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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 keys without having to pay a dealership. Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site with a key-cutting machine. On average, this is 20% less than going through the dealer. Keys that have Transponder chips Modern cars are equipped with key fobs, which provide security and convenience for car owners. However they come at costs. In certain instances the cost of replacing a key fob which is damaged or lost can be high. The good news is that there are methods to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It is cheaper to order a spare key now than wait until you lose your car keys and then pay for a locksmith or towing charges. 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 designed to stop the increasing number of car thefts. The basic idea behind the chip in a car transponder transmits signals that contain a secret password. When the key is inserted in the ignition, the antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder receives the signal and, if it matches with the password, the engine is started. This is a big deal because most thieves simply connect a hot wire to the vehicle to start it and then leave the scene. Transponder chips function on the same basis as microchips in cell phones and computers. The distinction is that they don't require constant power to operate. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that is identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder and the key head. If you require a spare car key created for a car equipped with a transponder chip We strongly suggest that you visit your local locksmith. Most locksmiths have a device to program new keys for your particular car model and make. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership. It's also important to note that stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming option. However, they usually charge significantly more than locksmiths. This is because they can benefit from the “scaling” effect which occurs when the number of units sold rises. In other words, they can transfer their savings to the consumer. Keys with Electronics Modern keys come with transponders or chips which connect with the vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. They 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 procedure can cost up to $500 for a new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer and perhaps the cost of labor. The best way to save on car key cutting costs is by avoiding the need to replace your keys in the first place. It is essential to have an extra car key in case the original key is lost. You can buy another key for between $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 an affordable price from the manufacturer. A factory key is likely to contain the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you cannot make use of an aftermarket car key unless it's been professionally programmed. The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the tools needed to program modern-day car keys, so they can only provide basic duplication services. You can take them to a dealer or an independent auto repair shop, or a locksmith to get them replaced. If you're planning to purchase an inexpensive key online, make sure that it hasn't been programmed for the vehicle of someone else. This can be done by examining the blade of the key for chips or an open cutout that has evidence of the previous key. A key duplication machine may be bought, but it isn't an option for the majority of people. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys themselves and you'll need cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you're not comfortable with this, a vice or hand file are a much more affordable option. However, this isn't the most secure option as it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key in the lock. Key Fobs with Keys Modern cars come with remote controls that lock and unlock the car and also start the motor. These are small remote transmitters which communicate with the onboard computer 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. Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronic components. Fobs also need to be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which could increase the cost as well. A new fob and key can cost up to $300 if you lose your only functional fob. However, websites says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob to as little as $50 if you buy it on the internet. Find an appropriate key fob for your vehicle's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these key fobs must be programmed or laser-cut by the dealer in your area. However, many of them can be programmed by the customer. Standard key fobs can be replaced for a lot less than more advanced models because they do not contain an embedded chip that must be reprogrammed. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you have to create an original template for a damaged or lost key, the cost is much lower than purchasing a brand new set of keys from your car dealer. You can also lower your key cutting expenses by buying a new shell to replace your old key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, yet leave the electronic components intact. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle of trying to schedule an appointment at the dealership. Keys for Keyless Entry The car key fob has many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to search for your keys. This is particularly useful when you're carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built-in they will help you open your trunk and hatch. These keys are not ideal for long-term use since they drain the battery. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, depending on your vehicle's make and model. A lot of key fobs can be repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. If you look online or visit your local hardware store, you can often find these for a much lower price than the dealer-supplied alternatives. If you already have a standard key then the cost of duplicates can be as just $10 to $15. You can also buy keys to replace them at your local hardware store or box retailer store. Keys that require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, however. They are usually laser cut, sometimes referred to as sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a larger shank and have less grooves carved out on the blade and must be programmed using a specific machine that is found at the locksmith shop or dealership. A key with chip could be expensive to replace and typically requires the visit to a dealership to get the replacement code. These keys are often referred to as smart or transponder keys, and they come with electronic components that need to be verified by your car before it can open doors or start the engine. Dealers can charge between $150-$300 for a key that comes with the key fob as well as a transponder chip. Keys with keyless entry can be costly to replace in the event that you lose them or the battery of your key fob is dead. Keyless entry keys are available in the majority of modern automobiles. They work by sending messages from the key fob to a receiver within your car. The car locks or unlocks itself in accordance with this signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch if the key is close to the receiver.