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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 overpaying at the dealership. Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site using a key-cutting machine. This costs on average 20 percent less than buying from a dealer. Keys with Transponder Chips Modern cars have key fobs, which offer security and convenience to owners. However, these devices come with a cost. In some instances, the cost of replacing the key fob that is damaged or lost is high. The good news is that there are methods to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It's cheaper to have a spare car key made now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and are facing the cost of a locksmith's visit or towing fees. The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words “transmitter + responder”) has been a feature of most cars since the mid 1990s. This technology was created in response to rising levels of car theft. The basic idea behind the car transponder chip emits signals that contain the secret password. When the key is inserted into ignition, the antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder detects this signal and if it matches the password, the engine is started. This is important because most thieves simply wire the vehicle and drive away. car key cutting cost work on a similar principle to the microchips in cell phones and computers. The distinction is that they don't need constant power to work. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that can be detected by special detectors that are placed on the ignition cylinder as well as the key head. If you're looking to get a spare car key made for a vehicle equipped with transponder chips, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to program new keys for your specific vehicle model and. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership. It's also important to know that some stores such as AutoZone provide a key-programming service. They usually charge more than a professional locksmith. They do this because they profit from a “scaling effect” that occurs when the amount of units sold increases. They can then pass on the savings to consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips which connect to the vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they need programming that is only performed by a dealership, auto locksmith or your vehicle's manufacturer. This procedure can cost up to $500 for new keys, the programming of the immobilizer and possibly, labor costs. The best way to cut down on cost of replacing car keys is to not need them in the first place. That means having a spare key in case you lose the original. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key from an hardware store or box store for around $25 to $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 discount. A factory key will likely contain the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you won't be able to make use of an aftermarket car key unless it's been professionally programmed. The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the technology necessary to program modern-day car keys, so they can only offer basic duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, a repair shop or the dealer to have them replaced. Another thing to consider is that if you're planning on buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll need ensure that it's not 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 that shows evidence of an old key. A key duplication machine may be purchased, but this isn't an option for most people. The machine costs more than keys with blanks, which means you'll have to cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you don't feel at ease with a vice a hand file is a more affordable alternative. This is not the safest alternative as it can harm the electronic components of the key or even break the key in the lock. Key Fobs with keys Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the vehicle, and even start the motor. They are tiny transmitters that communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle using radio waves. They're a benefit for drivers, but they can be expensive to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one. In contrast to traditional keys, which require a reputable locksmith, automotive dealer, or other specialty service provider to create keys, key fobs have sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to produce than their standard counterparts. They also need to be programmed to work with your car and this can increase the cost. A new key and fob can cost up to $300 in the event that you lose your sole functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to just $50 if you buy it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have an appropriate key fob for your car model. Certain key fobs must be programmed or laser-cut by your local dealer. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the buyer. Standard key fobs are much cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace because they don't contain an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed after the fact. They can still be expensive to duplicate if you've damaged or lost keys and need a template to duplicate them however, they are more affordable than the cost of replacing a complete key set from the car's dealer. You can also lower your key cutting costs by purchasing a new shell to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your key fob, and leave the electronics inside unchanged. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and save you the hassle of trying to make an appointment at the dealership. Keys with Keyless Entry The car key fob has numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, particularly when you're carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. They can even assist you to open your trunk and hatch if they have this functionality built-in. These keys are not ideal for long-term use since they drain the battery. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, based on your vehicle's make and model. Fortunately, many key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. These can often be found at a much lower cost than a dealer-supplied option, by searching on the internet or visit the local hardware store. If you own an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually low and range from $10 to $15. You can also purchase keys to replace them at your local box retailer or hardware store. Newer keys that require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, but. These keys are typically laser-cut, often called sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a more robust blade and have fewer grooves on its shank. They need to be programmed using a special machine in a locksmith or dealership. A key that has a chip can be quite expensive to replace and typically requires an appointment with a dealer to obtain a replacement code. They are also known as smart or transponder keys, and they come with electronic components that must be validated by your car before it can open doors or start the engine. A dealer can charge between $150 and $300 for a new key that comes with the key fob and the transponder chip. If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery in your key fob dies it could cost you to replace them. The majority of modern cars have keys that function by sending a signal from your key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks itself in accordance with this signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch if the key is in close proximity to the receiver.