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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost The loss of your car keys is not an ideal option. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and spare 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 of the site using a key-cutting machine. This costs on average 20 percent less than purchasing from an agent. Keys with Transponder Chips A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that provide a level of security and comfort to the car owner. However they come at a cost. In certain instances the cost of replacing the key fob that has been lost or damaged is high. There are ways to cut down on the expense of these devices. It's much less expensive to have a spare car key today, rather than waiting until you lose the key and you are facing the cost of an appointment with a locksmith or towing fees. Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been an integral part of the majority of cars. Its name comes from “transmitter and responder”. The technology was developed as a response to the rising rate of vehicle theft. Essentially, a car transponder chip transmits signals that contain an encrypted password. When the key is placed in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it and reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, then the engine will start. This is significant because most thieves simply connect a hot wire to the vehicle to get it started and then take off. Transponder chips operate on the same principle as the microchips used in computers and cell phones. They don't require constant power. They emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that can be detected by special detectors placed on the ignition cylinder as well as the key head. We recommend visiting your local locksmith if you need an extra key for a vehicle with transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to make new keys to match your vehicle model and make. This is a fantastic alternative to going to the dealership. It's also important to note that stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming service. They typically charge more than professional locksmiths. They do this because they can take advantage of a “scaling effect” that occurs when the amount of units sold rises. They can then pass on the savings to the consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys have 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 due to the fact that they require programming that can only be performed by a dealership, auto locksmith or the manufacturer of your vehicle. This process can cost up to $500 for a new key, the reprogramming of the immobilizer, and the possibility of labor costs. The most effective method to cut down on key cutting costs is by avoiding the need to replace your keys in the first place. This means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can purchase another key for between $25-$50 at a box store or hardware retailer, based on the key type. Many people are unaware that they can purchase keys replacement online or at a an affordable price from the manufacturer. A factory key will likely contain the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you cannot use a car key that is aftermarket unless it's been professionally programmed. The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the technology necessary to program modern car keys and therefore, they are unable to offer basic duplication services. You can bring them to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop, or a locksmith to get them replaced. Another thing to consider is that if you're considering buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll need make sure it isn't already programmed to another vehicle. This can be done by checking the key blade to see if there is an embedded chip, or a cutout showing evidence of an old key. The purchase of a key duplication device is a different option however it's not cost-effective for the majority of people. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys themselves, and you'll have cut a lot of keys to break even. If you don't feel at ease with a vice hand files are a more affordable alternative. However, this isn't the most secure option as it could harm the electronics of the key or even break the key in the lock. Keys with Key Fobs Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the car, and also start the motor. They are tiny transmitters which communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle through radio waves. These are great features for drivers, but they can be expensive to duplicate or replace in the event of loss. Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys due to their sophisticated electronic components. Fobs also require programming to work with your vehicle and can increase the cost. If you lose your sole working fob, it can cost up to $300 to get a replacement fob and key from the dealer. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of a new fob by as much as 50% if purchasing it on the internet. Search for a key fob that matches 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 your local dealer. However, many of them can be programmed by the customer. Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for a lot less than more advanced models due to the fact that they don't contain an embedded chip that requires reprogramming. While they can be expensive to duplicate if you need to create templates for a lost or damaged key The cost is far lower than purchasing a brand new key from your car dealer. Another way to cut your costs for cutting keys is by simply buying an entirely new shell for your key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that will replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, but leave the electronics intact. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle of trying to schedule an appointment with the dealership. Keys for Keyless Entry The car key fob offers many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, especially when you're carrying heavy 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 ideal for long-term use because they drain the battery. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, based on your vehicle's make and model. Fortunately, most key fobs can be replaced using replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available at a much lower cost than the dealer-supplied version when you search at the internet or go to your local hardware store. If you own a standard key, duplication costs are typically very affordable and vary between $10 and $15. You can also buy a replacement key at your local box retailer or hardware store. Newer keys that require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, however. These keys are typically laser-cut, and are sometimes called sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a larger shank and less carved-out grooves on the blade and they must be programmed using a special machine found in a locksmith shop or dealer. A key that has chip could be costly to replace and often requires a trip to the dealership to have the replacement coded. Keys with chips are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They are equipped with electronics that must be validated before they can be used to open doors or start your engine. Dealers will charge between $150 to $300 for a key that includes the key fob, as well as a transponder chip. Keys with keyless entry can also be expensive to replace if you lose them or the battery of your key fob dies. Many modern cars come with these keys, which function by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a device in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car according to the signal. laser key cutting will also open the hatch and trunk when the key is near the receiver.