How to Cut Your Car key cutting cost - the full report -

Losing your car keys isn't an ideal option. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and the parts to replace your key without having to pay a dealership.

Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site with a key-cutting machine. It's typically 20 percent less than buying from an agent.

Keys that have Transponder chips

Many modern cars have key fobs that provide an element of security and convenience to the car owner. However they come at an expense. In some cases it can be high to replace a damaged or lost key fob. There are ways to reduce the cost of these devices. It is much cheaper to have a spare vehicle key made now instead of waiting until you lose the key and you are faced with paying for an appointment with a locksmith or towing costs.

The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been in use in the majority of cars since the mid-1990s. This technology was developed to combat the rising number of car thefts. Essentially, the car transponder chip emits a signal that contains a secret password. When the key is put in the ignition the antenna will ring around it detects the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will begin. This is crucial because the majority of thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and then drive away.

Transponder chips work on a similar principle to the microchips used in cell phones and computers. The different is that they do not need constant power to work. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal of low frequency which can be identified by special receivers in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself.

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

It's also important to note that stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming option. However, they typically charge significantly higher than a locksmith. This is because they can profit from the "scaling" effect that occurs when the number of units sold increases. In this way, they could pass on their costs savings to the consumer.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that connect to the vehicle whenever the key is placed in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming that is only performed by a dealership, auto locksmith, or your vehicle's manufacturer. This procedure can cost up to $500 for a new key, the programming of the immobilizer and the possibility of labor costs.

The best way to reduce cost of replacing car keys is to not require them in the first place. That means having a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key from an hardware store or box store for about $25 to $50, depending on the type of key.

Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discounted price. The advantage of buying an original key is that it will likely be equipped with the correct transponder chip. This is crucial since you won't be able 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, which is why they can only provide basic key duplication services. You can go to a dealer or an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith to get them replaced.

If you are planning to purchase a cheap key on the internet, ensure that it's not programmed for someone else's vehicle. This can be done by examining the blade of the key for chips or an open cutout that has evidence of the previous key.

A key duplication machine can be bought, but it is not an option for the majority of people. The machine costs more than keys with blanks, which means you'll need to cut numerous keys in order to break even. If you're not sure about this, a vice and hand file are a much more affordable option. It's not the best option as it could harm the electronic components of the key or even break the key inside the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs

Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the car, and start the motor. These are basically mini remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to send commands. These are a great convenience for drivers but can be costly to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.

Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys due to their sophisticated electronics. Fobs also need to be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which can increase the costs as well.

If you lose your sole working fob, it can cost you up to $300 to have a new original key and fob from the dealership made. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob down to just $50 if you buy it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have an appropriate key fob for the car model you have. Some of these key fobs must be programmed or laser-cut by the local dealer. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the user.

Standard key fobs can be replaced for a lot less than more sophisticated models since they do not have an embedded chip which must be reprogrammed. Although they can be costly to duplicate in the event that you need to design templates for a damaged or lost key, the cost is much less than purchasing a new key from your car dealer.

Another option to reduce your key cutting costs is to purchase an entirely new shell for your current key cutting price fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronic components intact. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain, and save you the hassle of having to schedule an appointment with the dealership.

Keys for Keyless Entry

Car key fobs come with a lot of benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without the need to hunt for your keys. This is particularly useful when you have large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. If they've got this feature built in they will help you open your hatch and trunk.

The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they frequently drain the battery, making it hard to use them for long periods of time. Additionally, they are difficult to program, based on your vehicle's make and model. Many key fobs are easily replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. They are often available for much cheaper than dealer-supplied options, by searching at the internet or go to the local hardware store.

If you already have a standard key then the cost of duplicates can be as low as $10 to $15. You can also buy a replacement key at your local box retailer or hardware store. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding can be expensive. These keys are typically laser-cut, often called sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a more robust blade and less grooves on the shank. They need to be programmed by a specific machine at a locksmith or dealership.

It is costly to replace a key with a microchip, and it's often necessary to visit a dealer to obtain 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. Dealers will charge between $150 and $300 for a key that includes the key fob and a transponder chip.

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