The 10 Most Scariest Things About Car Key Cutting Cost

How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car key without paying a dealership's high prices.

Simply bring your current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours using the key cutting machine on site. It's about 20 percent less than purchasing from a dealer.

Keys that have Transponder chips

A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that provide security and comfort for the owner of the vehicle. These devices aren't free. In some instances, the cost of replacing the key fob that has been damaged or lost is high. The good news is that there are options to lower the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to buy a spare key now instead of waiting until you lose your car key and then pay for locksmith services or towing costs.

The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a standard feature in cars since the mid-1990s. This technology was developed in response to rising levels of theft from cars. Transponders in cars transmit the secret code through a signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition, Car Key Cutting Cost the antenna ring around it and reads the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will start. This is an important thing because the majority of thieves simply connect a hot wire to the vehicle to start it, and then drive off.

Transponder chips function in a similar way to microchips in cell phones and computers. They don't require constant power. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal of low frequency that is recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself.

We suggest visiting your local locksmith if in need of an extra key for a vehicle with a transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a device that can program new keys to match the model and make of your car. This is an excellent alternative to taking your mobile car key cutting to the dealership.

It is also important to know that some stores, like AutoZone will provide key programming services. They usually charge more than a professional locksmith. This is due to the fact that they are able to benefit from the "scaling" effect which occurs when the number of units sold increases. In other words, they can transfer their cost savings to consumers.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that are connected 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 need programming that can only be done by a dealership, auto locksmith or the vehicle's manufacturer. This process can cost as much as $500 for new keys, the changing of the immobilizer's programming, and possibly, labor costs.

The best way to reduce car key replacement costs is to not need them in the first place. This means you should have an extra key in case you lose the original. You can purchase another key for between $25-$50 at the hardware store or a box shop, based on the key type.

Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online at an affordable price from the manufacturer. The benefit of buying a factory key is that it will likely come with the right transponder chip. This is essential since you won't be able to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed.

The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the equipment to program modern-day car keys, so they can only offer basic duplication services. You can bring them to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith shop to have them replaced.

If you are planning to purchase an inexpensive key on the internet, ensure that it hasn't been programmed for the vehicle of someone else. You can do this by checking the blade of the key for a chip or for a cutout that shows signs of an earlier key.

A key duplication device can be purchased, but it is not an option for the majority of people. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys and you'll need to cut many keys to break even. If you don't feel at ease using a vice, hand-files are an alternative that is less expensive. But, it's not the safest method because it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key or car Key Cutting Cost break the key off in the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs

Modern cars come with remote controls that lock and unlock the vehicle, and start the motor. These are tiny remote transmitters which communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle via radio waves. These are a great convenience for drivers, but they can be expensive to duplicate or replace if they are lost.

Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys due to their sophisticated electronics. Fobs must also be programmed to work with your car keys cutting and programming, which can also increase the cost.

If you lose your sole functioning fob, it could cost up to $300 to have a new fob and key from the dealer. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob down to only $50 if you buy it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have a key fob that fits the car model you have. Some of these key fobs must be laser-cut or programmed by the dealer in your area. However, many can be programmed by the customer.

Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for a lot less than the more sophisticated models since they do not have an embedded chip which requires reprogramming. They can still be expensive to copy if you have a lost or damaged key and require a template make them again, but they are much cheaper than the expense of replacing the entire key set purchased from your car's dealer.

Another method to reduce the cost of cutting keys is to purchase a new case for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, yet leave the electronic components intact. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain, and save you the headache of trying to schedule an appointment with the dealership.

Keys for Keyless Entry

Car key fobs come with a lot of benefits. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, especially when you're carrying groceries or other heavy items in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built in they will help you open your trunk and hatch.

The downside to these types of keys is that they frequently consume battery power and make it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, based on your vehicle's make and model. Fortunately, many key fobs can be replaced using replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look on the internet or at your local hardware store, you'll often find these for a much lower price than the dealer-supplied alternatives.

If you already have a standard key, duplication costs can be as low as $10 to $15. You might also be able purchase a replacement 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, sometimes referred to as sidewinder or high-security keys. They feature a more robust shank and less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and must be programmed using a special machine that is found at a dealership or locksmith shop.

It can be expensive to replace a key that has a microchip and it is usually necessary to visit the dealer to have the replacement coded. These are commonly called smart or transponder keys, and they are equipped with electronics that must be validated by your vehicle before it can open doors or start the engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 and $300 for a new original key that has both the key fob and a new transponder chip.

Keys with keyless entry can also be expensive to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery fails. These keys are found in most modern cars. They function by transmitting messages from the key fob to an internal receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks itself based on this signal and opens the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.