How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

Losing your car keys is not an ideal option. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts you require to replace your car key without paying a dealership's high costs.

Simply bring a current working key to getting a new car key cut participating AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours using a key cutting machine onsite. On average, this costs 20% less than purchasing through a dealer.

Keys with Transponder Chips

Modern cars come with key cutting open now fobs, which provide convenience and security to car owners. These devices are not free. In some instances, it can be quite high to replace a lost or damaged key fob. There are ways to cut down on the cost of these devices. It is cheaper to order a spare key now than wait until you lose your car key and then pay for the locksmith or towing fees.

The transponder chip (which is named after the words "transmitter + responder") has been in use in the majority of cars since the mid-1990s. The technology was created to combat the rising number of car thefts. In essence, a car transponder chip transmits an electronic signal that has an encrypted password. When the key is inserted into ignition, an antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder receives this signal and if it matches the password, the engine starts. This is significant since most thieves connect a hot wire to the vehicle to get it started and then drive off.

Transponder chips operate in a similar way to microchips used in cell phones and computers. The difference is that they don't require constant power to function. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency which can be detected by special receivers placed in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself.

We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if you require the spare key for a vehicle with transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to make new keys for your specific vehicle model and make. 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. However, they usually cost significantly higher than a locksmith. They do this because they profit from the "scaling effect" that occurs when the number of units sold rises. In this way, they could pass on their costs savings to the consumer.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys are equipped with chips or transponders which pair to the vehicle whenever the key is placed in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they need programming that is only done by a dealership, auto locksmith or your vehicle's manufacturer. This procedure can cost up to $500 for a new key, reprogramming the immobilizer, and possibly labor charges.

The best way to reduce the expense of replacing your car keys is to not require them in the first place. It is essential to have a spare car key in the event that the original is lost. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key from an hardware store or box store for about $25-$50, based on the kind of key.

Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online at reduced prices from the manufacturer. A factory-issued key is likely to have the correct transponder. This is crucial because you won't be able to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed.

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

If you're planning to purchase an inexpensive key on the internet, ensure that it's not programmed for someone else's vehicle. This can be accomplished by looking at the blade of the key to determine if it has an embedded chip or a cutout that shows signs of an old key.

Purchasing a key duplication machine is a different option however it's not affordable for most people. The machine is more expensive than keys cut that are blank, so you'll have to cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not at ease using a vice, hand files are a more affordable alternative. It's not the best option because it can damage the key's electronic components or break the key in the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs

Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the car, and even start the motor. They are tiny transmitters which communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves. They are a convenience for drivers, but they can be expensive to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.

In contrast to traditional keys, which require a reputable locksmith, dealer in automotive, or a different specialist service provider to create, key fobs contain sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to manufacture than their standard counterparts. They also require to be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which can increase the costs as well.

A new fob and key could cost as much as $300 when you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of an entirely new fob by up to 50% if you buy it online. Look for a key fob for your vehicle's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these fobs might require laser cutting by a locksmith or programmed by a local dealer, but a lot can be customer-programmed with ease (though some may require two working keys to do this).

Standard key fobs can be replaced for less than more advanced models due to the fact that they don't contain an embedded chip that must be reprogrammed. They are still expensive to copy if you have damaged or lost keys and need a template to reproduce them, but they are much more affordable than the cost of replacing an entire key set from the dealer for your car.

You can also lower your key cutting expenses by purchasing a new shell to replace your current key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that will replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, yet leave the electronic components intact. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain and save you the headache of trying to make an appointment at the dealership.

Keys for Keyless Entry

The car key fob has many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to look for your keys. This is particularly useful when you're carrying large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. If they have this feature built-in, they can help you open your trunk and hatch.

The downside to these types of keys is that they frequently drain the battery, making it hard to use them for a long period of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they may 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 in your local hardware store, you'll often find them at less than dealer-supplied options.

If you already have a standard key, the cost of duplication could be as low as $10-$15. You can also buy a replacement key at your local hardware or box retailer store. However, replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding could be costly. They are usually laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys or high security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and less grooves on its shank. They need to be programmed by a specific machine found in a locksmith dealership.

It can be costly to replace a key with a microchip and it is usually necessary to visit a dealer to get the replacement code. These keys are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They are equipped with electronics that must be validated before they are able to open doors or start engines. Dealers will charge between $150-$300 for a key that has the key fob and transponder chips.

Keys that have keyless entry could be costly to replace if you lose them or the battery of your key fob is dead. Many modern cars come with keys that function by sending a signal from your key fob to a device in 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.