A Trip Back In Time What People Said About Car Key Cutting Cost 20 Years Ago How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

Losing your car keys isn't a good idea. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car keys without having to pay dealership prices.

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

Keys with Transponder Chips

Many modern cars have key fobs that offer a level of security and comfort to the car owner. However they come at costs. In some cases, the cost of replacing the key fob that is damaged or lost can be high. The good news is that there are ways to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It is much cheaper to get a spare car key today, rather than waiting until you lose the key and are faced with paying for 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 designed to counter the growing number of car thefts. The car transponder transmits an encrypted signal. When the key is inserted into the ignition, an antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder detects the signal and, when it matches the password, the engine starts. This is an important thing because the majority of thieves simply use hot wires to start it and then drive off.

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

We recommend visiting your local locksmith if in need of a spare key for your vehicle that has transponder. Most locksmiths have a device to make new keys for your particular car model and make. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.

Also, it's important to remember that stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming option. They often charge much more than a professional locksmith. This is because they are able to benefit from the "scaling" effect that occurs when the number of units sold rises. They can then pass the savings to the consumers.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys come with chips or transponders which connect to the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they need programming that is only performed by a dealership, auto locksmith or the manufacturer of your vehicle. The process could cost as much as $500 for an entirely new key, programming of the immobilizer and the possibility of labor costs.

The best way to avoid car key replacement costs is to not need them in the first place. It is important to have a spare car key in case the original is lost. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key at the hardware store or at a box store for between $25-$50, based on the kind of key.

Most people don't know that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a reduced price. The advantage of purchasing the factory key is that it will have the correct transponder chip. This is crucial because you won't be in a position to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.

The majority of hardware stores and box stores don't have the capability to program modern car keys, so they only offer basic key duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, a repair shop or dealer to have 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 accomplished by checking the key blade to determine if it has a chip or a cutout that shows the signs of an old key.

A key duplication machine can be bought, but it isn't an option for most people. The machine is more expensive than blank keys, so you'll need to cut numerous keys in order to break even. If you don't feel comfortable using a vice, a hand file is an alternative that is less expensive. However, it's not the most secure option as it could damage the key's electronics or even cut the key off inside the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs


Modern cars come with remote controls that lock and unlock the vehicle, and also start the motor. These are basically mini remote transmitters that connect to your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to send commands. They are a convenience for drivers, however they can be costly to replace or duplicate if you lose one.

Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronics. Fobs also need to be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which could increase the costs as well.

If you lose your only functioning fob, it could cost upwards of $300 to have a new fob and key from the dealer. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob to only $50 by buying it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have an appropriate key fob for the car model you have. Some of these keys may require laser cutting by a locksmith or programmed by your local dealer, but a lot are programmable by customers easily (though some may require two working, current keys to do this).

Key fobs that are standard are cheaper than more advanced models to replace because they don't contain an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed following the fact. They are still expensive to duplicate if you've got a lost or damaged key and require a template reproduce them, but they are much more affordable than the cost of replacing a complete key set from the dealer in your vehicle.

Another option to reduce your costs for cutting keys is to purchase a new shell for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that can replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronics intact. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain and spare you the headache of trying to schedule an appointment at the dealership.

Keys for Keyless Entry

The car key fob comes with numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to search for your keys. This is particularly useful when you're carrying large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built in they will help you open the trunk and hatch.

These keys are not ideal for long-term use since they drain batteries. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, based on the model and make. Fortunately, most key fobs can be replaced with replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search online or visit your local hardware store, you will often find them at less 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 can also purchase keys to replace them at your local hardware store or box retailer store. However replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding can be expensive. click the next page are typically laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high security keys. They have a thicker shank and have less grooves carved out on the blade and must be programmed using a special machine that is found at a locksmith shop or dealer.

It can be costly to replace a key that has a microchip, and it's often required to visit a dealer to get the replacement code. These keys are also known as transponder or smart keys. They contain electronic components that need to be verified before they can be used to open doors or start engines. A dealer will often charge between $150 to $300 for a new key that has both the key fob as well as a new transponder chip.

If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery inside the key fob fails it could be expensive to replace them. Keyless entry keys are available in most modern cars. They function by sending messages from the key fob to an internal receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks itself based on this signal and opens the trunk and hatch if the key is close to the receiver.