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. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts you need to replace your car keys without paying a dealership's high prices.

Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site with a key cutting machine. On average, this costs 20% less than going through a dealer.

Keys with Transponder chips

Many modern cars have key fobs that offer security and ease for the owner of the vehicle. These devices aren't free. In certain instances, it can be quite high to replace a lost or damaged key fob. There are ways to cut down on the expense of these devices. It's much less expensive to get a spare car key today, rather than waiting until you lose the key and are faced with paying for the visit of a locksmith 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 as a response to the rising rate of vehicle theft. Transponders in cars transmit an encrypted signal. When the key is put in the ignition the antenna will ring around it reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, then the engine will begin. This is a big deal because the majority of thieves simply hot wire the vehicle to start it and then drive off.

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

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

It's also important to remember that some shops, such as AutoZone will offer a key programming service. They often charge much more than a professional locksmith. They can do this because they can benefit from a "scaling effect" that occurs when the number 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 pair to the vehicle whenever the key is placed into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys because they require programming that is only done by a dealership, auto locksmith or the vehicle's manufacturer. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for a 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. It is crucial to have an extra car key in the event that 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.

Most people don't know that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a reduced price. The benefit of buying an original key is that it's likely to come with the right transponder chip. This is important, as you cannot make use of an aftermarket car key unless it has been professionally programmed.

The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the equipment to program modern-day car keys and therefore, they are unable to provide basic duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, a repair shop or the dealer to get them replaced.

If you plan to buy a key for a low price online, make sure that it's not programmed for someone else's vehicle. This can be accomplished by checking the key blade to determine if it has an embedded chip, or a cutout showing evidence of an old key.

Purchasing a key duplication machine is an alternative however, it's not affordable for the majority of people. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys themselves, and you'll have to cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not happy with this, a vice and hand file are a cheaper alternative. However, this isn't the safest method because it may harm the electronics of the key or even break the key inside the lock.

Key Fobs with keys

Modern cars come with remote controls that lock and unlock the car, and even start the motor. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to transmit commands. They are a convenience for drivers, but they can be expensive to replace or duplicate if you lose one.

Unlike traditional keys, which require a professional locksmith, automotive dealer, or a different specialist service provider to make keys, key fobs have sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to produce than their standard counterparts. Fobs also need to be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which can add up in cost too.

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 reduce the cost of the new fob by up to 50% if purchasing it online. Look for an appropriate key fob for your vehicle's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Certain key fobs will need to be laser-cut or programmed by the local dealer. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the user.

Key fobs that are standard are cheaper than more advanced models to replace since they don't contain an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed after the fact. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you need to create a template for a lost or damaged key, the cost is much less than buying a new set of keys from your car dealer.

Another option to reduce your costs for cutting keys is to simply purchase a new case for your key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the plastic outer and buttons on your key fob, and leave the electronics inside unaltered. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain and save you the headache of trying to schedule an appointment with the dealership.

Keys with Keyless Entry

Car key fobs have a lot of benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, particularly when you're carrying groceries or other heavy weights in your hands. They can also help you open your trunk and hatch, Car Key Cutting Cost if they have this functionality built-in.

These keys aren't ideal for long-term use since they drain batteries. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. A lot of key fobs can be replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. These are usually available at a lower cost than a dealer-supplied option, by searching online or at your local hardware store.

If you already have a standard key then the cost of duplicates can be as low as $10-$15. You may also be able purchase a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding can be expensive. These keys are usually laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys or high-security keys. These keys have a thicker blade and less grooves on the shank. They need to be programmed using a special machine found in a locksmith dealership.

A key with a chip can be quite expensive to replace and typically requires an appointment with a dealer to obtain a replacement code. They are also known as transponder or smart keys and they come with electronic components that need to be verified by your car before it will open any doors or start the engine. Dealers will charge between $150-$300 for a key that comes with the key fob, as well as transponder chips.

If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery in your key fob goes out it could cost you to replace them. Keyless entry keys can be found in most modern cars. They function by transmitting an electronic message from the key fob to the car's receiver. The car then locks or unlocks according to the signal and opens the trunk and hatch if the key is within close proximity to the receiver.