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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost The loss of your car keys is not an ideal option. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and 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 with a key-cutting machine. On average, this costs 20% less than purchasing through a dealer. Keys that have Transponder chips Modern cars have key fobs that provide convenience and security to car owners. However they come at a cost. In some cases the cost of replacing a key fob that is damaged or lost can be high. There are ways to cut down on the costs of these devices. It's cheaper to purchase a spare key now than wait until you lose your car keys and then pay for the locksmith or towing fees. Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip had been a key component of the majority of cars. The name derives from “transmitter and responder”. This technology was developed to combat the rising number of car thefts. The basic idea behind the car transponder chip emits an electronic signal that has a secret password. When the key is placed in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it and reads the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will start. This is crucial because the majority of thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and drive away. Transponder chips operate on the same basis as microchips found in computers and cell phones. They don't require constant power. Instead, they emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that is detected by special receivers placed in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself. We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if you need a spare key for a vehicle with transponder. Most locksmiths have a device to make new keys for your particular car model and make. This is an excellent alternative to visiting the dealership. It's also important to note that some stores, like AutoZone will offer a key programming service. However, they usually charge significantly more than locksmiths. They do this because they can profit from the “scaling effect” that occurs when the amount of units sold rises. They can then pass the savings to consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips which connect to the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they need programming that is only performed by a dealership, auto locksmith or the vehicle's manufacturer. This procedure can cost up to $500 for a new key, reprogramming the immobilizer and possibly labor charges. The most effective way to save on car key cost is to avoid the need to replace your keys in the first place. It is essential to have a spare car key in case the original key is lost. You can buy a duplicate key for $25 to $50 at the hardware store or a box 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. The benefit of buying an original key is that it will have the proper transponder chip. This is crucial because you won't be able to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed. The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the technology necessary to program modern car keys, so they can only provide basic duplication services. You can take them to a dealer or a reputable auto repair shop, or a locksmith to have them replaced. If you are planning to purchase an inexpensive key online, make sure it's not programmed to another vehicle. This can be done by examining the blade of the key to determine if there's chips or cutout that shows signs of an old key. A key duplication machine may be purchased, but this is not a viable option for most people. The machine is more expensive than blank keys, so you'll have to cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you're not comfortable using a vice, hand-files are an option that is more affordable. However, this isn't the safest method because it could damage the key's electronics or break the key off in the lock. Key Fobs with Keys Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that function as remote controls to lock and unlock your vehicle and start the engine. These are tiny remote transmitters that communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle via radio waves. They are a convenience for drivers, however they can be expensive to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one. Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys because they contain sophisticated electronic components. They also require to be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which can add up in costs as well. A new key and fob could cost as much as $300 when you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of an entirely new fob by up to 50% if you buy it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have keys that are compatible with your car model. Certain key fobs need to be laser-cut or programmed by your local dealer. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the buyer. Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for a lot less than more sophisticated models due to the fact that they don't have an embedded chip which requires reprogramming. They can be costly to duplicate if you've damaged or lost keys and require a template to reproduce them however, they are more affordable than the cost of replacing a complete key set purchased from your car's dealer. Another option to reduce the cost of cutting keys is to purchase an entirely new shell for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that can replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, but leave the electronic components intact. These shells are a cost-effective option to updating your keychain without making an appointment with a dealer. Keys with 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, particularly when you're carrying groceries or other heavy loads in your hands. If they have this feature built in, they can help you open the trunk and hatch. The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they frequently consume battery power, making it hard to use for long periods of time. Furthermore, cutting car key can be difficult to program, depending on the make and model. Fortunately, most key fobs can be replaced using replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If car key cutting near me look online or visit your local hardware store, you will often find them at significantly less than the dealer-supplied alternatives. If you already have a standard key, the cost of duplicates can be as low as $10-$15. You may also be able purchase a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. Keys that require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, however. These keys are typically laser cut, sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a larger shank and have less grooves carved out on the key's blade, and they have to be programmed using a specific machine that is found at the locksmith shop or dealership. It is costly to replace a key with a microchip and it is usually necessary to visit a dealer in order to have the replacement coded. These are commonly called smart or transponder keys, and they are equipped with electronics that need to be verified by your car before it will open any doors or start the engine. Dealers charge between $150 to $300 for a key that has the key fob, as well as a transponder chip. If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery inside the key fob fails, it can be costly to replace them. Many modern cars come with keys that function by sending a signal from your key fob to a receiver 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.