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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost Losing your car keys is not a good idea. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts you need to replace your car key without having to pay dealership costs. Simply bring your current working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours by using an on-site key cutting machine. On average, this costs 20% less than buying through a dealer. Keys with Transponder chips Many modern vehicles have key fobs that offer an element of security and ease for the owner of the vehicle. These devices are not free. In certain instances, the cost of replacing a key fob which has been lost or damaged is high. The good news is that there are ways to cut the costs associated with these devices. It's much less expensive to get a spare car key today, rather than waiting until you lose the key and you are confronted with the expense of the visit of a locksmith 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. The technology was created to combat the rising number of car thefts. The car transponder transmits the secret code through a signal. When the key is inserted into ignition, the antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder receives this signal and if it matches with the password, the engine will start. This is important as most thieves simply wire the vehicle and then drive away. Transponder chips work on a similar principle to the microchips in computers and cell phones. The different is that they do not require constant power to function. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal which can be identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder and key head. We recommend visiting your local locksmith if you need a spare key for your vehicle that has transponder. Most locksmiths will have a tool to program new keys to the specific model and make of the vehicle you own. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership. Also, it's important to remember that stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming option. However, they typically cost more than locksmiths. They achieve this because they take advantage of a “scaling effect” that occurs when the number of units sold rises. They can then pass on the savings to the consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips which pair with the vehicle when the key is inserted into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which can only be performed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This process can cost up to $500 for a new key, reprogramming the immobilizer, and possibly the cost of labor. The most effective method to save money on key cutting costs is by avoiding the need to replace your keys in the first place. That means having a spare key in case you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key at the hardware store or at a box store for between $25-$50, based on the type of key. Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discount. The benefit of buying a factory key is that it's likely to be equipped with the right transponder chip. This is vital, as you cannot use a car key that is aftermarket unless it's been professionally programmed. Most hardware stores and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, so they only offer basic key duplication services. You can also visit a locksmith, independent auto repair shop, or dealer to get them replaced. If you are planning to purchase a cheap key online, make sure it's not programmed for another vehicle. This can be done by examining the blade of the key to see if there is a chip, or a cutout showing evidence of an old key. A key duplication device can be purchased, but this isn't an option for the majority of people. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys, and you'll have cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you don't feel at ease with a vice hand files are an alternative that is less expensive. This is not the safest option because 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, which are remote controls that lock and unlock your vehicle and start the engine. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that connect to the computer in your vehicle via radio waves to send commands. These are a great convenience for drivers, but they are expensive to duplicate or replace if they are lost. Unlike traditional keys, which require a professional locksmith, automotive dealer, or any other specialist service provider to create keys, key fobs are equipped with sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to make than their basic counterparts. Key fobs must also be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which can add up in cost as well. If you lose your sole working fob, it could cost up to $300 to get a replacement original key and fob from the dealership made. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of the new fob by as much as 50% if you buy it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have an appropriate key fob for the car model you have. Some of these key fobs need to be programmed or laser-cut by the dealer in your area. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the buyer. Standard key fobs can be replaced for less than the more sophisticated models due to the fact that they don't have an embedded chip which must be reprogrammed. They are still expensive to duplicate if you've got a lost or damaged key and require a template reproduce them but they're much cheaper than the expense of replacing a complete key set purchased from your dealer in your vehicle. You can also cut down on key cutting expenses by buying a new shell to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your key fob and leave the electronics inside unaltered. These shells are a cost-effective solution to upgrade your keychain without making an appointment with a dealer. Keys with Keyless Entry The car key fob comes with numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, especially if you're carrying groceries or other heavy items in your hands. If car key cutting near me got this feature built-in, they can help you open your trunk and hatch. The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they frequently drain the battery, making it hard to use them for a long period of time. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, depending on the make and model. Many key fobs are easily replaced with new ones from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. These can often be found for much cheaper than dealer-supplied options, by searching online or at the local hardware store. If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplication could be as just $10 to $15. You might also be able to purchase an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. Newer keys that require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, but. They are typically laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high security keys. They have a more robust blade and less grooves on the shank. They must be programmed by a special machine in a locksmith or dealership. A key that has a chip can be quite expensive to replace and typically requires the visit to a dealership to obtain a replacement code. These keys are also known as transponder or smart keys. They have electronics that must be verified before they can be used to open doors or start engines. A dealer will often charge between $150 to $300 for a new key that comes with the key fob as well as the transponder chip. If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery inside your key fob dies it could cost you to replace the keys. Many modern cars come with these keys, which work by sending a signal from the key fob to a device in 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.