Misplacing or losing your car keys used to be a hassle. Getting a new key made could cost you hundreds of dollars from a dealership or automotive locksmith.

AutoZone has the tools, parts, and technology to replace many cars keys. They simply copy your old key and cut a new one with the same contours using a machine designed for this purpose.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys are the kind you probably picture when you think of a car key, theyre thin metal cuts with grooves that lock and unlock your doors. They can also be used to start your vehicles ignition.

These types of keys are mechanically made using a standard key-cutting machine and are found at many places like discount stores and hardware stores. They are easy to duplicate and dont have the added security of laser-cut keys.

Laser-cut keys have patterns and ridges on both sides, this makes them much more difficult for people to copy. They are also programmed by a locksmith using computer software that is specific to the vehicles make and year. If you lose a laser cut key, youll need to call an automotive locksmith to replace it because theyll need to use specialized machinery to do so. Also, these types of keys are the only ones that can start your vehicles engine if lost.

Key Fobs

Many cars today come equipped with key fobs that can do much more than just unlock the doors. Fobs can also control features like rolling down windows on a hot day or summoning and auto-parking the car.

Key fobs work through RFID, or radio frequency identification technology, which operates as an electronic barcode system that communicates with a reader device. When you hold the key fob near a reader, the copper coils on both sides energize and convert into electricity, powering a microcomputer chip inside the fob that sends a signal to the reader.

The RFID chip in your key fob transmits a unique code that corresponds to the information stored in a database. The reader device then reads the code to identify you as a verified owner. The code is constantly updated and is difficult to intercept by thieves.

Transponder Keys

If your car is newer, chances are it has a Transponderkeysservice. These are small chips embedded within the plastic head of your car key that send a signal to the cars computer system, which in turn allows it to start. These are designed to prevent people from hot-wiring cars (essentially, using two wires to start the car).

A professional locksmith will be able to provide you with a transponder key that will work for your vehicle. Theyll also be able to give you a spare service key that isnt equipped with the transponder chip but can still unlock your doors and allow you to start the engine in case you lose your original key.

A transponder key can cost more than a flat metal key but its much harder to steal, and it will save you money in the long run by preventing your car from being stolen. If you want to have a transponder key made for your vehicle, make sure to visit a professional Mesa locksmith.

Electronic Keys

Many modern cars come with key fobs that lock and unlock your car, turn on the lights, and start the engine. These keys often have transponder chips integrated into the plastic cover on the front or back of the key that needs to be activated and programmed by a scanner to work properly.

These types of keys are harder to copy than traditional keys since they dont have a simple cut. Theyre more expensive to replace if you lose them as well, and they require special equipment usually only available at dealerships for the programming.

If you lose a smart key, a key fob with a switchblade, or a transponder key, your best bet is to call roadside assistance and have them tow your car to the dealership. This will likely be the quickest way to get a new replacement but keep in mind that it could cost $200-500 plus a towing fee and you may have to wait for them to order one from the manufacturer.