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10 Things We Love About Car Key Cutting Cost
How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and the parts to replace your keys without overpaying at the dealership.

Simply bring a current working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours using the key cutting machine on site. It's about 20% less than purchasing through a dealer.

Keys with Transponder Chips

Many modern vehicles have key fobs that provide an element of security and comfort to the car owner. These devices aren't free. In some instances, it can be quite expensive to replace a damaged or lost key fob. There are ways to reduce the expense of these devices. It is much cheaper to have a spare car key made now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and you are facing the cost of a locksmith's visit or towing fees.

The transponder chip (which is named after the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most cars since the mid 1990s. The technology was created to combat the rising number of car thefts. The car transponder transmits the secret code through a signal. When the key is inserted into ignition, an antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder detects this signal and if it matches with the password, the engine is started. car keys cut is an important thing since most thieves connect a hot wire to the vehicle to get it started and then take off.

Transponder chips operate on a similar basis as microchips found in cell phones and computers. They don't require constant power. Instead, they send an electromagnetic signal of low frequency that is recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself.

We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if you require an extra key for your vehicle that has transponder. Many locksmiths have a tool that can program new keys for the model and make of the vehicle you own. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership.

Also, it's important to know that some stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming service. However, they usually cost more than locksmiths. This is because they are able to take advantage of the "scaling" effect that occurs when the number of units sold rises. In other words, they can pass on their costs savings to the consumer.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys have chips or transponders that are connected to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they require programming that can only be completed by a dealership auto locksmith, or your vehicle's manufacturer. This process can cost up to $500 for a new key, as well as reprogramming the immobilizer, and possibly costs for labor.

The most effective method to cut down on key cutting costs is by avoiding the need to replace your keys in the first place. This means having a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key at an hardware store or box store for about $25 to $50, depending on the kind of key.

Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online or at an affordable price from the manufacturer. The advantage of buying a factory key is that it will have the right transponder chip. This is crucial because you won't be able to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed.

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

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


A key duplication machine can be purchased, but this isn't an option for everyone. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys themselves and you'll need to cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you're not at ease using a vice, a hand file is an alternative that is less expensive. However, it's not the most secure option as it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key inside the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs

Modern cars come with remote controls that lock and unlock the car, and even start the motor. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that connect to the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to send commands. They are a convenience for drivers, but they can be costly to replace or duplicate if you lose one.

Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys due to their sophisticated electronics. Fobs must also be programmed to work with your vehicle and this can add cost.

If you lose your only working fob, it could cost upwards of $300 to get a replacement original key and fob from the dealership made. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of a new fob by as much as 50% if you buy it online. Look for an appropriate key fob for your vehicle'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 relative ease (though some may require two current, working keys for this).

Key fobs that are standard are cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace since they don't contain an embedded chip that requires to be programmed after the fact. They are still expensive to duplicate if you've damaged or lost keys and need a template to reproduce them however, they are more affordable than the cost of replacing the entire key set from the car's dealer.

Another option to reduce the cost of cutting keys is to simply purchase a new shell for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, but leave the electronic components intact. These shells are a cost-effective option to update your keychain without the need to make an appointment with a dealer.

Keys with Keyless Entry

The car key fob comes with many benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, particularly when you're carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature, they can help you open the trunk and hatch.

These keys aren't ideal for long-term use because they can drain your battery. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, depending on your vehicle's model and make. A lot of key fobs can be replaced with new ones from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. These are usually available at a lower cost than the dealer-supplied version if you look on the internet or visit your local hardware store.

If you own a standard key, duplication costs are usually very affordable and range between $10 and $15. You can also buy an additional key from your local box retailer or hardware store. Keys that are newer and require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, however. They are usually laser cut, sometimes referred to as sidewinder or high-security keys. These keys have a thicker blade and less grooves on the shank. They must be programmed by a specific machine at a locksmith or dealership.

It can be costly to replace a key that has a microchip and it is often required to visit a dealer to get the replacement code. These keys are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They have electronics that must be validated before they can be used to open doors or start your engine. Dealers charge between $150 to $300 for a key that has the key fob and transponder chips.

If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system 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 the key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It will also open the hatch and trunk when the key is close to the receiver.

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