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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost Losing your car keys isn't a good idea. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your keys without overpaying at the dealership. 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. It's typically 20 percent less than buying from a dealer. Keys that have Transponder chips Modern cars have key fobs that provide security and convenience to owners. However they come at a cost. In certain instances the cost of replacing a key fob that has been lost or damaged is high. There are ways to reduce the expense of these devices. It is much cheaper to get a spare car key now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and are confronted with the expense of the visit of a locksmith or towing charges. The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words “transmitter + responder”) has been a standard feature in cars since the mid 1990s. The technology was created to stop the increasing number of car thefts. The car transponder transmits a secret code via a signal. When the key is put in the ignition the antenna will ring around it and reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will begin. This is crucial because the majority of thieves simply wire the vehicle and drive off. Transponder chips operate in a similar way to the microchips in cell phones and computers. The different is that they do not require constant power to operate. Instead, local key cutting transmit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that is recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself. We suggest visiting your local locksmith if in need of a spare key for a car equipped with transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to program new keys to the specific model and make of your car. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership. It's also important to note that some stores, like AutoZone will offer a key programming service. They usually charge more than professional locksmiths. This is due to the fact that they can benefit from the “scaling” effect that occurs when the number of units sold rises. They can then pass on the savings to the consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips which pair to the vehicle whenever the key is put into the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming that can only be completed by a dealership auto locksmith or your vehicle's manufacturer. This procedure can cost up to $500 for a new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer and possibly labor charges. The most effective way to save on car key cost is to avoid the need to replace your keys in the first place. That means having a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key at an hardware store or box store for about $25 to $50, depending on the type of key. Many people are unaware that they can buy keys replacement online or at a a discounted price from the manufacturer. The advantage of buying a factory key is that it will likely be equipped with the proper transponder chip. locksmith key cutting is crucial, since you won't be able to use an aftermarket car key unless it's been professionally programmed. The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the tools needed to program modern car keys They can only provide basic duplication services. You can also visit a locksmith, independent auto repair shop, or dealer to get them replaced. Another thing to take into consideration is that if you're planning on buying a cheap key from an online retailer, you'll need make sure it isn't already programmed to another vehicle. You can do this by examining the key blade to find a chip or for the cutout to see if it shows evidence of the previous key. Purchasing a key duplication machine is a different option, but it won't be cost-effective for the majority of people. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys themselves and you'll need cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you don't feel at ease with a vice a hand file is an alternative that is less expensive. It's not the best option as it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key in the lock. Key Fobs with Keys Many modern cars come with key fobs that are remote controls that allow you to lock your car, unlock it and even start the engine. These are small remote transmitters which communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle through radio waves. They're a great convenience for drivers, however they can be expensive to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one. Unlike traditional keys, which require a professional locksmith, dealer in automotive, or any other specialist service provider to make keys, key fobs have sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to make than their basic counterparts. They also need to be programmed to work with your vehicle, which can also add cost. A new key and fob could cost as much as $300 if you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob to just $50 by purchasing it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have a key fob that fits the car model you have. Some of these keys may require laser cutting by a locksmith or programmed by your dealer in your area, but most can be customer-programmed with ease (though some require two current, working keys to do this). Key fobs that are standard 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 duplicate if you've a lost or damaged key and need a template to duplicate them, but they are much more affordable than the cost of replacing an entire key set from the dealer for your car. Another way to cut your costs for cutting keys is to simply purchase an entirely new shell for your key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that will replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, yet leave the electronics intact. These shells are a cost-effective option to update your keychain without the need to make an appointment with a dealer. Keys with Keyless Entry Car key fobs offer numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, especially if you're carrying groceries or other heavy loads in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built-in they will help you open your trunk and hatch. These keys are not ideal for long-term use since they drain batteries. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. Key fobs are often replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look online or in your local hardware store, you will often find them at significantly less than the dealer-supplied alternatives. If you have an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually very affordable and vary between $10 and $15. You can also purchase an additional key from your local hardware store or box retailer store. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption can be expensive. They are typically laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high security keys. They feature a more robust shank, and less carved-out grooves on the blade and they have to be programmed using a specific machine found in a dealership or locksmith shop. A key with a chip can be quite expensive to replace and typically requires a trip to the dealership to obtain a 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 your engine. Dealers will charge between $150 to $300 for a key that has the key fob as well as transponder chips. If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery inside your key fob dies it could be expensive to replace the keys. Keyless entry keys are available in the majority of modern automobiles. They function by transmitting an electronic message from the key fob to an internal receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks itself in accordance with this signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is within close proximity to the receiver.