The 10 Most Scariest Things About Car Key Cutting Cost

How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your key without having to pay a dealership.

Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site with a key-cutting machine. It's about 20% less than buying through a dealer.

Keys with Transponder Chips

Modern cars are equipped with key fobs that provide security and convenience to owners. These devices aren't free. In some cases the cost of replacing the key fob that has been lost or damaged is high. The good news is that there are options to cut the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to buy an extra key now rather instead of waiting until you lose your car key and then pay for a locksmith or towing charges.

The transponder chip (which is named after the words "transmitter + responder") has been a standard feature in automobiles since the mid-1990s. This technology was developed to stop the increasing number of car thefts. Transponders in cars transmit an encrypted signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition the antenna will ring around it and reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will start. This is important because most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle before driving away.

Transponder chips work on the same principle as the microchips in computers and cell phones. The different is that they do not require constant power to function. Instead, they send an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency which can be detected by special receivers placed in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself.

If you're looking to get an extra car keys cut and programmed key made for a car with transponder chips, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to make new keys for your specific vehicle model and make. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership.

It's also important to remember that some stores, like AutoZone provide key programming services. However, they typically charge significantly more than a locksmith. This is due to the fact that they are able to benefit from the "scaling" effect which occurs when the quantity of units sold increases. In this way, they could transfer their savings to consumers.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys come with transponders or chips that connect with the vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. These keys are more costly to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which can only be done by an auto locksmith or dealership. The process could cost as high as $500 for an entirely new key, reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possibly, labor costs.

The best way to reduce cost of replacing car keys is to not require them in the first place. That means having a spare key in the event that 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 purchase replacement keys online or at a discounted price from the manufacturer. The advantage of purchasing an original key is that it's likely to have the right transponder chip. This is vital, as you cannot use an aftermarket car key without having it professionally programmed.

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

If you are planning to purchase an inexpensive key online, make sure it hasn't been programmed for the vehicle of someone else. This can be done by looking at the blade of the key to determine if there's a chip or a cutout that shows signs of an old key cutting services near me.

A key duplication machine can be purchased, but it is not an option for the majority of people. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys and you'll need to cut many keys to break even. If you're not happy with this, a vice or hand file are a more affordable option. This is not the safest option as it could cause damage to 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 to lock and unlock your vehicle and also to start the engine. They are tiny transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves. They are a great benefit for drivers, but they can be expensive to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.

In contrast to traditional keys, which require a great locksmith, automotive dealer or other specialty service provider to make keys, key fobs are equipped with sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to produce than their basic counterparts. They also need to be programmed to work with your car, which can also add up in price.

If you lose your sole working fob, it can cost upwards of $300 to have a new original fob and key from the dealer. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of a new fob by up to 50% if you buy it online. Find an appropriate key fob for your vehicle's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these keys may need to be laser-cut by a locksmith key cutting or programmed by your local dealer, but a lot are programmable by customers with relative ease (though some will require two working keys to do this).

Standard key fobs can be replaced for less than more advanced models since they do not have an embedded chip which must be reprogrammed. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you have to create a template to replace a damaged or lost key, the cost is much less than purchasing a new set of keys from a car dealer.

Another method to reduce your costs for cutting keys is by simply buying a new shell for your current key cut fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that can replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, but leave the electronics intact. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain and save you the headache of trying to schedule an appointment at the dealership.

Keys for Keyless Entry

Car key fobs offer numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to look for your keys. This is especially useful when you're carrying large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. They can even help you open your trunk and hatch in the event that they have this feature built in.

The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they often drain the battery and make it difficult to use them for long periods of time. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Key fobs are often replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available at a lower cost than dealer-supplied options, if you look on the internet or visit your local hardware store.

If you already have a standard key, the cost of duplication could be as just $10 to $15. You can also buy a replacement key at your local hardware or box retailer store. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption could be costly. They are typically laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a larger shank, and less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and they must be programmed using a specific machine that is found at a dealership or locksmith shop.

A key that has chip could be expensive to replace and usually requires a trip to the dealership to have the replacement coded. They are also known 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. A dealer typically charges between $150 to $300 for a new original key that comes with the key fob and a new transponder chip.

Keys that have keyless entry could also be costly to replace if you lose them or the battery of your key fob dies. The majority of modern cars have keys that function by sending a signal from your key fob to a receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks itself according to the signal and opens the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.