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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

Losing your car keys isn't an ideal idea. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts you need to replace your car keys without paying dealership costs.

Simply bring Look At This working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours using an on-site key cutting machine. It's typically 20 percent less than purchasing from dealers.

Keys with Transponder Chips

Many modern cars have key fobs that provide a level of security and comfort to the car owner. These devices aren't free. In some cases, the cost of replacing the key fob that is damaged or lost can be high. There are methods to lower the cost of these devices. It's cheaper to purchase an extra key now rather instead of waiting until you lose your car key and have to pay for a locksmith or towing charges.

The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most cars since the mid 1990s. This technology was designed to combat the rising number of car thefts. In essence, the car transponder chip emits a signal that contains an encrypted password. When the key is put 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 a big deal 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 computers and cell phones. They do not require constant power. 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 recommend visiting your local locksmith if you need an extra key for a car equipped with transponder. Many locksmiths have a system to create new keys for your specific vehicle model and make. This is a fantastic alternative to going to the dealership.

It's also important to note that some shops, such as AutoZone provide key programming services. However, they usually cost significantly more than locksmiths. They can achieve this because they profit from an "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold increases. They can then pass on the savings to consumers.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys are equipped with chips or transponders that are paired to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. These keys are more costly to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which must be performed by a dealership or auto locksmith. This process can cost up to $500 for a new key, the reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possible labor charges.

The best method to cut down 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 purchase a cheap duplicate key at an hardware store or box store for between $25-$50, based on the kind of key.

Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online at reduced prices from the manufacturer. A factory-issued key will most likely have the correct transponder. This is important, as you cannot use an aftermarket car key unless it has been professionally programmed.

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

If you plan to buy a cheap key online, make sure that it hasn't been programmed for someone else's vehicle. This can be done by examining the blade of the key to see if there is an embedded chip or a cutout that shows the signs of an old key.

Purchasing a key duplication machine is another option however, it's not affordable for most people. The cost of the machine is higher than blank keys, so you'll have to cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not sure about that, a vice and hand file are a much more affordable alternative. However, this isn't the most secure option as it may harm the electronics of the key or even cut the key off in the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs

A lot of modern cars have key fobs, which are remote controls that lock and unlock your vehicle and also to start the engine. These are tiny remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle through radio waves. They're a great convenience for drivers, but they can be costly to replace or duplicate if you lose one.

Unlike traditional keys, which require a great locksmith, automotive dealer, or a different specialist service provider to design keys, key fobs have sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to make than their basic counterparts. They also need to be programmed to work with your car and can add cost.

A new key and fob can cost up to $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 online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have keys that are compatible with your car model. Some of these keys may require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by your local dealer, but many can be customer-programmed with ease (though some require two working keys to do this).

Key fobs that are standard are cheaper than more advanced models to replace since they don't come with an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed after the fact. However, they can be costly to duplicate if you need to create a template to replace a damaged or lost key it is less than purchasing a new set of keys from a car dealer.

Another method to reduce your key cutting costs is to simply purchase a new shell for your current key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your keychain, but leaving the inside electronics unaltered. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain and save you the hassle of trying to schedule an appointment at the dealership.

Keys with Keyless Entry

Car key fobs offer a lot of benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys. This is especially useful when you are carrying large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. They can even assist you to open your hatch and trunk, if they have this functionality integrated into them.

The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they often consume battery power and make it difficult 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. A lot of key fobs can be replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look on the internet or at your local hardware store, you'll often find them at less than the dealer-supplied options.

If you own an ordinary key, duplicate costs are typically very affordable and range from $10 to $15. You can also buy an additional key from your local box retailer or hardware store. Keys that require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, but. Keys that are laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a more robust blade and less grooves on its shank. They must be programmed using a special machine found in a locksmith dealership.

A key that has chips can be expensive to replace and typically requires the visit to a dealership to obtain a replacement code. These keys are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They contain electronic components that need to be verified before they are able to 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 an updated transponder chip.

If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery inside your key fob goes out it could be expensive to replace the keys. Many modern cars come with these keys, which function by sending a signal from your key fob to a receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks itself in accordance with this signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.