How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

The loss of your car keys is not an ideal option. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car keys without having to pay dealership prices.

Simply bring your current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours using an on-site key cutting machine. On average, this is 20% less than purchasing through the dealer.

Keys with Transponder Chips

Modern cars are equipped with key fobs that provide security and convenience for car owners. They are not free. In certain instances, it can be quite expensive to replace a lost or damaged key fob. There are ways to cut down on the cost of these devices. It's cheaper to purchase a spare key now than to wait until you lose your car key and then pay for locksmith services or towing costs.

Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been a vital component of all automobiles. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". This technology was designed to counter the growing number of car thefts. The basic idea behind the car transponder chip emits signals that contain the secret password. When the key is inserted into the ignition, an antenna ring around the ignition cylinder reads the signal and, when it matches the password, the engine is started. This is important because most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle before driving off.

Transponder chips operate on the same basis as microchips in computers and cell phones. The different is that they do not require constant power to operate. Instead, they send an electromagnetic signal of low frequency which can be identified by special receivers in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself.

If you're looking to get a spare car key made for a car equipped with a transponder chip, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a tool that can program new keys for the model and make of your car. This is a fantastic alternative to going to the dealership.

It's also important to remember that some stores such as AutoZone offer a key programming service. However, they usually cost significantly more than locksmiths. They can achieve this because they profit from an "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to consumers.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips which are connected to the vehicle whenever the key is inserted into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming that can only be performed by a dealership, auto locksmith, or your manufacturer of your vehicle. This process can cost up to $500 for a new key, reprogramming the immobilizer, and possibly costs for labor.

The best way to cut down on car key replacement costs is to not need them in the first place. This means having a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can buy an additional key for $25-$50 at a hardware or box store retailer, based on the type of key.

Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online at reduced prices from the manufacturer. The benefit of buying an original key is that it's likely to have the right transponder chip. 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 do not 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 repair shop or the dealer to get them replaced.

Another thing to take into consideration is that if you're thinking of purchasing a key for a low price from an online car key cutting retailer, you'll need to make sure it isn't already programmed to someone else's car. This can be done by looking at the blade of the key to determine if there's chips or cutout that shows the signs of an old key.

A key duplication device can be purchased, but it is not an option for most people. The machine usually costs more than the blank getting keys cut themselves and you'll need cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not happy with that, a vice and hand file are a much more affordable alternative. This isn't the most secure alternative as it can cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key in the lock.

Key Fobs with keys

Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the vehicle, and also start the motor. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that connect to the computer in your vehicle via radio waves to transmit commands. They're a benefit for drivers, but they can be expensive to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.

Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys because they contain sophisticated electronics. Fobs also need to be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which could add up in cost as well.

A new fob and emergency key cutting can cost up to $300 if you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob down to as little as $50 by purchasing it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have an appropriate key fob for your car model. Some of these fobs may require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by your dealer in your area, but most are programmable by customers with relative ease (though some will require two working keys to do this).

Key fobs that are standard are cheaper than more advanced models to replace because they don't contain an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed following the fact. They are still expensive to duplicate if you've damaged or lost keys and need a template to duplicate them but they're much more affordable than the cost of replacing an entire key set purchased from your dealer in your vehicle.

You can also lower your key cutting expenses by buying a new shell to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that can replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, yet leave the electronics intact. 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 comes with many advantages. 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 weights in your hands. They can also help you open your hatch and trunk, in the event that they have this feature integrated into them.

These keys aren't ideal for long-term use because they drain batteries. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, depending on the vehicle's make and model. Many key fobs are easily replaced with new ones from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look online or in your local hardware store, you'll often find these for significantly less than the dealer-supplied options.

If you already have a standard-sized key, duplication costs can be as just $10 to $15. You might also be able to buy an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain store. Keys that require specialized encoding usually cost more places to get keys cut near me replace, however. These keys are usually laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys or high security keys. They have a larger shank, and less carved-out grooves on the blade of the key, and they must be programmed using a special key cutting machine at a locksmith shop or dealer.

A key that has chip could be costly to replace and often requires a trip to the dealership to have the replacement coded. Keys with chips are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They are equipped with electronics that must be verified before they are able to open doors or start your engine. Dealers can charge between $150-$300 for a key that has the key fob, as well as transponder chips.

Keys with keyless entry can also be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them or the battery of your key fob is dead. The majority of modern cars have these keys, which work by sending a signal from your key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk when the key is close to the receiver.