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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost The loss of your car keys is never an ideal option. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car key without paying a dealership's high cost. Simply bring a 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 percent less than buying from a dealer. Keys with Transponder Chips Modern cars come with key fobs that provide security and convenience to owners. They are not free. In certain instances, the cost of replacing a key fob which has been damaged or lost can be high. The good news is that there are options to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It's cheaper to buy an extra key today than to wait until you lose your car key and need to pay a locksmith or towing charges. The transponder chip (which is named after the words “transmitter + responder”) has been a standard feature in automobiles since the mid-1990s. This technology was created in response to rising levels of car theft. The basic idea behind a car transponder chip transmits an electronic signal that has an encrypted password. When the key is inserted into ignition, an antenna ring around the ignition cylinder reads this signal and when it matches the password, the engine starts. This is crucial because the majority of thieves simply wire the vehicle and drive off. Transponder chips function in a similar way to microchips in computers and cell phones. The difference is that they don't require constant power to operate. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that can be identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder as well as key head. If you're looking to get a spare car key made for a vehicle equipped with a transponder chip We strongly suggest that you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to program new keys to match the make and model of the vehicle you own. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership. Also, it's important to remember that stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming service. However, they often cost significantly more than a locksmith. They can do this because they benefit from an “scaling effect” that occurs when the number of units sold increases. In this way, they could transfer their cost savings to consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys come with transponders or chips which pair with the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they need programming that can only be performed by a dealership, auto locksmith or your manufacturer of your vehicle. This procedure can cost up to $500 for a new key, as well as reprogramming the immobilizer and possibly labor charges. The best method to cut down on key cutting costs is by avoiding the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. It is essential to have a spare car key in case the original key is lost. You can buy a duplicate key at a hardware store or box store for between $25-$50, based on the type of key. Many people don't realize that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discount. A factory key will most likely have the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you will not be able make use of an aftermarket car key unless it's been professionally programmed. Most hardware stores and box stores don't have the capability to program modern car keys, which is why they only offer basic key duplication services. You can also bring them to a dealer or an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith shop to get them replaced. If you're planning to purchase an inexpensive key on the internet, ensure that it's not programmed to someone else's vehicle. You can do this by looking at the key blade for chip or a cutout that shows signs of a previous key. The purchase of a key duplication device is an alternative however it's not affordable for the majority of 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 hand files are a more affordable alternative. However, it's not the safest method because it could harm the electronics of the key or break the key off inside the lock. Key Fobs with Keys Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that function as remote controls that allow you to lock and unlock your car and even start the engine. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that connect to your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to transmit commands. These are great features for drivers, but they are costly to duplicate or replace if they are lost. Contrary to traditional keys that require a great locksmith, dealer in automotive, or other specialty service provider to create, key fobs contain advanced electronics, making them more expensive to manufacture than their standard counterparts. They also require to be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which can increase the cost too. A new fob and key can cost up to $300 in the event that you lose your sole functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of the new fob by as much as 50% if you buy it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have an appropriate key fob for the car model you have. Some of these fobs might require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by a local dealer, but a lot can be programmed by the customer with relative ease (though some require two working keys to do this). Standard key fobs can be replaced for a lot less than more advanced models because they do not have an embedded chip which must be reprogrammed. They are still expensive to copy if you have damaged or lost keys and require a template to duplicate them but they're much more affordable than the cost of replacing a complete key set from your dealer for your car. You can also lower your key cutting costs by buying a new shell to replace your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your key fob, and leave the electronics inside unchanged. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and save you the headache of trying to make an appointment at the dealership. Keys for Keyless Entry The car key fob comes with numerous advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, especially if you're carrying groceries or other heavy loads in your hands. They can even help you open your hatch and trunk, in the event that they have this feature integrated into them. The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they tend to consume battery power, making it hard to use them for a long period of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. Many key fobs are easily repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. They are often available at a much lower cost than the dealer-supplied version when you search online or at the local hardware store. If you already have a standard key, the cost of duplicates can be as just $10 to $15. You may also be able to purchase an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain store. Newer keys that require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, but. These keys are typically laser-cut, often called sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a larger shank, and less carved-out grooves on the blade and must be programmed using a specific machine found in the locksmith shop or dealership. It can be expensive to replace a key using microchips and it is often required to visit the dealer to get the replacement code. Keys with chips are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They contain electronic components that need to be verified before they can open doors or start your engine. Dealers can charge between $150 and $300 for a key that includes the key fob and transponder chips. Keys that have keyless entry could also be expensive to replace if you lose them or the battery of your key fob fails. Most modern cars have keys that function by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks itself according to the signal and opens the hatch and trunk if the key is within close proximity to the receiver.