7 Simple Tips To Totally Rocking Your Car Key Cutting Cost How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts you need to replace your car key without having to pay dealership prices.

Simply bring your current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours using the key cutting machine on site. It's typically 20 percent less than buying from an agent.

Keys that have Transponder chips

Many modern vehicles have key fobs which provide security and comfort for the owner of the vehicle. However they also come with a cost. In some instances the cost of replacing a key fob that is damaged or lost is high. The good news is that there are ways to cut the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to buy an extra key today than to wait until you lose your car key and then pay for the locksmith or towing fees.

Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been a vital component of all cars. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". The technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of vehicle theft. Essentially, a car transponder chip transmits signals that contain a secret password. When the key is inserted in the ignition, the antenna ring around the ignition cylinder reads this signal and if it matches with the password, the engine is started. This is an important thing because the majority of thieves simply connect a hot wire to the vehicle to get it started and then drive off.

Transponder chips function on the same basis as microchips in cell phones and computers. They do not require constant power. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal which can be detected by special detectors placed on the ignition cylinder as well as key head.

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

It's also important to know that some stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming option. They usually charge more than a professional locksmith. They do this because they can profit from a "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to the consumers.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys have 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 due to the fact that they require programming that is only done by a dealership, auto locksmith or the manufacturer of your vehicle. This process can cost as high as $500 for new keys, the programming of the immobilizer and possible labor charges.

The best way to cut down on car key replacement costs is to not need them in the first place. This means having a spare key in case you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key from the hardware store or at a box store for about $25 to $50, depending on the type of key.

Most people don't know that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a reduced price. A factory key will likely contain the correct transponder. This is important, as you will not be able make use of an aftermarket car key without having it professionally programmed.

Most hardware stores and box stores don't have the capability to program modern car keys, so 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 get them replaced.

Another thing to consider is that if you're planning on buying a cheap key from an online retailer, you'll have to make sure it isn't already programmed to someone else's car. You can do this by looking at the key blade for a chip or for the cutout to see if it shows evidence of the previous key.

A key duplication machine is a different option however it's not cost-effective for the majority of people. The cost of the machine is higher than blank keys, so you'll need to cut many keys in order to break even. If you don't feel comfortable using a vice, a hand file is a more affordable alternative. It's not the best option as it could harm the electronic components of the key or break the key in the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs

Modern cars come with remote controls that lock and unlock the vehicle, and start the motor. These are tiny remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle through radio waves. They're a great convenience for drivers, however they can be costly to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.

Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys because they contain sophisticated electronic components. Key fobs must also be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which can increase the costs as well.

A new fob and key can cost up to $300 when you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of a new fob by as much as 50% if you purchase it online. Look for a key fob that matches your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these key fobs will need to be programmed or laser-cut by the dealer in your area. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the buyer.


Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for less than more advanced models due to the fact that they don't have an embedded chip which needs to be reprogrammed. They can be costly to duplicate if you've got a lost or damaged key and need a template to reproduce them but they're much cheaper than the expense of replacing a complete key set from your dealer in your vehicle.

You can also cut down on key cutting costs by purchasing a new shell to replace your existing key fob. Going At this website has a range of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your key fob, and leave the electronics inside unchanged. These shells are a cost-effective solution to updating your keychain without making an appointment with the dealer.

Keys with Keyless Entry

Car key fobs offer a lot of benefits. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, especially if you're carrying heavy groceries or other weights in your hands. They can even assist you to open your trunk and hatch when they've got this feature built in.

The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they often drain the battery which makes it difficult to use for long periods of time. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. Fortunately, many key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look online or visit your local hardware store, you'll typically find them for significantly less than dealer-supplied options.

If you own an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually affordable and vary between $10 and $15. You may also be able purchase a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain retailers. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding could be costly. These keys are typically laser cut, sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a more robust blade and less grooves on the shank. They have to be programmed using a special machine in a locksmith or dealership.

It can be costly to replace a key using microchips and it is often required to visit a dealer to obtain the replacement code. These are commonly called smart or transponder keys, and they come with electronic components that must be validated by your car before it can open doors or start the engine. Dealers will charge between $150 to $300 for a key that has the key fob as well as the transponder chip.

Keys with keyless entry may be costly to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery fails. These keys are found in most modern cars. They function by transmitting an electronic message from the key fob to a receiver within your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.