Watch Out: How Car Key Cutting Cost Is Gaining Ground, And How To Respond

How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost The loss of your car keys isn't an ideal idea. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your keys without having to pay the dealership. Simply bring your current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours using a key cutting machine onsite. It's typically 20 percent less than buying from a dealer. Keys with Transponder Chips A lot of modern cars come with key fobs which provide a level of security and ease for the owner of the vehicle. However they come at a cost. In some instances, the cost of replacing a key fob that has been damaged or lost can be high. The good news is that there are ways to cut the costs associated with these devices. It is cheaper to order a spare key now than wait until you lose your car key and then pay for the locksmith or towing fees. The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words “transmitter + responder”) has been a standard feature in cars since the mid-1990s. This technology was designed to counter the growing number of car thefts. In essence, the chip in a car transponder transmits signals that contain an encrypted password. When the key is placed in the ignition the antenna will ring around it and reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will begin. This is significant because the majority of thieves simply hot wire the vehicle to get it started and then leave the scene. Transponder chips operate on a similar principle to the microchips used in computers and cell phones. They do not require constant power. Instead, they send 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're looking to get an extra car key made for a car equipped with transponder chips We highly recommend you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to make new keys for your specific car model and make. This is a great alternative to visiting a dealership. It's also important to remember that some stores, like AutoZone will provide key programming services. They usually charge more than professional locksmiths. They can do this because they take advantage of the “scaling effect” that occurs when the number units sold rises. They can then pass on the savings to consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys have transponders or chips that are paired to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which can only be completed by a dealership or auto locksmith. This procedure can cost as high as $500 for new keys, the changing of the immobilizer's programming, and possible labor charges. The best way to cut down on the expense of replacing your car keys is to not have them in the first place. That means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key from the hardware store or at a box store for around $25 to $50, based on the kind of key. Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online at an affordable price from the manufacturer. The advantage of purchasing the factory key is that it will come with the correct transponder chip. This is vital, as you will not be able use a car key that is aftermarket unless it has been professionally programmed. The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the tools needed to program modern car keys, so they can only offer basic duplication services. You can go to a dealer or an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith to have them replaced. Another thing to consider is that if you're planning on purchasing a key for a low price from an online retailer, you'll have to make sure it isn't already programmed to a vehicle belonging to someone else. This can be accomplished by looking at the blade of the key to determine if there's a chip or cutout that shows evidence of an old key. locksmith key cutting can be purchased, but this isn't an option for the majority of people. The machine costs more than blank keys, so you'll need to cut many keys to break even. If you don't feel at ease using a vice, hand files are a more affordable alternative. This isn't the most secure option because it can harm the electronic components of the key or even break the key in the lock. Keys with Key Fobs A lot of modern cars have key fobs, which are remote controls that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle and even start the engine. These are basically mini remote transmitters that connect to the computer in your vehicle via radio waves to transmit commands. These are great features for drivers, but they are costly to duplicate or replace in the event of loss. Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys due to their sophisticated electronics. Fobs must also be programmed to work with your car, which can also add up in price. If you lose your sole working fob, it could cost upwards of $300 to get a replacement fob and key from the dealer. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to only $50 by purchasing it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have an appropriate key fob for the car model you have. Some of these key fobs will need to be programmed or laser-cut by your local dealer. However, many can be programmed by the user. Standard key fobs are much cheaper than more advanced models to replace as they don't contain an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed following the fact. They are still expensive to duplicate if you've damaged or lost keys and require a template to make them again but they're much more affordable than the cost of replacing a complete key set from the car's dealer. You can also lower your key cutting costs by buying a new shell to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of new shells that replace the plastic outer and buttons on your key fob, and leave the electronics inside unchanged. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain and spare you the headache of trying to schedule an appointment at the dealership. Keys for Keyless Entry The car key fob comes with many benefits. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without the need to hunt for your keys. This is particularly useful when you are carrying large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. They can even help you open your trunk and hatch, if they have this functionality integrated into them. These keys aren't recommended for long-term usage because they drain batteries. Additionally, car key cutting and programming near me can be difficult to program, based on the vehicle's make and model. Many key fobs are easily replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available for much cheaper than a dealer-supplied option, when you search online or at your local hardware store. If you already have a standard-sized key, duplication costs can be as just $10 to $15. You may also be able purchase a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. Keys that are newer and require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, however. They are typically laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys, or high security keys. They have a larger shank and less carved-out grooves on the blade and they must be programmed with a specific machine at a locksmith shop or dealer. A key with a chip can be quite expensive to replace and typically requires the visit to a dealership to get the replacement code. These keys are often referred to as transponder or smart keys and they come with electronic components that must be validated by your vehicle before it can open doors or start the engine. A dealer typically charges 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 in your key fob goes out it could cost you to replace them. Many modern cars come with these keys, which work by sending a signal from your key fob to a receiver in your car. The car then locks or unlocks based on this signal and opens the hatch and trunk if the key is in close proximity to the receiver.