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle using radio waves. 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 conventional keys because they contain sophisticated electronic components. Fobs also need to be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which can add up in cost as well.

If you lose your only working fob, it could cost you up to $300 to have a brand new original key and fob from the dealership made. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob down to only $50 by buying it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have keys that are compatible with your car model. Some of these key fobs need to be laser-cut or programmed by your local dealer. However, many of them can be programmed by the customer.

Key fobs for standard keys are less expensive than more advanced models to replace as they don't come with an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed following the fact. They can be costly to duplicate if you've a lost or damaged key and require a template duplicate them but they're much more affordable than the cost of replacing a complete key set from your dealer in your vehicle.

Another way to cut your costs for cutting keys is to purchase a new shell for your key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that can replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, but leave the electronics intact. These shells are an affordable solution to update your keychain without making an appointment with the dealer.

Keys for Keyless Entry

Car key fobs have a lot of benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, especially if you're carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. They can even assist you to open your trunk and hatch when they've got this feature built in.

The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they tend to consume battery power which makes it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Additionally, they are difficult to program, based on the model and make. Fortunately, most key fobs can be replaced using replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. They are often available at a much lower cost than a dealer-supplied option, by searching on the internet or visit your local hardware store.

If you already have a standard-sized key, duplication costs can be as low as $10-$15. You can also buy a replacement key at your local hardware store or box retailer store. Keys that require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, however. They are usually laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a thicker shank and have less grooves carved out on the blade and they must be programmed with a specific machine that is found at a locksmith shop or dealer.

It can be costly to replace a key with a microchip and it is often necessary to visit the dealer to get the replacement code. Keys with chips are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They contain electronic components that must be verified before they are able to open doors or start your engine. Dealers charge between $150-$300 for a key that includes the key fob and the transponder chip.

Keys that have keyless entry could also be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them or your key fob battery dies. Keyless entry keys can be found in most modern cars. They work by sending an electronic message from the key fob to a receiver within your car. The car locks or unlocks itself in accordance with this signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch if the key is within close proximity to the receiver.