10 Top Facebook Pages Of All Time Concerning Car Key Cutting Cost

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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

The loss of your car keys is never an ideal idea. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and the parts to replace your key without having to pay the dealership.

Simply bring a 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 percent less than purchasing from dealers.

Keys with Transponder Chips

Many modern vehicles have key fobs which provide a level of security and comfort for the owner of the vehicle. They are not free. In some instances it could be high to replace a lost or damaged key fob. The good news is that there are methods to cut the costs associated with these devices. It’s cheaper to have a spare car key today, rather than waiting until you lose the key and are facing the cost of a locksmith’s visit or towing charges.

The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words « transmitter + responder ») has been a standard feature in automobiles since the mid 1990s. This technology was designed to counter the growing number of car thefts. Transponders in cars transmit an encrypted signal. When the key is inserted into the ignition, an antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder reads this signal and when it matches the password, the engine is started. This is important as most thieves simply wire the vehicle and then drive off.

Transponder chips operate on a similar principle to the microchips found in cell phones and computers. They do not require constant power. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that is identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder and key head.

If you need to have a spare car key made for a car with a transponder chip, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Many locksmiths have a device that can program new keys for the make and model of the vehicle you own. This is a fantastic alternative to visiting the dealership.

It’s also important to note that some shops, such as AutoZone will offer a key programming service. However, they often charge significantly more than locksmiths. They achieve this because they benefit from the « scaling effect » that occurs when the number of units sold rises. In other words, they are able to transfer their savings to the consumer.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that are connected to the vehicle whenever the key is inserted in 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 your vehicle’s manufacturer. The process could cost up to $500 for a new key, the reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possibly, labor costs.

The most effective way to save on car key cost is to avoid the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. This means you should have an extra 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 key type.

Most people don’t know that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a reduced price. A factory-issued key will most likely contain the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you cannot use an aftermarket car key unless it has been professionally programmed.

The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the tools needed to program modern car key, so they can only provide basic duplication services. You can bring them to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop, or a locksmith to get them replaced.

If you are planning to purchase a cheap key online, make sure that it’s not programmed to the vehicle of someone else. This can be done by looking at the blade of the key to determine if it has an embedded chip or cutout that shows the signs of an old key.

A key duplication machine is an alternative however it’s not affordable for most people. The machine costs more than keys that are blank, so you’ll need to cut many keys to break even. If you’re not at ease with a vice a hand file is a more affordable alternative. But, it’s not the safest method because it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key in the lock.

Key Fobs with keys

Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the vehicle, and also start the motor. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to transmit commands. These are great features for drivers, but they can be expensive to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.

Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys because they contain sophisticated electronic components. They also need to be programmed to work with your car and this can add up in price.

If you lose your only working fob, it could cost up to $300 to have a new original key and fob from the dealer.