How to Cut Your car key cutting cost (www.diggerslist.Com)

It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and the parts to replace your keys without having to pay a dealership.

Simply bring your current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours using an on-site mobile key cutting service cutting machine. It's typically 20 percent less than purchasing from dealers.

Keys that have Transponder chips

Modern cars have key fobs, which provide convenience and security to car owners. However, these devices come with an expense. In certain instances it can be high to replace a damaged or lost key fob. There are ways to reduce the expense of these devices. It's cheaper to get a spare car key today instead of waiting until you lose the key and are faced with paying for a locksmith's visit or towing fees.

Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been an integral part of most cars. The name derives from "transmitter and responder". The technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of vehicle theft. A car transponder transmits the secret code through a signal. When the key is inserted into the ignition, an antenna ring around the ignition cylinder reads this signal and if it matches with the password, the engine starts. This is a big deal because most thieves simply connect a hot wire to the vehicle to get it started and then leave the scene.

Transponder chips operate on a similar basis as microchips used in cell phones and computers. They do not require constant power. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency that is recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself.

If you require a spare car key created for a car equipped with transponder chips, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Many locksmiths have a tool that can program new keys to match the model and make of your car. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership.

Also, it's important to know that some stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming service. They typically charge more than a professional locksmith. They do this because they can take advantage of a "scaling effect" that occurs when the number of units sold rises. They can then pass on the savings to the consumers.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys have chips or transponders that are connected to the car when the key is put in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys because they require programming that is only performed by a dealership, auto locksmith or your vehicle's manufacturer. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for a new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possibly labor charges.

The best method to save money on key cost is to avoid the need to replace your keys in the first place. It is important to have a spare car key in case the original is lost. You can purchase an additional key for $25-$50 at a hardware or box store shop, based on the type of key.

Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online or at an affordable price from the manufacturer. The benefit of buying an original key is that it will be equipped with the proper transponder chip. This is crucial, since you cannot use an aftermarket car key without having it professionally programmed.

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

Another thing to take into consideration is that if you're planning on buying a key cutting open now at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll need to ensure that it's not programmed to someone else's car. You can do this by looking at the key blade to find chips or an open cutout that has evidence of a previous key.

A key duplication machine can be bought, but it is not a viable option for the majority of people. The machine is more expensive than keys with blanks, which means you'll have to 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. This isn't the most secure option as it could harm the electronic components of the key or break the key in the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs

Modern cars come with remote controls that lock and unlock the car and start the motor. They are tiny transmitters which communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves. They are a great benefit for drivers, but they are expensive to duplicate or replace if they are lost.

In contrast to traditional keys, which require a great locksmith, automotive dealer or other specialty service provider to make keys, key fobs have sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to make than their standard counterparts. Fobs also need to be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which can increase the cost too.

If you lose your sole working fob, it could cost up to $300 to get a replacement fob and key from the dealership made. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob down to as little as $50 by buying it online. Search for a key fob for your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these fobs might need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by a local dealer, but a lot can be customer-programmed with relative ease (though some require two working, current keys for this).

Key fobs for standard keys are cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace because they don't contain an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed after the fact. However, they can be costly to duplicate if you have to create a template to replace a damaged or lost key, the cost is much lower than purchasing a brand new key from your car dealer.

Another way to cut your key cutting costs is to purchase a new case for your key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that can replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronics intact. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle of trying to make an appointment at the dealership.

Keys for Keyless Entry

The car key fob has numerous advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, especially when you're carrying groceries or other heavy weights in your hands. If they have this feature they will help you open your hatch and trunk.

The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they tend to drain the battery and make it difficult to use them for long periods of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. Key fobs are often repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. They are often available at a lower cost than the dealer-supplied version by searching on the internet or visit the local hardware store.

If you own a standard key, duplication costs are usually very low, and can range between $10 and $15. You might also be able purchase an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain retailer. However replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding could be costly. They are usually laser cut, sometimes referred to as sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a thicker shank and less carved-out grooves on the blade and they must be programmed using a special machine that is found at a dealership or locksmith shop.

A key cutting locksmith near me that has a chip can be quite expensive to replace and typically requires a trip to the dealership to obtain a replacement code. These keys are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They contain electronic components that need to be verified before they are able to open doors or start engines. A dealer can charge between $150 and $300 for a brand new original key that has both the key fob as well as the transponder chip.

If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery inside your key fob goes out, it can be costly to replace the keys. The majority of modern cars have these keys, which function by transmitting getting a new car key cut 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 hatch and trunk if the key is in close proximity to the receiver.