The 10 Most Scariest Things About Car Key Cutting Cost

How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

Losing your car keys is not an ideal option. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts you require to replace your car key without paying dealership cost.

Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site with a key-cutting car machine. It's about 20% less than going through the dealer.

Keys with Transponder Chips

A lot of modern cars come with key fobs which provide security and convenience 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 options to cut the costs associated with these devices. It is much cheaper to have a spare car key now instead of waiting until you lose the key and you are confronted with the expense of an appointment with a locksmith or towing charges.

The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a standard feature in automobiles since the mid 1990s. This technology was created as a response to the rising rate of car theft. The basic idea behind the chip in a car transponder transmits a signal that contains an encrypted password. When the key is inserted into the ignition, an antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder detects this signal and when it matches the password, the engine will start. This is an important thing since most thieves use hot wires to start it and then drive off.

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

If you need to have a spare car key created for a car with a transponder chip, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Most locksmiths will have a tool to program new keys for the make and model of the vehicle you own. This is an excellent alternative to visiting the dealership.

It's also important to note that some shops, such as AutoZone will offer a key programming service. However, they usually cost significantly more than locksmiths. They can do this because they benefit from the "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold increases. In other words, they are able to pass on their costs savings to consumers.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys come with chips or transponders that are paired to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional getting keys cut because they require programming, which can only be performed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This process can cost as high as $500 for new keys, the reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possibly, labor costs.

The best method to cut down on key cutting costs is by avoiding 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 a duplicate key at the hardware store or at a box store for between $25 to $50, based on the type of key.

Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a reduced price. A factory-issued key will most likely contain the correct transponder. This is important because you won't be able to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed.

The majority of hardware 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 bring them to a dealer or an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith shop to get them replaced.

If you plan to buy an inexpensive key on the internet, ensure that it's not programmed for the vehicle of someone else. This can be done by looking at the blade of the key to see if there is a chip or a cutout that shows evidence of an old key.

A key duplication machine can be bought, but it isn't an option for everyone. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys themselves, and you'll have to cut a lot of keys to break even. If you don't feel at ease with a vice hand files are a more affordable alternative. It's not the best option as it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key in the lock.

Key Fobs with Keys

Many modern vehicles come with nearest key cutting fobs that function as remote controls that allow you to lock your car, unlock it and start the engine. These are basically mini remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to transmit commands. They are a great benefit for drivers but can be expensive to duplicate or replace if they are lost.

In contrast to traditional keys, which require a professional locksmith, automotive dealer or a different specialist service provider to make, key fobs contain sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to manufacture than the standard keys. Fobs also require programming to work with your vehicle, which can also increase the cost.

A new fob and key 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 only $50 if you buy it on the internet. Look for an appropriate key fob for your vehicle's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these fobs might need to be laser-cut by a locksmith or programmed by your local dealer, but a lot can be customer-programmed with ease (though some may require two working keys for this).

Standard key fobs can be replaced for a lot less than the more sophisticated models because they do not have an embedded chip which must be reprogrammed. They are still expensive to duplicate if you've got damaged or lost keys and require a template duplicate them however, they are more affordable than the cost of replacing an entire key set from the car's dealer.

Another option to reduce your key cutting key costs is to purchase a new case for your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that will replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, yet leave the electronic components intact. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain, and save you the headache of trying to schedule an appointment with the dealership.

Keys with Keyless Entry

The car key fob comes with many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to look for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you're carrying large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. If they've got this feature they will assist you to open your trunk and hatch.

These keys aren't recommended for long-term use because they drain batteries. Additionally, they are difficult to program, based on the vehicle's make and model. Key fobs are often replaced with new ones from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. If you look online or in your local hardware store, you'll often find these for a much lower price than dealer-supplied options.

If you already have a standard key then the cost of duplicates can be as just $10 to $15. You can also purchase keys to replace them at your local hardware or box retailer store. Keys that are newer and require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, however. They are usually laser-cut, often called sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a larger shank and less carved-out grooves on the blade and they have to be programmed using a special machine that is found at the locksmith shop or dealership.

It can be expensive to replace a key using a microchip, and it's often required to visit the dealer to get the replacement code. These are commonly called transponder keys or smart keys, and they have electronics inside which must be validated by your car before it will open any doors or start the engine. Dealers charge between $150-$300 for a key that has the key fob as well as transponder chips.

If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery inside your key fob goes out, it can be costly to replace the keys. Keyless entry keys are available in a majority of modern vehicles. They function by sending an electronic message from the key fob to an internal receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It will also open the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.