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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and the parts to replace your key without having to pay a dealership. Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site with a key-cutting machine. It's about 20% less than buying from dealers. Keys with Transponder Chips Many modern cars have key fobs that provide an element of security and convenience to the car owner. These devices aren't free. In some instances the cost of replacing the key fob that has been damaged or lost could be costly. There are ways to reduce the costs of these devices. It's cheaper to purchase an extra key today instead of waiting until you lose your car keys and have to pay for a locksmith or towing charges. Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip had been a vital component of all cars. Its name is derived from “transmitter and responder”. This technology was designed to stop the increasing number of car thefts. The basic idea behind the car transponder chip emits a signal that contains the secret password. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder detects this signal and if it matches the password, the engine starts. This is important as most thieves simply wire the vehicle and drive away. Transponder chips operate in a similar way to microchips in computers and cell phones. They do not require constant power. Instead, they emit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency that can be identified by special receivers in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself. We recommend visiting your local locksmith if in need of the spare key for your vehicle that has transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to make new keys for your specific vehicle model and make. This is a fantastic alternative to going to the dealership. It's also important to note that some stores such as AutoZone provide key programming services. However, they usually charge significantly more than a locksmith. This is due to the fact that they can profit from the “scaling” effect which occurs when the number of units sold rises. They can then pass the savings to consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that are paired to the car when the key is put in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which can only be done by a dealership or auto locksmith. This procedure can cost up to $500 for the new key, reprogramming the immobilizer, and possibly costs for labor. The best way to cut down on cost of replacing car keys is to not require them 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 the hardware store or at a box store for about $25-$50, based on the type of key. Many people don't realize that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a reduced price. The advantage of purchasing the factory key is that it will likely have the proper transponder chip. This is vital, as you will not be able make use of an aftermarket car key unless it's been professionally programmed. Most hardware stores and box stores do not have the technology to program modern car keys, which is why they offer only basic key duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, a repair shop or the dealer to have them replaced. If you are planning to purchase a cheap key on the internet, ensure that it's not programmed to the vehicle of someone else. This can be done by looking at the blade of the key to determine if it has an embedded chip or a cutout that shows evidence of an old key. A key duplication machine may be purchased, but this isn't an option for everyone. The machine costs more than keys that are blank, so you'll need to cut many keys to break even. If you're not comfortable with that, a vice and hand file are a more affordable option. This isn't the most secure alternative as it can cause damage to the electronic components of the key or break the key in the lock. Keys with Key Fobs Many modern cars come with key fobs that function as remote controls to lock and unlock your car and also to start the engine. They are tiny transmitters that communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle using radio waves. These are a great convenience for drivers, but they are costly to duplicate or replace if lost. get car key cut are more expensive than conventional keys because they contain sophisticated electronic components. They also need to be programmed to work with your vehicle and can add cost. A new fob and key could cost as much as $300 when you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob to only $50 if you buy it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have an appropriate key fob for your car model. Certain key fobs will need to be laser-cut or programmed by the dealer in your area. However, many can be programmed by the customer. Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for a lot less than more sophisticated models because they do not contain an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed. While they can be expensive to duplicate in the event that you need to design a template to replace a damaged or lost key The cost is far less than buying a new key from your car dealer. You can also lower your key cutting expenses by purchasing a new shell to replace your old key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of new shells that replace the plastic outer and buttons on your key fob and leave the electronics inside unaltered. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain, and save you the hassle of trying to schedule an appointment at the dealership. Keys for Keyless Entry Car key fobs come with numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, especially if you're carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. They can even assist you to open your hatch and trunk, if they have this functionality built-in. The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they often 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 may also be difficult to program. Key fobs are often replaced with new ones from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available at a lower cost than dealer-supplied options, if you look online or at your local hardware store. If you own an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually affordable and range between $10 and $15. You can also buy a replacement key at your local hardware store or box retailer store. Keys that are newer and require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, however. They are usually laser cut, sometimes called sidewinder or high-security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and have fewer grooves on its shank. They need to be programmed by a specific machine in a locksmith or dealership. It can be costly to replace a key that has a microchip, and it's often necessary to visit a dealer to have the replacement coded. These keys are often referred to as transponder keys or smart keys, and they are equipped with electronics that need to be verified by your car before it will open any doors or start the engine. A dealer can charge between $150 and $300 for a new key that has both the key fob as well as an updated transponder chip. If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery in the key fob fails, it can be costly to replace the keys. Keyless entry keys can be found in most modern cars. They work by sending an electronic message from the key fob to a receiver within your car. The car locks or unlocks the car according to the signal. It will also open the hatch and trunk when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.