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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost Losing your car keys is never an ideal option. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car key without paying dealership prices. Simply bring a current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours by using a key cutting machine onsite. On average, this is 20% less than purchasing through the dealer. Keys that have Transponder chips Many modern vehicles have key fobs that provide a level of security and convenience for the owner of the vehicle. However they also come with a cost. In some cases it can be expensive to replace a damaged or lost key fob. There are ways to cut down on the cost of these devices. It is cheaper to order an extra key today than to wait until you lose your car key and have to pay for a locksmith or towing charges. Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been a vital component of the majority of automobiles. Its name comes from “transmitter and responder”. This technology was created in response to the increasing rate of theft from cars. The basic idea behind the car transponder chip emits a signal that contains an encrypted password. When the key is inserted in the ignition, the antenna ring around it reads the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will begin. This is significant since most thieves use hot wires to start it and then drive off. Transponder chips operate on the same principle as the microchips used in cell phones and computers. The distinction is that they don't need constant power to work. Instead, they send an electromagnetic signal of low frequency that can be recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself. If you need to have an extra car key made for a car equipped with transponder chips We highly recommend you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a tool that can program new keys to the specific make and model of your car. This is a great alternative to visiting the dealership. It's also important to note that some stores, like AutoZone provide key programming services. They typically charge more than professional locksmiths. They can do this because they profit from a “scaling effect” that occurs when the amount of units sold rises. In other words, they are able to transfer their savings to consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys have chips or transponders which are linked to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming that can only be 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 changing of the immobilizer's programming, and possible labor charges. 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 the event that you lose the original. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key at an hardware store or box store for about $25 to $50, depending on the kind of key. Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a reduced price. A factory-issued key will likely have the correct transponder. This is vital, as you cannot use a car key that is aftermarket unless it has been professionally programmed. The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the equipment to program modern car keys, so they can only provide basic duplication services. You can also bring them to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith to get them replaced. If you plan to buy a key for a low price on the internet, ensure that it's not programmed for the vehicle of someone else. You can do this by looking at the key blade for chips or the cutout to see if it shows evidence of an earlier key. A key duplication machine may be purchased, but this is not an option for the majority of people. The machine costs more than keys with blanks, which means you'll need to cut many keys to break even. If you don't feel at ease using a vice, hand files are an alternative that is less expensive. However, it's not the most secure method as it could harm the electronics of the key or even cut the key off in the lock. Key Fobs with Keys Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the car and even start the motor. mobile key cutting are essentially miniature remote transmitters that connect to the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to send commands. They're a benefit for drivers, but they can be costly to replace or duplicate if you lose one. Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys because they contain sophisticated electronic components. Fobs also require programming to work with your car, which can also increase the cost. A new fob and key could cost as much as $300 if you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob to as little as $50 by purchasing it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have a key fob that fits the car model you have. Some of these fobs might need to be laser-cut by a locksmith or programmed by your local dealer, but a lot can be programmed by the customer with relative ease (though some may require two working keys for this). Key fobs for standard keys are cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace because they don't come with an embedded chip that needs to be programmed after the fact. They can be costly to duplicate if you've got damaged or lost keys and need a template to duplicate them however, they are cheaper than the expense of replacing the entire key set from the dealer in your vehicle. You can also reduce your cost of cutting keys by buying a new shell to replace your old key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that can replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, yet leave the electronics intact. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and save you the hassle of having to schedule an appointment at the dealership. Keys for Keyless Entry The car key fob has many benefits. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without the need to hunt for your keys. This is especially useful when you're carrying large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. They can even assist you to open your trunk and hatch, if they have this functionality built in. The downside to these types of keys is that they tend to consume battery power which makes it difficult to use them for long periods of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs can be replaced using replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. They are often available for much cheaper than a dealer-supplied option, if you look at the internet or go to your local hardware store. If you own an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually low, and can vary from $10 to $15. You might also be able to purchase a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain store. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption could be costly. These keys are typically laser-cut, often referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a larger shank and less carved-out grooves on the blade and they must be programmed with a specific machine at a dealership or locksmith shop. A key with chip could be expensive to replace and typically requires an appointment with a dealer to get the replacement code. These keys are also known as smart keys or transponder keys. They contain electronic components that need to be verified before they are able to open doors or start your engine. A dealer typically charges between $150 to $300 for a new key that comes with the key fob and an updated transponder chip. Keys that have keyless entry could also be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them or your key fob battery is dead. Keyless entry keys can be found in the majority of modern automobiles. They function by transmitting a message from the key fob to the car's receiver. 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.