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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts you need to replace your car keys without paying dealership costs. 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 Modern cars have key fobs, which provide security and convenience for car owners. They are not free. In some cases, the cost of replacing a key fob that has been damaged or lost could be costly. There are ways to reduce the expense of these devices. It is much cheaper to get a spare car key made now instead of waiting until you lose the key and are confronted with the expense of a locksmith's visit or towing costs. Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been a vital component of all cars. Its name is derived from “transmitter and responder”. The technology was created to combat the rising number of car thefts. A car transponder transmits an encrypted signal. When the key is inserted into ignition, an antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder receives this signal and when it matches the password, the engine is started. This is important because most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and then drive off. Transponder chips operate on the same principle as the microchips used in cell phones and computers. They do not require constant power. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal which can be identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder and the key head. If you need to have an extra car key made for a car with transponder chips We strongly suggest that you visit your local locksmith. Most locksmiths will have a tool to program new keys to the specific model and make of your vehicle. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership. Also, it's important to note that stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming service. However, they typically cost more than a locksmith. They achieve this because they profit from an “scaling effect” that occurs when the number units sold increases. They can then pass on the savings to consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys are equipped with chips or transponders which are linked to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which must be completed by an auto locksmith or a dealership. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for a new key, reprogramming the immobilizer and possibly the cost of labor. The most effective way to save on car key cost is to avoid the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. That means having a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can purchase an additional key for $25 to $50 at the hardware store or a box store, depending on the type of key. Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online at a discounted price from the manufacturer. A factory-issued key will likely have the correct transponder. This is vital, as you won't be able to use a car key that is aftermarket unless it's been professionally programmed. The majority of hardware and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, so they only offer basic key duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, a repair shop or dealer to have them replaced. If you plan to buy an inexpensive key on the internet, ensure that it's not programmed for the vehicle of someone else. You can do this by looking at the blade of the key for a chip or for a cutout that shows signs of a previous key. A key duplication device can be purchased, but it isn't an option for everyone. The machine is more expensive than keys with blanks, which means you'll need to cut many keys in order to break even. If you're not happy with that, a vice and hand file are a cheaper alternative. This isn't the most secure alternative as it can harm the electronic components of the key or even break the key inside the lock. Key Fobs with keys Many modern vehicles come with key fobs, which are remote controls that allow you to lock and unlock your car and start the engine. These are small remote transmitters which communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves. These are great features for drivers, but they can be costly to duplicate or replace if lost. Unlike traditional keys, which require a reputable locksmith, automotive dealer or a different specialist service provider to create keys, key fobs are equipped with sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to make than the standard keys. replacement car key cutting need to be programmed to work with your car and this can add up in price. If you lose your only functioning fob, it could cost up to $300 to have a new original key and fob from the dealership. 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 might have keys that are compatible with your car model. Some of these fobs may require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by your dealer in your area, but most can be customer-programmed with ease (though some will require two working keys to accomplish this). Key fobs for standard keys are cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace because they don't contain an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed following the fact. However, they can be costly to duplicate in the event that you need to create a template for a lost or damaged key, the cost is much less than buying a new key from your car dealer. Another way to cut your costs for cutting keys is to purchase a new shell for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that will replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, but leave the electronics intact. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain and save you the hassle of having to schedule an appointment with the dealership. Keys with Keyless Entry The car key fob comes with numerous advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without the need to hunt for your keys. This is particularly useful when you are carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built in they will help you open your hatch and trunk. These keys are not ideal for long-term use since they can drain your battery. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs can be replaced with replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available at a lower cost than the dealer-supplied version by searching online or at the local hardware store. If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplication could be as low as $10-$15. You might also be able purchase an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. Newer keys that require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, but. They are typically laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys, or high security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and have fewer grooves on its shank. They must be programmed by a special machine in a locksmith or dealership. It can be costly to replace a key using a microchip, and it's often required to visit a dealer in order to have the replacement coded. 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. A dealer will often charge between $150 to $300 for a brand new original key that has both the key fob as well as a new transponder chip. Keys with keyless entry can also be costly to replace in the event that you lose them or the battery of your key fob dies. Keyless entry keys are available in a majority of modern vehicles. They function by transmitting a message from the key fob into a receiver within your car. The car then locks or unlocks in accordance with this signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk if the key is within close proximity to the receiver.