The 10 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. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your keys without overpaying at the dealership.

Simply bring your current working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours using an on-site key cutting machine. It's typically 20% less than buying from an agent.

Keys with Transponder Chips

A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that provide security and ease for the owner of the vehicle. They are not free. In some instances the cost of replacing a key fob that has been lost or damaged is high. The good news is that there are methods to cut the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to have a spare mobile car key cutting key now instead of waiting until you lose the key and are facing the cost of a locksmith's visit or towing charges.

The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been in use in the majority of automobiles since the mid 1990s. This technology was created as a response to the rising rate of theft from cars. A car transponder transmits a secret code via a signal. When the key is placed in the ignition, the antenna ring around it detects the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will start. This is significant because the majority of thieves simply connect a hot wire to the vehicle to start it and then drive off.

Transponder chips work in a similar way to the microchips found in computers and cell phones. The different is that they do not need constant power to work. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal which can be detected by special detectors that are placed on the ignition cylinder and key head.

We suggest visiting your local locksmith if you require a spare key for a vehicle with a transponder. Many locksmiths have a system 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 note that some stores such as AutoZone provide key programming services. However, they typically cost significantly more than locksmiths. They do this because they can benefit from an "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold rises. They can then pass the savings to consumers.

Keys with Electronics

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

The most effective method to save money on key cost is to avoid the need to replace your keys in the first place. That means having a spare key in case you lose the original. You can buy another key for between $25 to $50 at the hardware store or a box retailer, based on the type of key.

Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online at reduced prices from the manufacturer. A factory-issued key is likely to have the correct transponder. This is vital, as you won't be able to make use of an aftermarket car key unless it's been 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 dealer, an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith shop to have them replaced.

Another thing to consider is that if you're planning on buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll need make sure it isn't already programmed to a vehicle belonging to someone else. You can do this by checking the blade of the key for chip or the cutout to see if it shows evidence of the previous key.

A key duplication device can be bought, but it is not a viable option for everyone. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys and you'll need cut a lot of keys to break even. If you don't feel comfortable using a vice, hand-files are an option that is more affordable. However, it's not the most secure option as it may harm the electronics of the key or even cut the key off inside the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs

Many modern cars come with key fobs that are remote controls that lock and unlock your vehicle and also to 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 they can be costly to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.

Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys due to their sophisticated electronics. They also need to be programmed to work with your vehicle, which can also increase the cost.

A new key and fob could cost as much as $300 in the event that you lose your sole functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob down to just $50 by purchasing it online. Search for the right key fob that matches your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Certain key fobs need to be programmed or laser-cut by your local dealer. However, many of them can be programmed by the customer.

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 requires reprogramming. They can still be expensive to duplicate if you've got a lost or damaged key and require a template duplicate them, but they are much more affordable than the cost of replacing a complete key set from the dealer in your vehicle.

Another option to reduce your key cutting costs is to purchase an entirely new shell for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your key fob while leaving the electronics inside unchanged. These shells are a cost-effective option to updating your keychain without having to make an appointment with the dealer.

Keys for Keyless Entry

The car key fob has many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, particularly when you're carrying groceries or other heavy weights in your hands. If they have this feature, they can help you open your trunk and hatch.

The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they frequently consume battery power which makes it difficult to use for long periods of time. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, based on the vehicle's make and Car Key Cutting Cost model. Fortunately, most key fobs can be replaced with replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search online or visit your local hardware store, you can often find these for less than dealer-supplied options.

If you already have a standard key, the cost of duplication could be as just $10 to $15. You may also be able purchase an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain retailer. However replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding can be expensive. They are usually laser-cut, often called sidewinder or high-security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and have fewer grooves on the shank. They have to be programmed by a special machine found in a locksmith dealership.

A key with chip could be expensive to replace and usually requires a trip to the dealership to have the replacement coded. These keys are also known as transponder or smart keys. They are equipped with electronics that need to be verified before they can open doors or start your engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 to $300 for a new key that includes both the key fob as well as the transponder chip.

If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery in your key fob goes out it could be expensive to replace the keys. The majority of modern cars have these keys, which work 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 in close proximity to the receiver.