The 10 Most Scariest Things About Car Key Cutting Cost

How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

The loss of your car keys is never an ideal idea. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts you need to replace your car keys without paying dealership costs.

Simply bring your current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours by using a key cutting machine onsite. It's about 20% less than buying from a dealer.

Keys with Transponder Chips

Modern cars have key fobs, which offer security and convenience to owners. These devices aren't free. In some instances, the cost of replacing a key fob which has been damaged or lost could be costly. The good news is that there are ways to lower the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to have a spare car key now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and you are facing the cost of an appointment with a locksmith or towing costs.

The transponder chip (which is named after the words "transmitter + responder") has been a standard feature in cars since the mid-1990s. This technology was designed to counter the growing number of car thefts. The car transponder transmits a secret code via a signal. When the key is placed in the ignition, the antenna ring around it reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, then the engine will start. This is an important thing because the majority of thieves simply hot wire the vehicle to start it and then leave the scene.

Transponder chips work on a similar principle to the microchips in cell phones and computers. They do not require constant power. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that is identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder as well as key head.

We suggest visiting your local locksmith if you require a spare key for a vehicle with a transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to program new keys to the specific model and make of the vehicle you own. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.

It is also important to know that some stores, like AutoZone will provide key programming services. They often charge much more than a professional locksmith. This is due to the fact that they can profit from the "scaling" effect that occurs when the number of units sold rises. In this way, they could pass on their costs savings to the consumer.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys come with transponders or chips which are connected with the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. These keys are more costly to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which must be completed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This procedure can cost up to $500 for new keys, the changing of the immobilizer's programming, and possible labor charges.

The best way to reduce cost of replacing car keys is to not need them in the first place. It is important to have an extra car key in the event that the original is lost. You can purchase a duplicate key for $25 to $50 at the hardware store or a box store, depending on the type of key.

Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discount. The advantage of buying a factory key is that it will have the correct transponder chip. This is important because you won't be in a position 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 also take them to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith shop to get them replaced.

Another thing to consider is that if you're thinking of purchasing a key for a low price from an online retailer, you'll have to make sure it isn't already programmed to another vehicle. This can be done by checking the blade of the key for a chip or for the cutout to see if it shows evidence of the previous key cutting places.

A mobile key cutting service duplication machine is a different option however, it's not affordable for most people. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys themselves and you'll need to cut many keys in order to break even. If you're not at ease with a vice hand files are an option that is more affordable. This is not the safest option because it can harm the electronic components of the key or break the key in the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs

Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that function as remote controls to lock your car, unlock it and also to start the engine. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that connect to your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to transmit commands. They are a convenience for drivers, however they can be expensive to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.

Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys due to their sophisticated electronics. Fobs also need to be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which could add up in cost as well.

If you lose your only functioning fob, it could cost up to $300 to get a replacement car key cutting original fob and key from the dealership made. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob to just $50 if you buy it on the internet. Search for a key fob for your vehicle's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Certain key fobs must be programmed or laser-cut by your local dealer. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the customer.

Standard key fobs can be replaced for a lot less than more advanced models since they do not contain an embedded chip that must be reprogrammed. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you have to design templates to replace a damaged or lost key, the cost is much less than purchasing a new set of keys from your car dealer.

Another method to reduce your key cutting costs is to purchase a new shell for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, but leave the electronic components intact. These shells are an affordable solution to updating your keychain without having to make an appointment with the dealer.

Keys with Keyless Entry

Car key fobs come with a lot of benefits. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to look for your keys. This is especially useful when you have large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. If they have this feature built-in they will help you open your trunk and hatch.

These keys aren't recommended for long-term use since they drain the battery. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, based on the 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 search online or in your local hardware store, you'll typically find them for a much lower price than the dealer-supplied alternatives.

If you already have a standard key, duplication costs can be as just $10 to $15. You might also be able purchase a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain retailers. Keys that require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, but. These keys are typically laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a thicker shank and less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and must be programmed using a special machine at the locksmith shop or dealership.

A key with chips can be costly to replace and often requires an appointment with a dealer to get the replacement code. These keys are also known as smart keys or transponder keys. They are equipped with electronics that must be verified before they can be used to open doors or start your engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 and $300 for a new key that comes with the key fob and an updated transponder chip.

Keys that have keyless entry could also be costly to replace if you lose them or the battery of your key fob fails. Most modern cars have these keys, which work by sending a signal from your key fob to a receiver in your car. The car then locks or unlocks based on this signal and opens the trunk and hatch when the key is within close proximity to the receiver.