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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 require to replace your car keys without paying dealership costs. Simply bring your current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours using the key cutting machine on site. It's about 20% less than going through a dealer. Keys with Transponder Chips Many modern cars have key fobs which provide an element of security and convenience to the car owner. However, these devices come with an expense. In some cases, the cost of replacing a key fob which has been damaged or lost is high. The good news is that there are options to cut the costs associated with these devices. It is much cheaper to have a spare vehicle key today, rather than waiting until you lose the key and you are confronted with the expense of an appointment with a locksmith or towing costs. The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words “transmitter + responder”) has been a feature of most automobiles since the mid 1990s. The technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of car theft. In essence, the chip in a car transponder transmits an electronic signal that has a secret password. When the key is inserted into ignition, the antenna ring around the ignition cylinder detects the signal and, when it matches the password, the engine will start. This is crucial because the majority of thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and then drive off. Transponder chips work on the same principle as the microchips used in computers and cell phones. They do not require constant power. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal which can be identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder and key head. If you require a spare car key made for a car with transponder chips, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Many locksmiths have a system to create new keys to match your vehicle model and. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership. Also, it's important to note that stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming option. They typically charge more than professional locksmiths. They do this because they can profit from a “scaling effect” that occurs when the amount of units sold rises. They can then pass on the savings to consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys come with chips or transponders that are connected to the car when the key is put in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming that is only performed by a dealership, auto locksmith, or your manufacturer of your vehicle. This procedure can cost as much as $500 for a new key, the programming of the immobilizer and possible labor charges. The best way to cut down on cost of replacing car keys is to not require them in the first place. It is essential to have an extra car key in the event that the original one is lost. You can buy another key for between $25-$50 at the hardware store or a box retailer, based on the type of key. Most people don't know that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discount. A factory-issued key will most likely have the correct transponder. This is essential because you won't be in a position to use an aftermarket key without having it 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 offer basic duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, auto repair shop, or dealer to have them replaced. Another thing to consider is that if you're considering buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll need ensure that it's not programmed to a vehicle belonging to someone else. This can be done by looking at the blade of the key to determine if it has chips or a cutout that shows evidence of an old key. Purchasing a key duplication machine is an alternative however it's not cost-effective for the majority of people. The cost of the machine is higher than keys that are blank, so you'll have to cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not comfortable with this, a vice and hand file are a much more affordable alternative. However, it's not the safest method because it may damage the key's electronics or even cut the key off inside the lock. Keys with Key Fobs Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that are remote controls to lock and unlock your vehicle and even start the engine. These are tiny remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle via radio waves. They are a convenience for drivers, but they can be expensive to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one. cheap key cutting are more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronics. Fobs also need to be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which can increase the cost too. If you lose your only working fob, it can cost upwards of $300 to have a new original key and fob from the dealership. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob down to as little as $50 if you buy it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have keys that are compatible with your car model. Some of these keys may require laser cutting by a locksmith or programmed by a local dealer, but a lot can be programmed by the customer with relative ease (though some will require two working, current keys to accomplish this). Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for less than more advanced models due to the fact that they don't contain an embedded chip that must be reprogrammed. They can still be expensive to duplicate if you've damaged or lost keys and require a template duplicate them however, they are cheaper than the expense of replacing a complete key set from your dealer for your car. Another method to reduce your key cutting costs is to simply purchase a new shell for your key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the plastic outer and buttons on your keychain, and leave the electronics inside unchanged. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain and save you the hassle of having to schedule an appointment with the dealership. Keys for Keyless Entry Car key fobs have many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, particularly when you're carrying heavy groceries or other loads in your hands. They can also help you open your trunk and hatch if they have this functionality integrated into them. The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they frequently consume battery power and make it difficult to use for long periods of time. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. Fortunately, many key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. These can often be found for much cheaper than a dealer-supplied option, if you look online or at your local hardware store. If you already have a standard key then the cost of duplication could be as low as $10-$15. You may also be able to buy an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain retailer. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption could be costly. They are usually laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys or high security keys. They have a more robust blade and have fewer grooves on the shank. They need to be programmed by a specific machine in a locksmith or dealership. A key that has chip could be expensive to replace and typically requires an appointment with a dealer to get the replacement code. Keys with chips are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They contain electronic components that must be verified before they can open doors or start engines. Dealers will charge between $150 to $300 for a key that includes the key fob, as well as transponder chips. Keys with keyless entry can also be expensive to replace if you lose them or the battery of your key fob fails. Many modern cars come with these keys, which function by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk when the key is near the receiver.