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Car Key Cutting Cost Explained In Less Than 140 Characters
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 key without having to pay the dealership.

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

Keys with Transponder Chips

Modern cars come with key fobs, which offer convenience and security to car owners. However, these devices come with an expense. In certain instances it can be expensive to replace a lost or damaged key fob. The good news is that there are options to lower the costs associated with these devices. It's much less expensive to have a spare car key made now instead of waiting until you lose the key and are faced with paying for a locksmith's visit or towing costs.

The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a standard feature in cars since the mid-1990s. This technology was created in response to rising levels of theft from cars. Essentially, the chip in a car transponder transmits signals that contain the secret password. When the key is inserted in the ignition, the antenna ring around the ignition cylinder detects this signal and when it matches the password, the engine will start. This is a big deal because most thieves simply connect a hot wire to the vehicle to get it started and then drive off.


Transponder chips work in a similar way to the microchips in cell phones and computers. They don't require constant power. Instead, they send an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency which can be identified by special receivers in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself.

We suggest visiting your local locksmith if in need of the spare key for a car equipped with a transponder. Most locksmiths have a device to program new keys for your specific vehicle model and make. This is an excellent alternative to going to the dealership.

It's also important to remember that stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming option. However, they often charge significantly more than a locksmith. This is because they are able to take advantage of the "scaling" effect which occurs when the quantity of units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to consumers.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips which are linked to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. key cut place are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming that is only completed by a dealership auto locksmith or the vehicle's manufacturer. This process can cost as much as $500 for a new key, the changing of the immobilizer's programming, and the possibility of labor costs.

The best way to avoid car key replacement costs is to not require them in the first place. It is important to have a spare car key in the event that the original key is lost. You can purchase an additional key for $25 to $50 at a hardware or box store 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 advantage of purchasing the factory key is that it's likely to have the proper transponder chip. This is important, as you cannot make use of an aftermarket car key unless it's been professionally programmed.

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

If you are planning to purchase a key for a low price online, make sure it's not programmed for someone else's vehicle. This can be done by checking the key blade for a chip or for a cutout that shows signs of the previous key.

Purchasing a key duplication machine is an alternative, but it won't be cost-effective for the majority of people. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys themselves, and you'll have to cut many keys in order to break even. If you're not sure about that, a vice and hand file are a more affordable alternative. This isn't the most secure alternative as it can damage the key's electronic components or even break the key inside the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs

Many modern vehicles come with key fobs, which are remote controls that lock and unlock your vehicle and also to start the engine. They are tiny transmitters that communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle using 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 standard keys due to their sophisticated electronic components. They also require to be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which can add up in cost as well.

If you lose your sole working fob, it could cost you up to $300 to have a new fob and key from the dealer. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of an entirely new fob by as much as 50% if purchasing it online. Find an appropriate key fob for your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these fobs might require laser cutting by a locksmith or programmed by your local dealer, but many can be programmed by the customer with ease (though some will require two working, current keys for this).

Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for a lot less than more sophisticated models because they do not contain an embedded chip that must be reprogrammed. They are still expensive to duplicate if you've a lost or damaged key and need a template to make them again however, they are cheaper than the expense of replacing a complete key set purchased from your dealer for your car.

Another method to reduce your costs for cutting keys is to simply purchase a new case for your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronic components intact. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle of trying to make an appointment at the dealership.

Keys for Keyless Entry

Car key fobs come with a lot of benefits. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, especially when you're carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. They can even help you open your hatch and trunk, when they've got this feature built-in.

These keys aren't ideal for long-term use because they drain batteries. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs can be replaced using replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search online or visit your local hardware store, you'll often find these for significantly less than dealer-supplied options.

If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplicates can be as low as $10 to $15. You might also be able to purchase a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain retailer. Newer keys that require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, however. These keys are usually laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys or high security keys. They have a thicker shank and less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and must be programmed with a specific machine at a dealership or locksmith shop.

It can be costly to replace a key with microchips and it is often necessary to visit a dealer in order to have the replacement coded. These keys are often referred to as smart or transponder keys, and they come with electronic components which must be validated by your car before it can open doors or start the engine. Dealers will charge between $150 and $300 for a key that comes with the key fob, as well as a transponder chip.

If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery in your key fob dies it could be expensive to replace the keys. Keyless entry keys can be found in the majority of modern automobiles. They function by transmitting a message from the key fob to the car's receiver. The car locks or unlocks the car according to the signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is near the receiver.

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