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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your key without having to pay a dealership. Simply bring a working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours by using the key cutting machine on site. This costs on average 20 percent less than buying from an agent. Keys with Transponder Chips Modern cars have key fobs, which offer security and convenience for car owners. However, these devices come with a cost. In certain instances the cost of replacing the key fob that has been lost or damaged could be costly. The good news is that there are options to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It's much less expensive to have a spare vehicle key today, rather than waiting until you lose the key and you are facing the cost of a locksmith's visit or towing fees. The transponder chip (which is named after the words “transmitter + responder”) has been in use in the majority of automobiles since the mid 1990s. This technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of car theft. In essence, a car transponder chip transmits an electronic signal that has an encrypted password. When the key is inserted in the ignition, the antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder detects this signal and if it matches the password, the engine will start. This is important as most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and then drive off. Transponder chips work in a similar way to the microchips found in computers and cell phones. The different is that they do not require constant power to operate. Instead, they transmit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that is detected by special receivers placed in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself. If you need to have a spare car key made for a car equipped with a transponder chip We highly recommend you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to program new keys for your particular vehicle model and make. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership. It's also important to note that stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming service. However, they usually cost more than locksmiths. This is because they are able to benefit from the “scaling” effect which occurs when the number of units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to the consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys come with chips or transponders which are linked to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they need programming that is only performed by a dealership, auto locksmith or the vehicle's manufacturer. The process could cost up to $500 for a new key, the programming of the immobilizer and the possibility of labor costs. The most effective method to save money on key cutting costs is by avoiding the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. It is crucial to have a spare car key in the event that the original one is lost. You can buy a duplicate key from the hardware store or at a box store for between $25 to $50, based on the kind of key. Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online at an affordable price from the manufacturer. A factory-issued key is likely to have the correct transponder. This is important because you won't be in a position to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed. The majority of hardware and box stores don't have the capability to program modern car keys, which is why they offer only basic key duplication services. You can bring them to a dealer or an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith to get them replaced. If you're planning to purchase a cheap key online, make sure that it's not programmed to another vehicle. This can be done by checking the blade of the key for chip or an open cutout that has evidence of an earlier key. A key duplication machine is another option, but it won't be affordable for the majority of people. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys and you'll need to cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not at ease with a vice a hand file is an alternative that is less expensive. However, this isn't the most secure option as it may cause damage to the electronic components of the key or break the key off in the lock. Keys with Key Fobs Many modern cars come with key fobs that are remote controls that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle and start the engine. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that connect to the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to transmit commands. They are a convenience for drivers, however they can be costly to replace or duplicate if you lose one. Contrary to traditional keys that require a professional locksmith, automotive dealer or any other specialist service provider to create keys, key fobs have sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to produce than their basic counterparts. They also require to be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which can add up in cost too. If you lose your only functioning fob, it could cost you up to $300 to have a new fob and key from the dealership. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of the new fob by as much as 50% if purchasing it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have a key fob that fits your car model. Some of these key fobs need to be programmed or laser-cut by your local dealer. However, many of them can be programmed by the customer. Standard key fobs are much less expensive than more advanced models to replace as they don't have an embedded chip that has to be programmed after the fact. They can still be expensive to copy if you have a lost or damaged key and need a template to make them again, but they are much more affordable than the cost of replacing the entire key set purchased from your dealer in your vehicle. You can also lower your cost of cutting keys by purchasing a new shell to replace your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that can replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, but leave the electronic components intact. These shells are a cost-effective solution to upgrade your keychain without having to make an appointment with the dealer. Keys for Keyless Entry The car key fob comes with many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you are carrying large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. If they have this feature they will help you open your hatch and trunk. These keys are not ideal for long-term use since they drain the battery. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. A lot of key fobs can be repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. These can often be found for much cheaper than dealer-supplied options, when you search online or at the local hardware store. If you can check here have a standard key then duplication costs can be as low as $10-$15. You can also purchase an additional key from your local hardware or box retailer store. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding can be expensive. They are usually laser-cut, often called sidewinder or high-security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and have fewer grooves on the shank. They have to be programmed by a special machine found in a locksmith dealership. A key with a chip can be quite expensive to replace and usually requires the visit to a dealership to get the replacement code. They are also known as smart or transponder keys, and they are equipped with electronics which must be validated by your car before it can open doors or start the engine. Dealers will charge between $150 to $300 for a key that has the key fob and a transponder chip. Keys that have keyless entry could be costly to replace in the event that you lose them or your key fob battery is dead. Keyless entry keys are available in most modern cars. They function by transmitting messages from the key fob to a receiver within your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.