How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

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

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

Keys with Transponder chips

A lot of modern cars come with key fobs which provide security and comfort to the car owner. 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's cheaper to buy an extra key now rather than to wait until you lose your car key and need to pay a locksmith or towing charges.

The transponder chip (which is named after the words "transmitter + responder") has been a standard feature in cars since the mid 1990s. The technology was developed in response to rising levels of vehicle theft. In essence, a car transponder chip transmits a signal that contains an encrypted password. When the key is inserted in the ignition, the antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder reads this signal and if it matches the password, the engine will start. This is significant because the majority of thieves simply hot wire the vehicle to start it, and then take off.

Transponder chips function on a similar basis as microchips in cell phones and computers. The distinction is that they don't require constant power to function. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency that can be detected by special receivers placed in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself.

We suggest visiting your local locksmith if in need of a spare key for a vehicle with transponder. Many locksmiths have a tool to program new keys to the specific model and make of your vehicle. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership.

It is also important to know that some shops, such as AutoZone will provide key programming services. They usually charge more than a professional locksmith. This is due to the fact that they can benefit from the "scaling" effect that occurs when the number of units sold increases. In other words, they can transfer their cost savings to consumers.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that connect to the vehicle whenever the key is placed into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which can only be done by a dealership or auto locksmith. This procedure can cost as much as $500 for new keys, the reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possible labor charges.

The best way to avoid cost of replacing car keys is to not require them in the first place. That means having a spare key in case you lose the original. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key from the hardware store or at a box store for between $25 to $50, based on the type of key.

Most people don't know that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discount. A factory key will most likely contain the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you cannot make use of an aftermarket car key unless it has been professionally programmed.

The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the tools needed to program modern car keys They can only provide basic duplication services. You can also go to a locksmith, independent auto repair shop or dealer to have them replaced.

Another thing to take into consideration is that if you're considering buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll need make sure it isn't already programmed to another vehicle. This can be done by looking at the key cut for car blade to find chips or a cutout that shows signs of the previous key.

A key duplication machine may be bought, but it is not a viable option for everyone. The cost of the machine is higher than keys that are blank, so you'll need to cut many keys in order to break even. If you're not comfortable with this, a vice or hand file are a cheaper alternative. However, this isn't the safest method because it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key inside the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs

Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the car and also start the motor. These are basically mini remote transmitters that connect to the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to send commands. They are a great benefit for drivers, but they can be expensive to duplicate or replace if they are lost.

Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronics. They also need to be programmed to work with your vehicle and can add cost.

A new key and fob can cost up to $300 in the event that you lose your sole functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to as little as $50 by buying it online. Find a key fob that matches your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Certain key fobs must be programmed or laser-cut by your local dealer. However, many can be programmed by the buyer.

Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for motor a lot less than more advanced models due to the fact that they don't have an embedded chip which requires reprogramming. However, they can be costly to duplicate if you need to design a template for a lost or damaged key The cost is far less than buying a new key from your car dealer.

Another option to reduce the cost of cutting keys is to purchase a new case for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that will replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, yet leave the electronics intact. These shells are a cost-effective option to updating your keychain without making an appointment with a dealer.

Keys for Keyless Entry

Car key fobs have numerous advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you're carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature they will assist you to open the trunk and hatch.

The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they often drain the battery which makes it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, depending on your vehicle's model and make. Fortunately, many key fobs can be replaced using replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look online or visit your local hardware store, you can often find them at less than dealer-supplied options.

If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplication could be as low as $10 to $15. You may also be able to buy a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain store. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption could be costly. These keys are typically laser-cut, and are sometimes called sidewinder or high-security keys. These keys have a thicker blade and have fewer grooves on its shank. They need to be programmed by a special machine found in getting a new car key cut locksmith dealership.

A key that has chips can be expensive to replace and typically requires a trip to the dealership to have the replacement coded. These keys are also known as transponder or smart keys. They have electronics that must be verified before they are able to open doors or start engines. Dealers will charge between $150 and motor $300 for a key that comes with the key fob, as well as a transponder chip.

Keys that have keyless entry could be costly to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery is dead. These keys are found in a majority of modern vehicles. They function by transmitting a message from the key fob to an internal receiver in 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 in close proximity to the receiver.