10 Things You Learned In Kindergarden That'll Help You With Car Key Cutting Cost

How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your keys without having to pay a dealership.

Simply bring your current working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours using the key cutting machine on site. On average, this is 20% less than purchasing through a dealer.

Keys with Transponder Chips

Modern cars are equipped with key fobs, which provide security and convenience for car owners. However they come at a cost. In some cases it could be expensive to replace a damaged or lost key fob. The good news is that there are ways to lower the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to buy an extra key now rather than wait until you lose your car key and then pay for a locksmith or towing charges.

Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been an integral part of most automobiles. The name derives from "transmitter and responder". This technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of theft from cars. Essentially, the chip in a car transponder transmits an electronic signal that has a secret password. When the key is put in the ignition the antenna will ring around it detects the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will begin. This is important because most thieves simply wire the vehicle and drive away.

Transponder chips operate on a similar basis as microchips in computers and cell phones. They don't require constant power. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that can be identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder as well as key head.

If you need to have a spare car key made for a car equipped with a transponder chip, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a device that can program new keys for the model and make of your car. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.

It is also important to know that some stores such as AutoZone offer a key programming service. However, they typically cost significantly more than a locksmith. They do this because they can take advantage of the "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold rises. In this way, they could transfer their cost savings to the consumer.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys come with transponders or chips that are connected to the car when the key is put in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming that is only completed by a dealership auto locksmith or your vehicle's manufacturer. The process could cost as much as $500 for a new key, the changing of the immobilizer's programming, and possible labor charges.

The most effective method to cut down on key cost is to avoid the need to replace your keys in the first place. This means you should have a spare key in case you lose the original. You can purchase another key for between $25-$50 at a box store or hardware retailer, based on the key type.

Many people don't realize that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discount. The benefit of buying an original key is that it will have the proper transponder chip. This is vital, as you will not be able make use of an aftermarket car key without having it professionally programmed.

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

If you plan to buy a key for a low price on the internet, ensure that it hasn't been programmed for another vehicle. You can do this by looking at the key blade for chips or the cutout to see if it shows evidence of an earlier key.

Purchasing a key duplication machine is another option however, it's not affordable for most people. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys, and you'll have to cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not sure about this, a vice or hand file are a much more affordable option. This isn't the most secure alternative as it can cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key in the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs

Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that are remote controls to lock your car, unlock it and start the engine. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that communicate with your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to send commands. They are a convenience for drivers, but they can be expensive to replace or duplicate if you lose one.

Contrary to traditional keys that require a reputable locksmith, automotive dealer or other specialty service provider to make keys, key fobs have sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to produce than the standard keys. Key fobs must also be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which can increase the costs as well.

If you lose your sole functioning fob, it could cost up to $300 to have a brand new original key and fob from the dealership made. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of an entirely new fob by up to 50% if you buy it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have keys that are compatible with your car model. Some of these keys may require laser cutting by a locksmith or programmed by your local dealer, but a lot can be customer-programmed easily (though some require two current, working keys to do this).

Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for less than more advanced models due to the fact that they don't contain an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed. They are still expensive to duplicate if you've got damaged or lost keys and require a template reproduce them however, they are cheaper than the expense of replacing a complete key set from the car's dealer.

You can also cut down on cost of  cutting key s by purchasing a new case to replace your old key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your keychain, and leave the electronics inside unchanged. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle of having to make an appointment at the dealership.

Keys with Keyless Entry

The car key fob offers many benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to look for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you have large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. They can also help you open your hatch and trunk, in the event that they have this feature integrated into them.

These keys aren't ideal for long-term usage because they drain the battery. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, based on the vehicle's make and model. Key fobs are often repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available at a lower cost than a dealer-supplied option, when you search on the internet or visit your local hardware store.

If you already have a standard key, the cost of duplicates can be as low as $10 to $15. You might also be able purchase a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain store. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption can be expensive. Keys that are laser-cut, often referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a larger shank and have less grooves carved out on the key's blade, and they must be programmed using a special machine that is found at a locksmith shop or dealer.

A key that has chip could be expensive to replace and typically requires a trip to the dealership to obtain a replacement code. They are also known as transponder or smart keys and they have electronics inside which must be validated by your vehicle before it can open doors or start the engine. A dealer can charge between $150 and $300 for a brand new original key that has both the key fob and a new transponder chip.

If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery in your key fob goes out it could be expensive to replace the keys. Many modern cars come with keys that function by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It will also open the trunk and hatch when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.