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Check Out: How Car Key Cutting Cost Is Taking Over And What We Can Do About It
How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

The loss of your car keys isn't an ideal idea. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car keys without paying a dealership's high cost.

Simply bring a working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours by using an on-site key cutting machine. This costs on average 20 percent less than purchasing from dealers.

Keys that have Transponder chips

Modern cars have key fobs, which offer convenience and security to car owners. However they come at a cost. In certain instances, the cost of replacing the key fob that has been lost or damaged could be costly. There are ways to cut down on the cost of these devices. It's cheaper to have a spare vehicle key today instead of waiting until you lose the key and are facing the cost of a locksmith's visit or towing costs.


Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been a key component of all automobiles. Its name is derived from "transmitter and responder". This technology was developed in response to rising levels of vehicle theft. A car transponder transmits the secret code through a signal. When the key is inserted into the ignition, an antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder reads the signal and, if it matches the password, the engine starts. This is important because most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and drive away.

Transponder chips function in a similar way to microchips found in computers and cell phones. They don't require constant power. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that is detected by special detectors that are placed on the ignition cylinder and the key head.

If you need to have a spare car key created for a car with transponder chips, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a device that can program new keys to match the make and model of the vehicle you own. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.

Also, it's important to know that some stores like AutoZone provide a key-programming service. However, they typically charge significantly higher than a locksmith. This is because they are able to take advantage of the "scaling" effect that occurs when the number of units sold rises. In this way, they could pass on their costs savings to consumers.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips which connect to the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming, which must be completed by an auto locksmith or a dealership. The process could cost as high as $500 for an entirely new key, reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possibly, labor costs.

The best way to avoid the expense of replacing your car keys is to not have them in the first place. It is important to have a spare car key in the event that the original is lost. You can purchase a duplicate key for $25-$50 at a hardware or box store store, depending on the key type.

Most people don't know that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a reduced price. A factory key will likely have the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you won't be able to make use of an aftermarket car key unless it has been professionally programmed.

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

Another thing to think about is that if you're considering buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll need make sure it isn't already programmed to another vehicle. This can be done by checking the key blade to find chips or the cutout to see if it shows evidence of the previous key.

A key duplication machine may be purchased, but it isn't an option for the majority of people. The machine costs more than blank keys, so you'll have to cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you're not comfortable using a vice, hand files are a more affordable alternative. However, this isn't the safest method because it could harm the electronics of the key or break the key off inside the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs

Many modern cars come with key fobs that are remote controls that lock your car, unlock it and start the engine. These are basically mini remote transmitters that communicate with your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to transmit commands. They are a convenience for drivers, however they can be expensive to replace or duplicate if you lose one.

Contrary to traditional keys that require a great locksmith, automotive dealer, or other specialty service provider to design keys, key fobs are equipped with sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to produce than their standard counterparts. Fobs also need to be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which could add up in cost as well.

A new fob and key can cost up to $300 in the event that you lose your sole functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of an entirely new fob by as much as 50% if you buy it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have a key fob that fits the car model you have. Certain key fobs need to be programmed or laser-cut by the dealer in your area. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the customer.

Standard key fobs are much cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace since they don't come with an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed after the fact. They can be costly to copy if you have a lost or damaged key and require a template duplicate them but they're much cheaper than the expense of replacing a complete key set from the dealer for your car.

Another way to cut 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 can replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, but leave the electronics intact. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain and save 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 vehicle without having to look for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you're carrying large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. If they have this feature built in they will help you open your trunk and hatch.

The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they often drain the battery, making it hard to use for long periods of time. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, depending on the model and make. Fortunately, most key fobs can be replaced with replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. They are often available at a much lower cost than the dealer-supplied version when you search online or at your local hardware store.

If you own a standard key, duplication costs are typically very affordable and vary between $10 and $15. You can also buy an additional key from your local hardware or box retailer store. However, replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding can be expensive. These keys are usually laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys or high security keys. They feature a more robust shank and have less grooves carved out on the blade of the key, and they must be programmed with a specific machine at the locksmith shop or dealership.

G28 Car Keys that has chip could be costly to replace and often requires an appointment with a dealer to obtain a replacement code. These keys are also known as transponder or smart keys. They are equipped with electronics that need to be verified before they are able to open doors or start engines. A dealer will often charge between $150 and $300 for a new key that has both the key fob and the transponder chip.

If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery inside your key fob goes out it could cost you to replace them. The majority of modern cars have these keys, which function by sending a signal from your key fob to a receiver in your car. The car then locks or unlocks according to the signal and opens the hatch and trunk if the key is in close proximity to the receiver.

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