How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

Losing your car keys isn't an ideal idea. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your keys without having to pay the dealership.

Simply bring your current working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours by using an on-site key cutting machine. This costs on average 20 percent less than purchasing from dealers.

Keys with Transponder Chips

Modern cars come with key fobs, which provide security and convenience for car owners. These devices are not free. In some instances, it can be quite expensive to replace a damaged or lost key fob. The good news is that there are ways to lower the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to purchase an extra key today instead of waiting until you lose your car keys and need to pay the locksmith or towing fees.

The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most automobiles since the mid 1990s. The technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of car theft. The basic idea behind the chip in a car transponder transmits signals that contain the secret password. When the key is put in the ignition, the antenna ring around it detects the signal. If the signal matches the password, then the engine will start. This is significant because the majority of thieves simply connect a hot wire to the vehicle to get it started and then take off.

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

We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if you need the spare key for a car equipped with a transponder. Most locksmiths will have a tool that can program new keys to the specific model and make of your car. This is a fantastic alternative to visiting a dealership.

It's also important to know that some stores such as AutoZone provide a key-programming service. However, they typically cost significantly higher than a locksmith. This is because they can profit from the "scaling" effect that occurs when the number of units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to consumers.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys come with chips or transponders which connect to the vehicle when the key is inserted into the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they need programming that is only performed by a dealership, auto locksmith or the manufacturer of your vehicle. This process can cost up to $500 for the new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer and possibly the cost of labor.

The most effective method to save money on key cost is to avoid the need to replace your keys in the first place. It is important to have an extra car key in the event that the original is lost. You can buy another key for between $25 to $50 at a box store or hardware retailer, based on the type of key.

Many people are unaware that they can purchase keys replacement online or at a an affordable price from the manufacturer. A factory key will most likely contain the correct transponder. This is vital, as you will not be able use a car key that is aftermarket without having it professionally programmed.

The majority of 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 go to a locksmith, independent auto repair shop or the dealer to have them replaced.

If you are planning to purchase a key for getting a key cut near me low price online, make sure that it's not programmed to another vehicle. You can do this by looking at the blade of the key for chips or a cutout that shows signs of the previous key.

Purchasing a van key cutting duplication machine is a different option however it's not affordable for the majority of people. The machine is more expensive than blank keys, so you'll have to cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you're not sure about this, a vice and hand file are a more affordable alternative. However, this isn't the safest method because it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even cut the key off inside the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs

Many modern vehicles come with key fobs, which are remote controls that lock and unlock your car and also to start the engine. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that communicate with your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to transmit commands. These are great features for drivers, but they can be costly to duplicate or replace if lost.

Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronics. Key fobs must also be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which can add up in cost as well.

If you lose your sole working fob, it can cost up to $300 to have a brand new original fob and key from the dealership. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of a new fob by up to 50% if purchasing it online. Find the right key fob for your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these key fobs will need to be laser-cut or programmed by the local dealer. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the buyer.

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

Another way to cut your key cutting costs is to purchase an entirely new shell for your key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronics intact. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain, and save you the hassle of having to make an appointment at the dealership.

Keys with Keyless Entry

Car key fobs offer numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to search for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you have large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. If they have this feature, they can help you open your trunk and hatch.

These keys aren't recommended for long-term use because they drain batteries. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, depending on the vehicle's model and make. Key fobs are often replaced with new ones from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. They are often available for much cheaper than the dealer-supplied version if you look on the internet or visit the local hardware store.

If you already have a standard-sized key, duplication costs can be as low as $10-$15. You can also purchase keys to replace them at your local hardware or box retailer store. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding can be expensive. They are typically laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as 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 special machine in a locksmith or dealership.

A key that has a chip can be quite expensive to replace and typically requires a trip to the dealership to obtain a replacement code. These keys are often referred to as smart or transponder keys, and they are equipped with electronics that need to be verified by your car before it will open any doors or start the engine. A dealer typically charges between $150 to $300 for a new original key that includes both the key fob as well as the transponder chip.

Keys that have keyless entry could also be expensive to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery fails. Keyless entry keys can be found in the majority of modern automobiles. They work by sending an electronic message from the key fob into the car's receiver. The car locks or unlocks the car according to the signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk when the key is close to the receiver.