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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost The loss of your car keys isn't an ideal option. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car keys without paying a dealership's high cost. Simply bring a working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours using an on-site key cutting machine. It's about 20 percent less than buying from a dealer. Keys with Transponder Chips Many modern cars have key fobs that offer security and convenience to the car owner. However they come at costs. In some cases the cost of replacing the key fob that has been damaged or lost could be costly. The good news is that there are options to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It's cheaper to purchase an extra key now rather than to wait until you lose your car key and need to pay the locksmith or towing fees. The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words “transmitter + responder”) has been a standard feature in cars since the mid-1990s. This technology was created as a response to the rising rate of theft from cars. Transponders in cars transmit the secret code through a signal. When the key is placed in the ignition the antenna will ring around it and reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, then the engine will begin. This is a big deal since most thieves hot wire the vehicle to start it and then take off. Transponder chips operate on the same basis as microchips found in computers and cell phones. The different is that they do not need constant power to work. Instead, they emit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency that is identified by special receivers in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself. If you need to have a spare car key created for a car with a transponder chip We highly recommend you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a tool that can program new keys for the make and model of the vehicle you own. This is a fantastic alternative to visiting the dealership. It is also important to know that some stores, like AutoZone will provide key programming services. However, they often cost higher than a locksmith. This is because they can profit from the “scaling” effect that occurs when the number of units sold increases. In other words, they can transfer their savings to consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys have transponders or chips that are paired to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. These keys are more costly to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming, which can only be performed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This procedure can cost up to $500 for an entirely new key, reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possible labor charges. The best method to cut down on key cutting costs is by avoiding the need to replace your keys in the first place. This means you should have an extra key in case you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key at an hardware store or box store for around $25 to $50, depending on the type of key. Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online or at an affordable price from the manufacturer. A factory key will most likely have the correct transponder. This is important, as you cannot make use of an aftermarket car key unless it has been professionally programmed. The majority of hardware 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 go to a dealer or a reputable auto repair shop, or a locksmith to have them replaced. If you plan to buy a key for a low price on the internet, ensure that it's not programmed for another vehicle. This can be done by looking at the blade of the key to determine if it has an embedded chip, or a cutout showing the signs of an old key. A key duplication device can be purchased, but this isn't an option for most people. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys, and you'll have cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you're not sure about this, a vice and hand file are a more affordable alternative. This isn't the most secure option because it can damage the key's electronic components or even break the key inside the lock. Keys with Key Fobs Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the car, and also start the motor. get car key cut are tiny remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves. They're a great convenience for drivers, but they can be costly to replace or duplicate if you lose one. Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys due to their sophisticated electronics. Fobs also need to be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which can increase the cost as well. A new key and fob can cost up to $300 in the event that you lose your sole functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of the new fob by as much as 50% if you purchase it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have a key fob that fits the car model you have. Some of these fobs might need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by your local dealer, but a lot are programmable by customers easily (though some require two current, working keys for this). Key fobs that are standard are cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace because they don't contain an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed after the fact. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you need to create templates for a damaged or lost key it is less than buying a new set of keys from a car dealer. Another option to reduce your costs for cutting keys is by simply buying a new shell for your current key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, but leave the electronic components intact. These shells are a cost-effective option to updating your keychain without having to make an appointment with a dealer. Keys for Keyless Entry Car key fobs come with a lot of benefits. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, especially if you're carrying groceries or other heavy items in your hands. They can even help you open your trunk and hatch, if they have this functionality built-in. The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they frequently consume battery power and make it difficult to use them for long periods of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Key fobs are often replaced with new ones from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look online or in your local hardware store, you will often find them at less than dealer-supplied options. If you have a standard key, duplication costs are typically very affordable and vary between $10 and $15. You might also be able purchase a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain retailers. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding can be expensive. Keys that are laser-cut, often called sidewinder or high-security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and less grooves on the shank. They must be programmed by a specific machine at a locksmith or dealership. It is costly to replace a key using a microchip, and it's usually necessary to visit the dealer to obtain the replacement code. They are also known as smart or transponder keys, and they have electronics inside that must be validated by your vehicle before it can open doors or start the engine. A dealer typically charges between $150 to $300 for a new key that has both the key fob as well as the transponder chip. Keys that have keyless entry could also be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them or the battery of your key fob fails. Many modern cars come with keys that function by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a device in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It will also open the hatch and trunk when the key is near the receiver.