How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

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

Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site with a key cutting machine. It's about 20 percent less than purchasing from dealers.

Keys with Transponder Chips

Modern cars have key cutter fobs that provide security and convenience for car owners. They are not free. In some cases, the cost of replacing the key fob that has been damaged or lost could be costly. The good news is that there are options to lower the costs associated with these devices. It is cheaper to order an extra key today instead of waiting 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. This technology was designed to counter the growing number of car thefts. The basic idea behind the car transponder chip emits signals that contain the secret password. When the key is inserted into ignition, an antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder detects the signal and, if it matches the password, the engine starts. This is an important thing since most thieves hot wire the vehicle to start it, and then take off.

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

If you're looking to get an extra car key made for a vehicle equipped with transponder chips We strongly suggest that you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a tool that can program new keys to the specific model and make of the vehicle you own. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership.

It's also important to remember that some stores, like AutoZone provide key programming services. However, they often cost more than a locksmith. They can achieve this because they benefit from the "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold rises. In this way, they could pass on their costs savings to the consumer.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys come with transponders or chips which connect with the vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming that can only be completed by a dealership auto locksmith, or your manufacturer of your vehicle. This procedure can cost as much as $500 for new keys, the reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possible labor charges.

The best way to save on car key cost is to avoid the need to replace your keys in the first place. This means you should have a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can purchase a duplicate key cut place for $25 to $50 at a hardware or box store store, depending on the type of key.

Many people are unaware that they can purchase keys replacement online or at a a discounted price from the manufacturer. A factory key will likely have the correct transponder. This is important since you won't be able to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed.

The majority of hardware and box stores do not have the technology to program modern car key cutting and programming keys, which is why they offer only basic key duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, a repair shop or dealer to get them replaced.

If you plan to buy a cheap key online, make sure it hasn't been programmed for someone else's vehicle. This can be done by looking at the blade of the key to determine if there's chips, or a cutout showing evidence of an old key.

A key duplication device can be purchased, but it isn't an option for the majority of people. The machine costs more than keys with blanks, which means you'll have to cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not sure about that, a vice and hand file are a much cheaper alternative. However, it's not the most secure option as it could damage the key's electronics or break the key off inside the lock.

Key Fobs with Keys

A lot of modern cars have key fobs that function as remote controls that lock and unlock your car and also to start the engine. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that connect to your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to transmit commands. They are a 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 professional locksmith key cutting, dealer in automotive, or any other specialist service provider to create, key cutting car fobs contain sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to manufacture than their basic counterparts. Fobs must also be programmed to work with your vehicle and can add cost.

A new key and fob could cost as much as $300 when you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to just $50 if you buy it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have a key fob that fits your car model. Certain key fobs must be laser-cut or programmed by the dealer in your area. However, many of them can be programmed by the buyer.

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

Another way to cut your key cutting costs is to purchase an entirely new shell for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your key fob and leave the electronics inside unaltered. These shells are a cost-effective solution to updating your keychain without having to make an appointment with the dealer.

Keys for Keyless Entry

The car key fob has 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 are carrying large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. If they've got this feature they will assist you to open the trunk and hatch.

The downside to these types of keys is that they tend to drain the battery, making it hard to use for long periods of time. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs can be replaced using replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look online or in your local hardware store, you will often find them at significantly less than the dealer-supplied alternatives.

If you already have a standard key then duplication costs can be as just $10 to $15. You may also be able to buy an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain store. Keys that require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, however. These keys are usually laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys or high security keys. They have a larger shank and have less grooves carved out on the key's blade, and they must be programmed with a specific machine at a dealership or locksmith shop.

A key with chips can be expensive to replace and typically requires the visit to a dealership to have the replacement coded. These keys are also known as transponder or smart keys. They are equipped with electronics that must be verified before they are able to open doors or start engines. A dealer can charge between $150 to $300 for a new original key that includes both the key fob and an updated transponder chip.

Keys with keyless entry may also be costly to replace in the event that you lose them or your key fob battery dies. Keyless entry keys are available in a majority of modern vehicles. They function by transmitting an electronic message from the key fob to a receiver within 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 near the receiver.