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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

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

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

Keys with Transponder Chips

Many modern vehicles have key fobs that offer an element of security and convenience to the car owner. They are not free. In some instances the cost of replacing a key fob which has been damaged or lost can be high. The good news is that there are ways to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It's much less expensive to have a spare car key blade cutting key made now instead of waiting until you lose the key and you are confronted with the expense of the visit of a locksmith or towing costs.

The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words "transmitter + responder") has been in use in the majority of automobiles since the mid-1990s. The technology was developed as a response to the rising rate of vehicle theft. The basic idea behind a car transponder chip transmits a signal that contains an encrypted password. When the key is inserted in the ignition the antenna will ring around it and reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, then the engine will begin. This is a big deal because most thieves simply connect a hot wire to the vehicle to start it, and then drive off.

Transponder chips operate on the same basis as microchips used in computers and cell phones. The different is that they do not require constant power to operate. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency that can be identified by special receivers in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself.

We recommend visiting your local locksmith if you require the spare key for your vehicle that has transponder. Many locksmiths have a system to make new keys for your specific vehicle model and. This is a fantastic alternative to going to the dealership.

It's also important to know that some stores such as AutoZone provide a key-programming service. They usually charge more than a professional locksmith. This is due to the fact that they are able to take advantage of the "scaling" effect which occurs when the quantity of units sold increases. In this way, they could transfer their cost savings to consumers.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys are equipped with chips or transponders which are connected with the vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which can only be done by an auto locksmith or a dealership. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for a new key, reprogramming the immobilizer and perhaps the cost of labor.

The best way to avoid car key replacement costs is to not have them in the first place. This means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can purchase an additional key for $25 to $50 at a hardware or box store retailer, 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. The advantage of buying the factory key is that it will come with the proper transponder chip. This is essential because you won't be able to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.

The majority of hardware stores and box stores do not have the technology to program modern car keys, so they can only provide basic key duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, a repair shop, or dealer to get them replaced.

Another thing to think about is that if you're planning on purchasing a key for a low price from an online retailer, you'll need to ensure that it's not programmed to another vehicle. This can be accomplished by looking at the blade of the key to determine if it has chips or cutout that shows signs of an old key.

Purchasing a key duplication machine is a different option however, it's not affordable for most people. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys themselves and you'll need to cut many keys in order to break even. If you're not comfortable with that, a vice and hand file are a cheaper alternative. It's not the best option as it could damage the key's electronic components or even break the key inside the lock.

Key Fobs with Keys

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

Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys due to their sophisticated electronics. Fobs also require programming to work with your vehicle and can add up in price.

If you lose your sole working fob, it could cost upwards of $300 to get a replacement original fob and key from the dealer. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to only $50 by purchasing it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have a key fob that fits your car model. Certain key fobs will need to be programmed or laser-cut by the dealer in your area. However, many can be programmed by the user.

Standard key fobs can be replaced for a lot less than the more sophisticated models because they do not contain an embedded chip that requires reprogramming. However, they can be costly to duplicate in the event that you need to create an original template for a damaged or lost key it is less than buying a new set of keys from a car dealer.

You can also reduce your key cutting expenses by buying a new shell to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that can replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, but leave the electronics intact. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain and save you the headache of trying to schedule an appointment at the dealership.

Keys with Keyless Entry

The car key fob offers many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, especially if you're carrying groceries or other heavy loads in your hands. They can also help you open your trunk and hatch, if they have this functionality integrated into them.

The downside to these types of keys is that they frequently drain the battery and make it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. Many key fobs are easily replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. If you look online or visit your local hardware store, you'll often find these for a much lower price than the dealer-supplied options.

If you already have a standard key, the cost of duplicates can be as low as $10 to $15. You may also be able purchase an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain retailer. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption can be expensive. Keys that are laser cut, sometimes called sidewinder or high-security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and have fewer grooves on its shank. They must be programmed by a special machine found in a locksmith dealership.

A key with chip could be expensive to replace and typically requires the visit to a dealership to obtain a replacement code. Keys with chips are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They contain electronic components that must be verified before they are able to open doors or start engines. A dealer typically charges between $150 and $300 for a new original key that comes with the key fob and a new transponder chip.

Keys with keyless entry can be costly to replace in the event that you lose them or the battery of your key fob dies. Many modern cars come with keys that function by sending a signal from your key fob to a device in your car key cutting near me. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk when the key is close to the receiver.