Deanna Penington

How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

Losing your car keys is never an ideal option. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts you need to replace your car keys without having to pay dealership costs.

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

Keys with Transponder Chips

Modern cars come with key cutting cost fobs, which provide security and convenience to owners. They are not free. In some instances, it can be quite expensive to replace a lost or damaged key fob. The good news is that there are methods to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It is cheaper to order an extra key now rather instead of waiting until you lose your car key and then pay for the locksmith or towing fees.

Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been an integral part of all automobiles. The name derives from "transmitter and responder". This technology was designed to stop the increasing number of car thefts. A car transponder transmits a secret code via a signal. When the key is put in the ignition the antenna will ring around it detects the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will begin. This is crucial because the majority of thieves simply wire the vehicle and drive off.

Transponder chips operate in a similar way to microchips used in computers and cell phones. They don't require constant power. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency that is identified by special receivers in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself.

We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if in need of a spare key for a car equipped with a transponder. Many locksmiths have a tool that can program new keys to the specific model and make of the vehicle you own. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.

Also, it's important to note that stores such as AutoZone provide a key-programming service. However, they usually cost more than locksmiths. They achieve this because they profit from a "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold increases. In other words, they are able to transfer their cost savings to the consumer.

Keys with Electronics

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

The best way to cut down on the expense of replacing your car keys is to not require them in the first place. It is important to have a spare car key in case the original key is lost. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key from an hardware store or box store for about $25 to $50, depending on the type of key.

Many people don't realize that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discount. The advantage of buying a factory key is that it will be equipped with the correct transponder chip. This is crucial, since you will not be able use an aftermarket car key unless it's been professionally programmed.

The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the equipment to program modern-day car keys, so they can only provide basic duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, auto repair shop, or dealer to have them replaced.

If you are planning to purchase a cheap car key cutting key online, make sure that it's not programmed to the vehicle of someone else. You can do this by looking at the key blade for chips or a cutout that shows signs of a previous key.

Purchasing a key duplication machine is a different option however it's not affordable for most people. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys, and you'll have to cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you're not comfortable with this, a vice and hand file are a more affordable alternative. It's not the best option because it can damage the key's electronic components or even break the key inside the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs

Many modern vehicles come with key fobs, which are remote controls that allow you to lock your car, unlock it and also to start the engine. These are tiny remote transmitters which communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle using radio waves. They're a great convenience for drivers, however they can be costly to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.

Key fobs are more expensive than standard getting keys cut due to their sophisticated electronic components. Fobs also require programming to work with your car and can add cost.

A new fob and key could cost as much as $300 when you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob to only $50 if you buy it on the internet. Look for an appropriate key fob for your vehicle's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these fobs may require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by a local dealer, but many are programmable by customers with relative ease (though some will require two current, working keys for this).

Standard key fobs are much less expensive than more advanced models to replace as they don't have an embedded chip that requires to be reprogrammed following the fact. While they can be expensive to duplicate if you have to design a template for a damaged or lost key it is less than buying a new set of keys from your car dealer.

You can also reduce your cost of cutting keys by buying a new shell to replace your old key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your keychain, and leave the electronics inside unchanged. These shells are a cost-effective solution to upgrade your keychain without making an appointment with a dealer.

Keys with 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 when you're carrying heavy groceries or other weights in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature, they can help you open your trunk and hatch.

The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they tend to consume battery power which makes it difficult to use them for long periods of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Fortunately, many key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. These can often be found at a much lower cost than the dealer-supplied version by searching on the internet or visit the local hardware store.

If you already have a standard key, the cost of duplicates can be as low as $10-$15. You may also be able purchase a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain store. Keys that require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, but. These keys are usually laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a thicker shank and less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and must be programmed using a special machine at a dealership or locksmith shop.

A key that has chip could be expensive to replace and typically requires a trip to the dealership to obtain a replacement code. These keys are often referred to as transponder or smart keys and they have electronics inside which must be validated by your car key cutting and programming before it will open any doors or start the engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 to $300 for a new original key that has both the key fob and a new transponder chip.

If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery inside your key fob dies, it can be costly to replace them. These keys are found in the majority of modern automobiles. They work by sending messages from the key fob to a receiver within your car. The car locks or unlocks the car according to the signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is near the receiver.