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 overpaying at the dealership.

Simply bring a working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours by using a key cutting machine onsite. It's about 20% less than purchasing through a dealer.

Keys with Transponder Chips

Modern cars have key fobs, which offer security and convenience for car owners. However, these devices come with a cost. In certain instances, it can be quite high to replace a lost or damaged key fob. There are ways to cut down on the expense of these devices. It's cheaper to have a spare vehicle key today, rather than waiting until you lose the key and you are confronted with the expense of a locksmith's visit or towing charges.

Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip had been a key component of most automobiles. The name derives from "transmitter and responder". This technology was developed to counter the growing number of car thefts. Essentially, the chip in a car transponder transmits signals that contain the secret password. When the key is placed in the ignition, the antenna ring around it reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will start. This is important because most thieves simply wire the vehicle and then drive off.

Transponder chips operate on a similar principle to the microchips in computers and cell phones. They do not require constant power. Instead, they transmit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal which can be identified by special receivers in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself.

We recommend visiting your local key cutting locksmith if in need of a spare key for a car equipped with transponder. Most locksmiths have a device to make new keys for your particular car model and make. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership.

It is also important to know that some stores, like AutoZone will offer a key programming service. However, they usually charge significantly higher than a locksmith. This is because they can take advantage of the "scaling" effect which occurs when the quantity of units sold increases. In other words, they can transfer their savings to the consumer.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys are equipped with chips or transponders which pair to the vehicle whenever the key is inserted in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they need programming that can only be performed by a dealership, auto locksmith, or your manufacturer of your vehicle. This process can cost up to $500 for new keys, the programming of the immobilizer and the possibility of labor costs.

The best way to cut down on car key replacement costs is to not need them in the first place. This means having a spare key in case you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key at the hardware store or at a box store for between $25-$50, based on the kind of key.

Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discount. The advantage of purchasing the factory key is that it's likely to be equipped with the correct transponder chip. This is vital, as you won't be able to use an aftermarket car key unless it's been professionally programmed.

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

Another thing to think about is that if you're planning on purchasing a key for a low price from an online retailer, you'll have to make sure it isn't already programmed to someone else's car. This can be done by looking at the blade of the key to determine if there's a chip or cutout that shows the signs of an old key.

A key duplication machine can be purchased, but this is not a viable option for the majority of people. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys and you'll need to cut many keys to make a profit. If you don't feel at ease using a vice, a hand file is a more affordable alternative. It's not the best alternative as it can damage the key's electronic components or break the key in the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs

A lot of modern cars have key fobs that are remote controls that lock your car, unlock it and even start the engine. These are tiny remote transmitters that communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle via radio waves. They are a great benefit for drivers, but they can be costly to duplicate or replace if they are lost.

Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys due to their sophisticated electronic components. They also require to be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which can add up in cost too.

A new key and fob could cost as much as $300 in the event that you lose your sole functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut 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 might have an appropriate key fob for the car model you have. Some of these fobs might require laser cutting by a locksmith or programmed by your dealer in your area, but most are programmable by customers easily (though some require two current, working keys for this).

Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for a lot less than the more sophisticated models because they do not have an embedded chip which requires reprogramming. They are still expensive to duplicate if you've got a lost or damaged key and require a template to make them again however, they are more affordable than the cost of replacing the entire key set purchased from your dealer in your vehicle.

Another method to reduce your key cutting costs is to purchase an entirely new shell for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the plastic outer and buttons on your key fob but leaving the inside electronics unaltered. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle of trying to schedule an appointment with the dealership.

Keys for Keyless Entry

The car key fob comes with numerous advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without the need to hunt for your keys. This is especially useful when you have large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. They can even assist you to open your trunk and hatch, when they've got this feature integrated into them.

The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they tend to drain the battery which makes it difficult to use them for long periods of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. If you look on the internet or at your local hardware store, you'll typically find them for less than the dealer-supplied options.

If you already have a standard key then duplication costs can be as low as $10-$15. You can also purchase an additional key from your local hardware or box retailer store. Keys that are newer and require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, however. They are usually laser-cut, and are sometimes called sidewinder or high-security keys. They feature a more robust shank, and less carved-out grooves on the blade and they have to be programmed using a specific machine at a locksmith shop or dealer.

It is costly to replace a key with microchips and it is often necessary to visit the dealer to get the replacement code. They are also known as transponder keys or smart keys, and they are equipped with electronics which must be validated by your vehicle before it will open any doors or start the engine. A dealer typically charges between $150 and $300 for a new original key that includes both the key fob as well as a new transponder chip.

Keys with keyless entry can also be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them or your key fob battery is dead. Many modern cars come with these keys, which work by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks the car according to the signal. It will also open the trunk and hatch when the key is near the receiver.

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