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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost Losing your car keys is not an ideal option. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car key without paying dealership cost. Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site with a key cutting machine. On average, this is 20% less than purchasing through the dealer. Keys with Transponder chips Modern cars have key fobs, which offer security and convenience for car owners. These devices are not free. In some instances it could be expensive to replace a lost or damaged key fob. The good news is that there are options to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It is much cheaper to have a spare vehicle key made now instead of waiting until you lose the key and you are confronted with the expense of a locksmith's visit or towing charges. Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been a key component of all automobiles. Its name comes from “transmitter and responder”. This technology was designed to counter the growing number of car thefts. A car transponder transmits an encrypted signal. When the key is placed in the ignition, the antenna ring around it and reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, then the engine will start. This is important as most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle before driving off. Transponder chips function on the same basis as microchips used in cell phones and computers. The distinction is that they don't need constant power to work. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal which can be identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder and key head. We suggest visiting your local locksmith if you require the spare key for your vehicle that has transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to make new keys to match your vehicle model and make. This is a great alternative to visiting the dealership. Also, key cutting price to note that stores such as AutoZone provide a key-programming service. However, they often charge significantly more than locksmiths. They can achieve this because they take advantage of the “scaling effect” that occurs when the number units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that are connected with the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they need programming that is only completed by a dealership auto locksmith or your vehicle's manufacturer. This procedure can cost up to $500 for a new key, as well as reprogramming the immobilizer and perhaps labor charges. The best way to cut down on the expense of replacing your car keys is to not need them in the first place. This means you should have a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key from an hardware store or box store for between $25 to $50, depending on the type of key. Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discounted price. A factory key will most likely have the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you cannot use an aftermarket car key unless it has been professionally programmed. The majority of hardware and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, so they offer only basic key duplication services. You can also go to a locksmith, independent auto repair shop or dealer to get them replaced. Another thing to consider is that if you're planning on buying a cheap key from an online retailer, you'll have to make sure it isn't already programmed to a vehicle belonging to someone else. This can be accomplished by examining the blade of the key to determine if it has a chip, or a cutout showing signs of an old key. A key duplication machine is an alternative, but it won't be affordable for most people. The cost of the machine is higher than keys with blanks, which means you'll need to cut numerous keys to make a profit. If you don't feel at ease using a vice, hand files are an option that is more affordable. However, this isn't the most secure option as it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key or break the key off in the lock. Key Fobs with Keys A lot of modern cars have key fobs, which are remote controls to lock and unlock your vehicle and even start the engine. They are tiny transmitters which communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle via radio waves. They are a convenience for drivers, however they can be costly to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one. Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys due to their sophisticated electronic components. Key fobs must also be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which could add up in costs as well. A new key and fob can cost up to $300 if you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of a new fob by up to 50% if you buy it online. Search for an appropriate key fob for your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these key fobs must be programmed or laser-cut by the local dealer. However, many of them can be programmed by the customer. Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for less than more sophisticated models because they do not have an embedded chip which must be reprogrammed. While they can be expensive to duplicate if you have to create a template to replace a damaged or lost key The cost is far less than purchasing a new set of keys from your car dealer. You can also reduce your key cutting costs by purchasing a new shell to replace your old key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that can replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, while leaving the electronics intact. These shells are a cost-effective solution to updating your keychain without having to make an appointment with a dealer. Keys with Keyless Entry The car key fob offers many benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to look for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you are carrying large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. If they've got this feature they will assist you to open the trunk and hatch. The downside to these types of keys is that they frequently drain the battery and make it difficult to use them for long periods of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. Key fobs are often repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. If you search on the internet or at your local hardware store, you will often find them at a much lower price than the dealer-supplied options. If you already have a standard-sized key, duplication costs can be as low as $10 to $15. You can also purchase keys to replace them at your local hardware or box retailer store. However replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding can be expensive. They are usually 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 key's blade, and they must be programmed using a specific machine found in a locksmith shop or dealer. A key with chip could be costly to replace and often requires the visit to a dealership to get the replacement code. These keys are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They are equipped with electronics that must be verified before they can be used to open doors or start engines. Dealers charge between $150 to $300 for a key that includes the key fob and the transponder chip. If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery inside your key fob goes out, it can be costly to replace the keys. Many modern cars come with these keys, which function by sending a signal from your key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It will also open the trunk and hatch when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.