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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost The loss of your car keys is never a good idea. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car key without paying dealership prices. 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 dealers. Keys with Transponder chips Modern cars are equipped with key fobs, which offer security and convenience for car owners. However they also come with costs. In certain instances the cost of replacing the key fob that is damaged or lost can be high. The good news is that there are options to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It's cheaper to purchase an extra key today than wait until you lose your car keys and need to pay the locksmith or towing fees. The transponder chip (which is named after the words “transmitter + responder”) has been in use in the majority of cars since the mid 1990s. This technology was designed to counter the growing number of car thefts. Essentially, the chip in a car transponder transmits a signal that contains the secret password. When the key is inserted into ignition, an antenna ring around the ignition cylinder reads this signal and if it matches with the password, the engine is started. This is significant because the majority of thieves simply connect a hot wire to the vehicle to start it, and then drive off. Transponder chips work on a similar principle to the microchips in computers and cell phones. The different is that they do not need constant power to work. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal which can be identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder as well as the key head. We suggest visiting your local locksmith if in need of the spare key for your vehicle that has transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to create new keys for your particular vehicle model and. This is a great alternative to visiting a dealership. It is also important to know that some stores, like AutoZone offer a key programming service. However, they usually charge significantly higher than a locksmith. key cutting cost do this because they benefit from an “scaling effect” that occurs when the amount of units sold rises. In this way, they could pass on their costs savings to consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys have chips or transponders that are paired to the car when the key is inserted into 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 vehicle's manufacturer. The process could cost as much as $500 for a new key, the programming of the immobilizer and the possibility of labor costs. The best way to reduce cost of replacing car keys is to not need them in the first place. That means having a spare key in case you lose the original. You can purchase another key for between $25 to $50 at a hardware or box store retailer, based on the type of key. Many people are unaware that they can buy keys replacement online or at a a discounted price from the manufacturer. A factory key will likely have the correct transponder. This is essential since you won't be able to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed. The majority of hardware stores and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, so they offer only basic key duplication services. You can take them to a dealer or an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith shop to get them replaced. If you are planning to purchase a cheap key online, make sure that it's not programmed to someone else's vehicle. You can do this by looking at the key blade for chip or a cutout that shows signs of the previous key. A key duplication machine may be bought, but it is not a viable option for most people. The machine is more expensive than keys with blanks, which means you'll have to cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not comfortable with this, a vice and hand file are a much more affordable alternative. But, it's not the most secure option as it may cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key inside the lock. Keys with Key Fobs Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the vehicle, and start the motor. They are tiny transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves. They are a convenience for drivers, however they can be expensive to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one. Contrary to traditional keys that require a professional locksmith, automotive dealer, or a different specialist service provider to design keys, key fobs are equipped with advanced electronics, making them more expensive to manufacture than the standard keys. They also require to be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which could increase the cost too. If you lose your sole functioning fob, it could cost upwards of $300 to have a brand new fob and key from the dealership made. 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 an appropriate key fob for your car model. Some of these fobs may require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by a local dealer, but many can be programmed by the customer easily (though some may require two working keys to do this). 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 have an embedded chip which must be reprogrammed. They are still expensive to duplicate if you've a lost or damaged key and require a template to duplicate them, but they are much cheaper than the expense of replacing the entire key set from the dealer for your car. Another way to cut your costs for cutting keys is to simply purchase a new case for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that will replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronic components intact. These shells are an affordable solution to updating your keychain without making an appointment with a dealer. Keys for Keyless Entry Car key fobs come with numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, particularly when you're carrying heavy groceries or other loads in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature they will help you open your hatch and trunk. These keys are not ideal for long-term use since they drain batteries. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. A lot of key fobs can be replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available at a lower cost than a dealer-supplied option, if you look on the internet or visit your local hardware store. If you already have a standard-sized key, duplication costs can be as low as $10 to $15. You might also be able purchase a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain store. Keys that require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, however. They are usually laser-cut, and are sometimes called sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a more robust blade and less grooves on the shank. They have to be programmed using a special machine found in a locksmith dealership. It is costly to replace a key using a microchip and it is often required to visit the dealer to have the replacement coded. Keys with chips are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They are equipped with electronics that must be validated before they can be used to open doors or start engines. Dealers will charge between $150-$300 for a key that comes with the key fob and transponder chips. If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery inside the key fob fails it could be expensive to replace the keys. Most modern cars have keys that function by sending a signal from the key fob to a device in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It will also open the hatch and trunk when the key is close to the receiver.