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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and the parts to replace your keys without having to pay the dealership. Simply bring your current working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours using an on-site key cutting machine. car key cutting 's typically 20% less than buying from an agent. Keys with Transponder Chips Many modern cars have key fobs which provide an element of security and comfort for the owner of the vehicle. These devices are not free. In some instances it could be high 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's cheaper to have a spare vehicle key now instead of waiting until you lose the key and you are faced with paying for a locksmith's visit 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. The technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of vehicle theft. The car transponder transmits a secret code via a signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition, the antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder detects this signal and if it matches with the password, the engine will start. This is important as most thieves simply wire the vehicle and then drive away. Transponder chips function on a similar basis as microchips in cell phones and computers. They do not require constant power. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that can be identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder as well as the key head. We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if you require the spare key for a vehicle with a transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to program new keys for the model and make of your vehicle. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership. Also, it's important to know that some stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming service. However, they often charge significantly more than locksmiths. This is because they can take advantage of the “scaling” effect that occurs when the number of units sold increases. They can then pass on the savings to the consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips which connect to the vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. These keys are more costly to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which can only be completed by an auto locksmith or a dealership. This procedure can cost up to $500 for the new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possibly labor charges. The best way to reduce car key replacement costs is to not require them in the first place. It is essential to have a spare car key in the event that the original one is lost. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key at an hardware store or box store for about $25 to $50, based on the kind of key. Many people don't realize that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discounted price. The advantage of buying an original key is that it will likely have the right transponder chip. This is crucial, since you will not be able make use of an aftermarket car key unless it has been professionally programmed. Most hardware stores and box stores do not have the technology to program modern car keys, which is why they can only provide basic key duplication services. You can also go to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith to get them replaced. If you're planning to purchase a cheap key online, make sure it's not programmed to the vehicle of someone else. This can be done by looking at the blade of the key for chip or the cutout to see if it shows evidence of the previous key. A key duplication machine can be purchased, but it is not an option for everyone. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys and you'll need to cut many keys in order to break even. If you're not happy with this, a vice and hand file are a more affordable option. 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. Keys with Key Fobs Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that are remote controls to lock and unlock your vehicle and also to start the engine. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to send commands. These are a great convenience for drivers, but they can be costly to duplicate or replace if they are lost. Unlike traditional keys, which require a great locksmith, automotive dealer or any other specialist service provider to create keys, key fobs are equipped with sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to manufacture than the standard keys. They also require to be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which could add up in costs as well. If you lose your only working fob, it could cost upwards of $300 to get a replacement original key and fob from the dealership made. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of the new fob by as much as 50% if purchasing it on the internet. Find a key fob for your vehicle's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Certain key fobs must be laser-cut or programmed by your local dealer. However, many can be programmed by the buyer. Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for less than more advanced models due to the fact that they don't contain an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed. They can be costly to duplicate if you've got damaged or lost keys and require a template duplicate them however, they are cheaper than the expense of replacing the entire key set purchased from your dealer in your vehicle. You can also lower your key cutting costs by buying a new shell to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the plastic outer and buttons on your key fob, while leaving the electronics inside unaltered. These shells are a cost-effective option to update your keychain without having to make an appointment with the dealer. Keys for Keyless Entry The car key fob offers numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without the need to hunt for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you're carrying large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. They can even assist you to open your trunk and hatch, in the event that they have this feature built-in. These keys aren't ideal for long-term usage because they drain batteries. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, depending on your vehicle's model and make. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. They are often available at a much lower cost than the dealer-supplied version if you look on the internet or visit the local hardware store. If you own an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually low, and can vary from $10 to $15. You may also be able to buy a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain retailers. Newer keys that require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, but. They are usually laser-cut and may be 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 with a specific machine that is found at the locksmith shop or dealership. A key with a chip can be quite expensive to replace and usually requires an appointment with a dealer to obtain a replacement code. They are also known as transponder keys or smart keys, and they have electronics inside that must be validated by your vehicle before it can open doors or start the engine. Dealers charge between $150 and $300 for a key that includes the key fob, as well as transponder chips. If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery in the key fob fails it could cost you to replace the keys. Many modern cars come with keys that function by sending a signal from the key fob to a device in your car. The car locks or unlocks itself according to the signal and opens the trunk and hatch if the key is within close proximity to the receiver.