The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Car Key Cutting Cost

How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

The loss of your car keys isn't an ideal idea. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your key without overpaying at the dealership.

Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site with a key cutting machine. This costs on average 20 percent less than buying from dealers.

Keys with Transponder Chips

Modern cars are equipped with key fobs, which provide convenience and security to car owners. These devices aren't free. In certain instances, it can be quite expensive to replace a lost or damaged key fob. The good news is that there are ways to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It's cheaper to get a car key cut a spare car key made now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and are confronted with the expense of a locksmith's visit or towing costs.

The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a standard feature in cars since the mid 1990s. This technology was designed to combat the rising number of car thefts. A car transponder transmits the secret code through a signal. When the key is placed in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will start. This is an important thing because most thieves simply hot wire the vehicle to get it started and then take off.

Transponder chips operate on the same principle as the microchips used in computers and cell phones. The distinction is that they don't need constant power to work. They emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal which can be identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder as well as the key head.

If you're looking to get an extra car key made for a car equipped with a transponder chip, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Many locksmiths have a device that can program new keys for the make and model of your car. This is a great alternative to visiting the dealership.

It's also important to note that some stores such as AutoZone offer a key programming service. However, they often charge significantly higher than a locksmith. They do this because they benefit from the "scaling effect" that occurs when the number of units sold rises. They can then pass the savings to consumers.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys have chips or transponders that are connected to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming that is only performed by a dealership, auto locksmith or your manufacturer of your vehicle. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for the new key, reprogramming the immobilizer and perhaps the cost of labor.

The best way to reduce the expense of replacing your car keys is to not have them in the first place. It is essential to have a spare car key in case the original one is lost. You can purchase another key for between $25 to $50 at a box store or hardware shop, 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. The benefit of buying a factory key is that it's likely to come with the proper transponder chip. This is important since you won't be able to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.

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

If you are planning to purchase an inexpensive key on the internet, ensure that it's not programmed to another vehicle. This can be done by examining the blade of the key to determine if it has chips, or a cutout showing evidence of an old key.

A key duplication machine may be purchased, but it is not a viable option for most people. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys themselves, and you'll have to cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you're not comfortable with this, a vice and hand file are a much more affordable option. However, this isn't the most secure option as it may damage the key's electronics or break the key off inside the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs

Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the vehicle, key and also start the motor. These are basically mini remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to transmit commands. These are great features for drivers but can be expensive to duplicate or replace if they are lost.

Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys because they contain sophisticated electronic components. Fobs also require programming to work with your car and can increase the cost.

A new fob and key could cost as much as $300 in the event that you lose your sole functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of an entirely new fob by as much as 50% if you purchase it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have keys that are compatible with your car model. Some of these key fobs will need to be programmed or laser-cut by your local dealer. However, many can be programmed by the buyer.

Key fobs for standard keys are cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace as they don't have an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed following the fact. While they can be expensive to duplicate in the event that you need to create a template for a damaged or lost key it is lower than purchasing a brand new set of keys from your car dealer.

You can also lower your cost of cutting keys by buying a new shell to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the plastic outer and buttons on your key fob while leaving the electronics inside unchanged. These shells are a cost-effective option to updating your keychain without making an appointment with the dealer.

Keys with Keyless Entry

Car key fobs offer a lot of benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, especially when you're carrying groceries or other heavy weights in your hands. If they have this feature built in, they can help you open your hatch and trunk.

These keys aren't recommended for key long-term usage because they drain the battery. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. Many key fobs are easily replaced with new ones from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search on the internet or at your local hardware store, you'll often find these for significantly less than the dealer-supplied options.

If you already have a standard key, the cost of duplicates can be as low as $10-$15. You may also be able to buy a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain retailer. However, replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding can be expensive. Keys that are laser-cut, and are sometimes called sidewinder or high-security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and less grooves on its shank. They have to be programmed by a special machine found in a locksmith dealership.

It is costly to replace a key that has a microchip, and it's usually necessary to visit a dealer in order to get the replacement code. These keys are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They are equipped with electronics that must be validated before they can 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 expensive to replace in the event that you lose them or your key fob battery fails. Many modern cars come with these keys, which work by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a device in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car according to the signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is near the receiver.