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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 spare parts to replace your key without overpaying at the dealership.

Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site with a key-cutting machine. It's about 20 percent less than buying from dealers.

Keys that have Transponder chips

Modern cars have key fobs, which offer security and convenience for car owners. These devices are not free. In some cases it can be high to replace a damaged or lost key fob. The good news is that there are options to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It's cheaper to purchase an extra key today than wait until you lose your car keys and need to pay a locksmith or towing charges.

The transponder chip (which is named after the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most automobiles since the mid-1990s. This technology was created in response to rising levels of theft from cars. In essence, the car transponder chip emits signals that contain a secret password. When the key is put in the ignition the antenna will ring around it reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, then the engine will start. This is an important thing since most thieves connect a hot wire to the vehicle to get it started and then leave the scene.

Transponder chips operate on the same principle as the microchips used in cell phones and computers. They don't require constant power. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that is identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder as well as the key head.

We suggest visiting your local locksmith if you need a spare key for your vehicle that has a transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a device that can program new keys to match the make and model of your car. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.

It is also important to know that some stores, like AutoZone provide key programming services. They often charge much more than a professional locksmith. This is due to the fact that they are able to benefit from the "scaling" effect that occurs when the number of units sold increases. In other words, they are able to transfer their cost savings to consumers.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys come with transponders or chips which pair to the vehicle whenever 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 can only be completed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This process can cost up to $500 for a new key, the changing of the immobilizer's programming, and possible labor charges.

The best way to avoid cost of replacing car keys is to not have them in the first place. That means having a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can purchase another key for between $25 to $50 at a box store or hardware shop, based on the type of key.

Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online or at a discounted price from the manufacturer. The advantage of buying a factory key is that it will be equipped with the correct transponder chip. This is vital, as you won't be able to use a car key that is aftermarket unless it's been professionally programmed.

The majority of hardware and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, which is why they offer only basic key duplication services. You can also go to a locksmith, independent auto repair shop or dealer to get them replaced.

Another thing to consider is that if you're thinking of buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll need make sure it isn't already programmed to a vehicle belonging to someone else. This can be done by examining the blade of the key to determine if there's a chip or cutout that shows signs of an old key.

A key duplication machine can be purchased, but it is not an option for everyone. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys, and you'll have to cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not sure about this, a vice or hand file are a cheaper alternative. This is not the safest option as it could 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 even start the engine. These are small remote transmitters which communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle through radio waves. They are a great benefit for drivers but can be expensive to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.

Contrary to traditional keys that require a great locksmith, automotive dealer, or any other specialist service provider to design keys, key fobs are equipped with sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to manufacture than their standard counterparts. Key fobs must also be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which can add up in costs as well.

If you lose your only working fob, it could cost up to $300 to get a replacement 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 by buying it online. Look for an appropriate key fob for your vehicle's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these fobs might need to be laser-cut by a locksmith or programmed by your dealer in your area, but most can be customer-programmed with relative ease (though some require two working, current keys to do this).

Key fobs for standard keys are cheaper than more advanced models to replace as they don't have an embedded chip that requires to be programmed after the fact. They can be costly to duplicate if you've got a lost or damaged key and need a template to make them again however, they are more affordable than the cost of replacing an entire key set from your car's dealer.

Another method to reduce the cost of cutting keys is to simply purchase a new shell for your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your key fob but leaving the inside electronics unchanged. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle of trying to schedule an appointment with the dealership.

Keys with Keyless Entry

The car key fob comes with many benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your car 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've got this feature, they can help you open your hatch and trunk.

These keys are not ideal for long-term use since they drain batteries. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, depending on your vehicle's make and model. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. They are often available at a lower cost than dealer-supplied options, if you look at the internet or go to the local hardware store.

If you already have a standard key, duplication costs can be as just $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 encryption could be costly. These keys are usually laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They feature a more robust shank and have less grooves carved out on the blade and they must be programmed using a special machine that is found at the locksmith shop or dealership.


It can be expensive to replace a key that has a microchip and it is usually necessary to visit a dealer in order to get the replacement code. Keys with chips 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. car keys cut can charge between $150 to $300 for a brand new original key that comes with the key fob as well as an updated transponder chip.

If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery inside your key fob goes out, it can be costly to replace them. Keyless entry keys can be found in the majority of modern automobiles. They function by sending messages 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 close to the receiver.

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