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 require to replace your car keys without having to pay dealership cost.

Simply bring your current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours using a key cutting machine onsite. This costs on average 20% less than buying from an agent.

Keys with Transponder chips

Many modern vehicles have key fobs that provide security and convenience to the car owner. These devices aren't free. In some cases, the cost of replacing the key fob that is damaged or lost could be costly. There are ways to cut down on the costs of these devices. It's cheaper to have a spare vehicle key now instead of waiting until you lose the key and are faced with paying for the visit of a locksmith or towing fees.

The transponder chip (which is named after the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most automobiles since the mid-1990s. This technology was designed to counter the growing number of car thefts. Essentially, the car transponder chip emits signals that contain an encrypted password. 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 important as most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and drive away.

Transponder chips function in a similar way to microchips found in cell phones and computers. They do not require constant power. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that is detected by special detectors placed on the ignition cylinder as well as key head.

We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if you require an extra key for a vehicle with a transponder. Most locksmiths will have a tool to program new keys to match the model and make of your car. This is a great alternative to visiting a dealership.

It is also important to know that some shops, such as AutoZone will offer a key programming service. They typically charge more than a professional locksmith. They can do this because they benefit from the "scaling effect" that occurs when the number of units sold rises. They can then pass on the savings to consumers.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys have chips or transponders that are connected to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they need programming that can only be done by a dealership, auto locksmith or the manufacturer of your vehicle. This process can cost up to $500 for the new key, as well as reprogramming the immobilizer, and possibly the cost of labor.

The best way to cut down on cost of replacing car keys is to not require them in the first place. It is crucial to have an extra car key in case the original one is lost. You can buy an additional key for $25 to $50 at the hardware store or a box store, depending on the key type.

Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online at an affordable price from the manufacturer. The advantage of buying an original key is that it will come with the proper transponder chip. This is essential since you won't be able to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed.

Most hardware stores and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, so they only offer basic key duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, a repair shop, or dealer to get them replaced.

If you're planning to purchase a cheap key on the internet, ensure 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 that shows the signs of an old key.

A key cut service duplication machine is another option however it's not cost-effective for the majority of people. The machine costs more than keys that are blank, so you'll need to cut many keys in order to break even. If you don't feel comfortable using a vice, hand-files are a more affordable alternative. This is not the safest option as it could harm the electronic components of the key or even break the key in the lock.

Key Fobs with Keys

A lot of modern cars have key fobs, which are remote controls that lock and unlock your vehicle and even start the engine. These are small remote transmitters which communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle via radio waves. They're a benefit for drivers, but they can be costly to replace or duplicate if you lose one.

Contrary to traditional keys that require a great locksmith, automotive key cutting dealer, or any other specialist service provider to create, key fobs contain advanced electronics, making them more expensive to produce than their basic counterparts. Fobs must also be programmed to work with your vehicle and this can add up in price.

A new fob and key could cost as much as $300 in the event that you lose your sole functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob down to as little as $50 if you buy it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have an appropriate key fob for 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 of them can be programmed by the user.

Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for less than more sophisticated models because they do not contain an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed. However, they can be costly to duplicate if you need to create a template for a damaged or lost key, the cost is much lower than purchasing a brand new key from your car dealer.

Another option to reduce your double sided key cutting near me cutting costs is by simply buying an entirely new shell for your key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that will replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, but leave the electronics intact. 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 offers many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, especially if you're carrying heavy groceries or other weights in your hands. They can also help you open your trunk and hatch when they've got this feature built-in.

The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they tend to consume battery power, making it hard to use them for a long period of time. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, based on your vehicle's make and model. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. If you search online or visit your local hardware store, you can often find these for a much lower price than dealer-supplied options.

If you own a standard key, duplication costs are usually affordable and vary from $10 to $15. You may also be able to buy an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain store. However replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding can be expensive. These keys are usually laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They feature a more robust shank, and less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and they must be programmed with a specific machine found in a dealership or locksmith shop.

A key with chips can be expensive to replace and typically requires a trip to the dealership to have the replacement coded. These keys are often referred to as transponder or smart keys and they come with electronic components that need to be verified by your vehicle before it will open any doors or start the engine. Dealers can charge between $150-$300 for a key that includes the key cutting services near me fob as well as transponder chips.

If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery inside your key fob dies it could be expensive to replace the keys. Many modern cars come with these keys, which function by sending a signal from your key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It will also open the hatch and trunk when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.