The 10 Most Scariest Things About Car Key Cutting Cost

How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

The loss of your car keys is never an ideal option. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your key without having to pay the dealership.

Simply bring a working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours using the key cutting machine on site. It's about 20 percent less than buying from dealers.

Keys with Transponder Chips

Many modern vehicles have key fobs that offer security and ease for the owner of the vehicle. These devices aren't free. In some instances the cost of replacing a key fob that has been lost or damaged is high. There are ways to reduce the cost of these devices. It is much cheaper to have a spare vehicle key made now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and are confronted with the expense of a locksmith's visit or towing fees.

The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been in use in the majority of cars since the mid-1990s. The technology was developed as a response to the rising rate of car theft. In essence, the car transponder chip emits an electronic signal that has an encrypted password. When the key is inserted into the ignition, an antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder reads this signal and when it matches the password, the engine will start. This is a big deal because most thieves simply connect a hot wire to the vehicle to get it started and then leave the scene.

Transponder chips work on the same principle as the microchips found in cell phones and computers. They do not require constant power. Instead, they emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that can be recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself.

If you're looking to get a spare car key made for a vehicle equipped with a transponder chip, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Most locksmiths have a device to program new keys for your specific vehicle model and make. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership.

It is also important to know that some shops, such as AutoZone will provide key programming services. However, they often cost higher than a locksmith. They do this because they can benefit from a "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold increases. They can then pass on the savings to the consumers.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that are paired to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they require programming that can only be performed by a dealership, auto locksmith or your vehicle's manufacturer. This process can cost up to $500 for the new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer and perhaps labor charges.

The most effective way to save on car key cutting costs is by avoiding the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. This means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key at a hardware store or box store for around $25 to $50, based on the type of key.

Many people don't realize that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discount. The advantage of purchasing an original key is that it will likely have the right transponder chip. This is crucial because you won't be able to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.

The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the technology necessary to program modern car key, so they can only offer basic duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, a repair shop or dealer to have them replaced.

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

A key duplication machine can be bought, but it is not a viable option for most people. The machine costs more than keys that are blank, so you'll need to cut numerous keys to make a profit. If you're not comfortable using a vice, a hand file is a more affordable alternative. However, this isn't the most secure option as it could damage the key's electronics 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 allow you to lock and unlock your car and start the engine. These are basically mini remote transmitters that communicate with your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to transmit commands. These are great features for drivers but can be costly to duplicate or car key cutting cost replace if lost.

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

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

Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for a lot less than more advanced models due to the fact that they don't have an embedded chip which must be reprogrammed. Although they can be costly to duplicate in the event that you need to design templates for a lost or damaged key it is less than purchasing a new key from your car dealer.

You can also cut car keys down on cost of cutting keys by purchasing a new case to replace your old key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, yet leave the electronics intact. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle of having to schedule an appointment at the dealership.

Keys with Keyless Entry

The car key fob offers numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, particularly when you're carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built-in they will help you open the trunk and hatch.

The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they frequently consume battery power, making it hard to use them for a long period of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. Fortunately, many key fobs can be replaced using replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. They are often available for much cheaper than a dealer-supplied option, when you search on the internet or visit the local hardware store.

If you have a standard key, duplication costs are usually very low, and can range between $10 and $15. You might also be able to buy a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain store. Newer keys that require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, however. 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 the shank. They need to be programmed by a special machine found in a locksmith dealership.

A key that has chips can be expensive to replace and typically requires a trip to the dealership to have the replacement coded. These keys are also known as smart keys or transponder keys. They contain electronic components that need to be verified before they can open doors or start engines. Dealers will charge between $150 and $300 for a key that includes the key fob and transponder chips.

If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery inside your key fob dies, it can be costly to replace them. Keyless entry keys can be found in a majority of modern vehicles. They function by sending a message from the key fob to the car's receiver. The car then locks or unlocks in accordance with this signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch if the key is close to the receiver.