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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost The loss of your car keys is not an ideal idea. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car key without paying a dealership's high prices. Simply bring a working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours by using a key cutting machine onsite. It's typically 20 percent less than purchasing from a dealer. Keys that have Transponder chips Many modern vehicles have key fobs that provide a level of security and comfort to the car owner. These devices are not free. In some instances the cost of replacing a key fob which is damaged or lost could be costly. The good news is that there are ways to lower the costs associated with these devices. It is much cheaper to get a spare car key made now instead of waiting until you lose the key and are faced with paying for an appointment with a locksmith or towing costs. The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words “transmitter + responder”) has been a feature of most automobiles since the mid-1990s. This technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of car theft. A car transponder transmits a secret code via a signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition, the antenna ring around it detects the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will start. This is important as most thieves simply wire the vehicle and drive away. Transponder chips operate on the same basis as microchips found in computers and cell phones. They don't require constant power. Instead, they send a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that can be identified by special receivers in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself. We suggest visiting 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 your particular vehicle model and. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership. It's also important to note that stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming option. They often charge much more than professional locksmiths. They do this because they can profit from an “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 have transponders or chips that are connected to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming that is only performed by a dealership, auto locksmith or your manufacturer of your vehicle. The process could cost as high as $500 for a new key, the reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possible 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 crucial to have an extra car key in the event that the original is lost. You can purchase a duplicate key for $25 to $50 at the hardware store or a box store, depending on the type of key. Most people don't know that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discounted price. The advantage of purchasing the factory key is that it will likely come with the proper transponder chip. This is crucial, since you won't be able to use an aftermarket car key without having it professionally programmed. Most hardware stores and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, so they can only provide 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 cheap key online, make sure that it's not programmed to the vehicle of someone else. This can be done by looking at the blade of the key to see if there is an embedded chip, or a cutout showing evidence of an old key. A key duplication machine can be purchased, but this is not an option for everyone. The machine costs more than blank keys, so you'll have to cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you don't feel at ease with a vice hand-files are an alternative that is less expensive. This is not the safest option because it can 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 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 if you lose one. Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys due to their sophisticated electronic components. They also need to be programmed to work with your vehicle and can add cost. A new key and fob can cost up to $300 if you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of a new fob by up to 50% if you buy it online. Look for an appropriate key fob for your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these key fobs will need to be programmed or laser-cut by the local dealer. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the customer. Key fobs that are standard are cheaper than more advanced models to replace since they don't have an embedded chip that has to be programmed after the fact. While they can be expensive to duplicate if you need to create a template to replace a damaged or lost key it is less than purchasing a new set of keys from your car dealer. Another option to reduce your key cutting costs is by simply buying a new shell for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the plastic outer and buttons on your key fob, but leaving the inside electronics unchanged. These shells are a cost-effective option to update your keychain without having to make an appointment with a dealer. Keys for Keyless Entry Car key fobs offer a lot of benefits. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys. This is particularly useful when you have large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. If they have this feature, they can help you open your trunk and hatch. These keys aren't recommended for long-term use because they drain the battery. Depending on cheap key cutting and model of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Fortunately, most key fobs can be replaced using replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. If you search online or visit your local hardware store, you can typically find them for less than the dealer-supplied alternatives. If you own a standard key, duplication costs are usually affordable and range from $10 to $15. You might also be able to buy a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain retailer. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption can be expensive. These keys are typically laser-cut, and are sometimes called sidewinder or high-security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and less grooves on the shank. They have to be programmed by a specific machine found in a locksmith dealership. A key with chips can be expensive to replace and usually requires an appointment with a dealer to have the replacement coded. These keys are often referred to as smart or transponder keys, and they are equipped with electronics that must be validated by your vehicle before it can open doors or start the engine. Dealers can charge between $150-$300 for a key that comes with the key fob as well as a transponder chip. Keys with keyless entry can be costly to replace in the event that you lose them or your key fob battery dies. Keyless entry keys are available in most modern cars. They function by sending a message from the key fob to a receiver within your car. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.