How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts you need to replace your car key without paying dealership cost.

Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site with a key cutting machine. On average, this is 20% less than purchasing through a dealer.

Keys with Transponder Chips

A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that offer security and comfort to the car owner. However they come at costs. In certain instances it could 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 is much cheaper to have a spare car key now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and are facing the cost of an appointment with a locksmith or towing costs.

Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip had been an integral part of most automobiles. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". This technology was designed to counter the growing number of car thefts. The car transponder transmits an encrypted signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition, an antenna ring around the ignition cylinder reads the signal and, if it matches with the password, the engine is started. This is significant since most thieves use hot wires to get it started and then leave the scene.

Transponder chips work on a similar principle to the microchips in computers and cell phones. The difference is that they don't need constant power to work. Instead, they send a low-frequency electromagnetic signal which can be 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 need a spare key for a car equipped with a transponder. Most locksmiths have a device to make new keys for your specific car model and make. This is a fantastic alternative to going to the dealership.

Also, it's important to remember that stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming option. However, they often cost significantly more than a locksmith. This is because they can take advantage of the "scaling" effect that occurs when the quantity of units sold increases. In other words, they are able to pass on their costs savings to the consumer.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys come with transponders or chips that connect to the vehicle when the key is inserted into the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming that can only be done by a dealership, auto locksmith or the manufacturer of your vehicle. This process can cost as much as $500 for an entirely new key, programming of the immobilizer and the possibility of labor costs.

The best way to save on car key cost is to avoid the need to replace your keys in the first place. This means having a spare key in case you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key for $25-$50 at the hardware store or a box shop, based on the type of key.

Most people don't know that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discounted price. A factory key will likely have the correct transponder. This is vital, as you cannot make use of an aftermarket car key unless it has been professionally programmed.

The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the equipment to program modern car keys and therefore, they are unable to offer basic duplication services. You can also take them to a dealer or an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith shop to get them replaced.

If you are planning to purchase a cheap key online, make sure that it's not programmed for another vehicle. You can do this by checking the key blade for chip or a cutout that shows signs of an earlier key.


Purchasing a key duplication machine is another option however it's not affordable for most people. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys and you'll need cut a lot of keys to break even. If you don't feel at ease using a vice, hand-files are an alternative that is less expensive. However, this isn't the safest method because it may cause damage to the electronic components of the key or break the key off inside the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs

A lot of modern cars have key fobs that function as remote controls that allow you to lock and unlock your car and start the engine. They are tiny transmitters that communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle through radio waves. These are great features for drivers but can be expensive to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.

Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys because they contain sophisticated electronic components. Fobs also need to be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which can increase the cost as well.

A new fob and key can cost up to $300 if you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob down to just $50 if you buy it on the internet. Look for an appropriate key fob for your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these 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 user.

Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for less than the more sophisticated models because they do not contain an embedded chip that must be reprogrammed. However, they can be costly to duplicate if you need to design an original template for a lost or damaged key, the cost is much less than buying a new key from your car dealer.

Another way to cut the cost of cutting keys is by simply buying a new shell for your key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your key fob, but leaving the inside electronics unchanged. These shells are an affordable solution to update your keychain without the need to make an appointment with a dealer.

Keys for Keyless Entry

Car key fobs have many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys. mouse click the following webpage is especially useful when you are carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built-in they will help you open your hatch and trunk.

The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they tend to consume battery power which makes it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Additionally, they are difficult to program, based on your vehicle's make and model. Many key fobs are easily replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look on the internet or at your local hardware store, you can often find these for a much lower price than dealer-supplied options.

If you already have a standard key then duplication costs can be as low as $10 to $15. You may also be able to buy a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain retailer. However replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding could be costly. They are usually laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys or high security keys. They have a thicker shank, and less carved-out grooves on the blade and must be programmed using a special machine at a dealership or locksmith shop.

It is costly to replace a key that has a microchip, and it's often necessary to visit a dealer in order to get the replacement code. These keys are often referred to as smart or transponder keys, and they have electronics inside that need to be verified by your vehicle before it can open doors or start the engine. Dealers can charge between $150 and $300 for a key that includes the key fob and transponder chips.

Keys with keyless entry can also be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them or your key fob battery is dead. Many modern cars come with these keys, which work by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks itself based on this signal and opens the hatch and trunk if the key is within close proximity to the receiver.