How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts you need to replace your car key without paying a dealership's high cost.

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

Keys that have Transponder chips

Many modern vehicles have key fobs which provide an element of security and ease for the owner of the vehicle. They are not free. In some cases, the cost of replacing a key fob that has been damaged or lost can be high. There are ways to cut down on the costs of these devices. It's much less expensive to have a spare mobile car key cutting key today instead of waiting until you lose the key and are facing the cost of a locksmith's visit or towing charges.

The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been in use in the majority of cars since the mid-1990s. This technology was designed to stop the increasing number of car thefts. Transponders in cars transmit the secret code through a signal. When the key is inserted into the ignition, an antenna ring around the ignition cylinder receives the signal and, if it matches with the password, the engine is started. This is significant because most thieves simply hot wire the vehicle to start it and then leave the scene.

Transponder chips work on the same principle as the microchips used in cell phones and computers. The distinction is that they don't need constant power to work. Instead, they emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that is identified by special receivers in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself.

If you require an extra car key made for a car equipped with transponder chips, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to make new keys for your specific vehicle model and make. This is a great alternative to visiting a dealership.

It's also important to note that some stores such as AutoZone will offer a key programming service. However, they often cost significantly higher than a locksmith. This is because they can take advantage of the "scaling" effect which occurs when the number of units sold rises. They can then pass the savings to consumers.

Keys with Electronics

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

The best way to avoid car key replacement costs is to not require them in the first place. This means you should have a spare key in case you lose the original. You can buy an additional key for $25 to $50 at the hardware store or a box retailer, based on the key type.

Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online or at a discounted price from the manufacturer. The advantage of buying an original key is that it's likely to come with the proper transponder chip. This is essential because you won't be in a position to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed.

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

If you are planning to purchase an inexpensive key online, make sure that it hasn't been programmed for another vehicle. This can be accomplished by examining the blade of the key to determine if there's an embedded chip, or a cutout showing evidence of an old key.

The purchase of a key duplication device is another option however, it's not cost-effective for the majority of people. The machine costs more than blank keys, so you'll have to cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you're not at ease using a vice, hand-files are an alternative that is less expensive. This is not the safest alternative as it can harm the electronic components of the key or even break the key inside the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs

Modern cars come with remote controls that lock and unlock the car, and start the motor. These are tiny remote transmitters that communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle via radio waves. They're a great convenience for drivers, but they can be expensive to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.

key cut service fobs are more expensive than conventional keys due to their sophisticated electronics. Fobs must also be programmed to work with your vehicle, which can also add up in price.

If you lose your only working fob, it can cost up to $300 to have a brand new fob and key from the dealership made. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of an entirely new fob by up to 50% if purchasing it online. Search for an appropriate key fob that matches your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Certain key fobs must be programmed or laser-cut by the dealer in your area. However, many can be programmed by the user.

Key fobs that are standard are cheaper than more advanced models to replace as they don't have an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed following the fact. However, they can be costly to duplicate in the event that you need to design an original template for a lost or damaged key, the cost is much lower than purchasing a brand new set of keys from your car dealer.

You can also reduce your cost of cutting keys by purchasing a new car key cut case to replace your old key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your key fob, while leaving the electronics inside unchanged. These shells are an affordable solution to update your keychain without making an appointment with the dealer.

Keys for Keyless Entry

The car key fob comes with numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without the need to hunt for your keys. This is especially useful when you're carrying large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. They can even help you open your trunk and hatch, in the event that they have this feature built-in.

These keys aren't recommended for long-term usage because they drain the battery. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Many key fobs are easily repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look online or visit your local hardware store, you will often find them at less than the dealer-supplied alternatives.

If you already have a standard key, the cost of duplication could be as just $10 to $15. You can also purchase an additional key from your local hardware store or box retailer store. Newer keys that require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, however. They are typically laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys or high security keys. They feature a more robust shank, and less carved-out grooves on the blade and they must be programmed using a special machine at the locksmith shop or dealership.

It can be costly to replace a key that has a microchip and it is often required to visit a dealer to have the replacement coded. These keys are often referred to as transponder keys or smart keys, and they are equipped with electronics that must be validated by your car before it can open doors or start the engine. Dealers will charge between $150 and $300 for a key that includes the key fob as well as the transponder chip.

Keys that have keyless entry could be costly to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery fails. Many modern cars come with keys that function by sending a signal from your key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car then locks or unlocks based on this signal and opens the hatch and trunk if the key is within close proximity to the receiver.