How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

Losing your car keys is not an ideal option. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your keys without having to pay a dealership.

Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site with a key-cutting machine. It's typically 20 percent less than buying from an agent.

Keys with Transponder Chips

Many modern vehicles have key fobs which provide an element of security and convenience to the car owner. These devices are not free. In some instances it can be expensive to replace a lost or damaged key fob. The good news is that there are ways to cut the costs associated with these devices. It is cheaper to order a spare key now than to wait until you lose your car keys and then pay for locksmith services or towing costs.

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 developed in response to the increasing rate of theft from cars. Transponders in cars transmit an encrypted signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it detects the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will begin. This is a big deal because the majority of thieves simply hot wire the vehicle to get it started and then take off.

Transponder chips work in a similar way to the microchips found in computers and cell phones. The difference is that they don't require constant power to operate. Instead, they send a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that is identified by special receivers in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself.

If you require a spare car key cutting car key created for a car with a transponder chip We highly recommend you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a tool that can program new keys to match the model and make of the vehicle you own. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.

It's also important to remember that some stores such as AutoZone offer a key programming service. They usually charge more than a professional locksmith. This is due to the fact that they are able to profit from the "scaling" effect which occurs when the number of units sold increases. In other words, they can transfer their savings to consumers.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that are connected to the car when the key is put in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they need programming that is only completed by a dealership auto locksmith, or your vehicle's manufacturer. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for a new key, reprogramming the immobilizer and perhaps labor charges.

The best way to avoid car key replacement costs is to not have them in the first place. This means you should have an extra key in case you lose the original. You can purchase a duplicate key for $25-$50 at a box store or hardware store, depending on the key type.

Many people don't realize that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discounted price. The benefit of buying the factory key is that it's likely to have the correct 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, so they only offer basic key duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, auto repair shop or the dealer to get car key cut them replaced.

If you're planning to purchase an inexpensive key online, make sure it's not programmed for the vehicle of someone else. This can be accomplished by looking at the blade of the key to see if there is chips, or a cutout showing the signs of an old key.

A key duplication machine may be purchased, but this is not an option for most people. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys themselves, and you'll have cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you're not at ease using a vice, a hand file is an option that is more affordable. This isn't the most secure option because it can cause damage to the electronic components of the key or break the key in the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs

A lot of modern cars have key fobs that function as remote controls to lock your car, unlock it and even start the engine. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that communicate with your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to send commands. They're a great convenience for drivers, however they can be expensive to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.

Unlike traditional keys, which require a great locksmith, automotive dealer, or a different specialist service provider to design keys, key fobs are equipped with advanced electronics, making them more expensive to make than the standard keys. Key fobs must also be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which can increase the cost as well.

If you lose your sole functioning fob, it could cost up to $300 to have a brand new original fob and key from the dealership. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of the new fob by up to 50% if you purchase it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have a key fob that fits your car model. Some of these fobs might require laser cutting by a locksmith or programmed by a dealer in your area, but most can be programmed by the customer with ease (though some will require two current, working keys for this).

Standard key fobs can be replaced for a lot less than more sophisticated models because they do not contain an embedded chip that must be reprogrammed. However, they can be costly to duplicate in the event that you need to design a template to replace a damaged or lost key cutting car, the cost is much lower than purchasing a brand new set of keys from your car dealer.

Another method to reduce the cost of cutting keys is to purchase a new case for your key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your keychain, but leaving the inside electronics unchanged. These shells are an affordable solution to updating your keychain without the need to make an appointment with a dealer.

Keys with 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 beneficial when you have heavy groceries or other items in your hands. They can even assist you to open your hatch and trunk, in the event that they have this feature built in.

The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they frequently drain the battery, making it hard to use them for long periods of time. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Fortunately, most key fobs can be replaced using replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. These can often be found for much cheaper than the dealer-supplied version when you search online or at your local hardware store.

If you already have a standard key then the cost of duplication could be as low as $10-$15. You might also be able to purchase an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding could be costly. These keys are usually laser-cut, and are sometimes 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 have to be programmed with a specific machine that is found at a dealership or locksmith shop.

It is costly to replace a key using a microchip and it is usually necessary to visit a dealer to have the replacement coded. These keys are also known as smart keys or transponder keys. They contain electronic components that must be verified before they can open doors or start engines. Dealers will charge between $150 to $300 for a key that has the key fob as well as a transponder chip.

Keys with keyless entry can also be costly to replace if you lose them or the battery of your key fob dies. These keys are found in a majority of modern vehicles. They work by sending messages from the key fob to the car's receiver. The car locks or unlocks the car according to the signal. It will also open the hatch and trunk when the key is near the receiver.