How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

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

Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site with a key-cutting machine. On average, this is 20% less than going through a dealer.

Keys with Transponder Chips

Modern cars are equipped with key fobs that provide convenience and security to car owners. However they come at an expense. In certain instances the cost of replacing a key fob which is damaged or lost could be costly. There are ways to cut down on the expense of these devices. It's cheaper to purchase a spare key now than to wait until you lose your car keys and have to pay for locksmith services or towing costs.

Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been a key component of most automobiles. The name derives from "transmitter and responder". This technology was designed to combat the rising number of car thefts. In essence, the chip in a car transponder transmits signals that contain the secret password. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder receives this signal and if it matches the password, the engine will start. This is significant because most thieves simply use hot wires to start it, and then take off.

Transponder chips operate on a similar principle to the microchips found in cell phones and computers. The different is that they do not require constant power to operate. They emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that can be detected by special detectors that are placed on the ignition cylinder and the key head.

If you need to have a spare car key created for a vehicle equipped with transponder chips, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Many locksmiths have a system to program new keys for your particular car model and make. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.

It is also important to know that some stores, like AutoZone will offer a key programming service. However, they often cost higher than a locksmith. This is because they can profit from the "scaling" effect which occurs when the number of units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to consumers.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys come with transponders or chips which connect with the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming, which can only be done by a dealership or auto locksmith. The process could cost as high as $500 for an entirely new key, reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possible labor charges.

The best way to reduce car key replacement costs is to not have them in the first place. It is essential to have an extra car key in the event that the original is lost. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key at an hardware store or box store for about $25 to $50, depending on the type of key.

Most people don't know that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discounted price. The benefit of buying the factory key is that it will be equipped with 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 don't have the capability to program modern car keys, which is why they can only provide basic key duplication services. You can also bring them to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop, or a locksmith to have them replaced.

Another thing to consider is that if you're considering buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll have to ensure that it's not programmed to a vehicle belonging to someone else. You can do this by examining the blade of the key for chip or an open cutout that has evidence of the previous key.

A key duplication machine may be bought, but it is not a viable 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 comfortable with this, a vice and hand file are a more affordable option. This isn't the most secure alternative as 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, which are remote controls that allow you to lock your car, unlock it and also to start the engine. These are basically mini remote transmitters that connect to your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to send commands. They are a convenience for drivers, but they can be costly to replace or duplicate if you lose one.

Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronic components. Fobs must also be programmed to work with your vehicle and this can add up in price.

If you lose your only working fob, it can cost you up to $300 to get a replacement original key and fob from the dealership. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of car key cutting of a new fob by as much as 50% if you buy it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have keys that are compatible with the car model you have. Some of these key fobs need to be programmed or laser-cut by the dealer in your area. However, many can be programmed by the user.

Key fobs for standard keys are less expensive than more advanced models to replace because they don't contain an embedded chip that has to be programmed after the fact. While they can be expensive to duplicate if you have to create a template for a lost or damaged key it is less than buying a new set of keys from a car dealer.

You can also lower your cost of cutting keys by buying a new shell to replace your current key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your key fob and leave the electronics inside unaltered. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain and save you the headache of trying to schedule an appointment with the dealership.

Keys with Keyless Entry

The car key fob has numerous advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to look for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you are carrying large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built in 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 for long periods of time. Additionally, they are difficult to program, based on the make and model. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs can be replaced 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 have a standard key, duplication costs are usually very affordable and range between $10 and $15. You may also be able to purchase a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain retailer. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding can be expensive. They are usually laser-cut, and are sometimes called sidewinder or high-security keys. They feature a more robust shank and have less grooves carved out on the blade and they have to be programmed using a specific machine that is found at a dealership or locksmith shop.

A key that has chips can be costly to replace and often requires an appointment with a dealer to have the replacement coded. These keys are often referred to as transponder or Car Key Cutting Cost smart keys and they are equipped with electronics that need to be verified by your car before it will open any doors or start the engine. Dealers charge between $150-$300 for a key that comes with the key fob as well as a transponder chip.

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 function by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks itself according to the signal and opens the trunk and hatch if the key is close to the receiver.