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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 spare 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 using the key cutting machine on site. On average, this is 20% less than going through a dealer. Keys with Transponder chips Many modern cars have key fobs which provide a level of security and ease for the owner of the vehicle. However they come at costs. In some cases, the cost of replacing a key fob that has been damaged or lost could be costly. There are ways to reduce the cost of these devices. It's cheaper to buy a spare key now than wait until you lose your car key and need to pay a locksmith or towing charges. The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words “transmitter + responder”) has been in use in the majority of cars since the mid-1990s. The technology was created to combat the rising number of car thefts. Essentially, the car transponder chip emits a signal that contains an encrypted password. When the key is inserted into ignition, an antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder reads the signal and, if it matches the password, the engine starts. This is an important thing since most thieves hot wire the vehicle to start it, and then take off. Transponder chips work on a similar principle to the microchips in cell phones and computers. They don't require constant power. Instead, they emit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency 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 an extra key for a vehicle with a transponder. Many locksmiths have a system to program new keys for your particular vehicle model and. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership. It is also important to know that some shops, such as AutoZone will offer a key programming service. They typically charge more than a professional locksmith. They do this because they profit from a “scaling effect” that occurs when the number of units sold rises. They can then pass the savings to the consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips which pair to the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they require programming that is only completed by a dealership auto locksmith or your manufacturer of your vehicle. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for a new key, reprogramming the immobilizer and perhaps labor charges. The best way to cut down on car key replacement costs is to not need them in the first place. It is important to have an extra car key in case the original one is lost. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key from the hardware store or at a box store for about $25-$50, based on the type of key. Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discounted price. A factory-issued key will most likely contain the correct transponder. This is important because you won't be in a position 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 offer basic duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, a repair shop or dealer to have them replaced. If you're planning to purchase an inexpensive key online, make sure that it's not programmed for another vehicle. You can do this by examining the key blade for a chip or for the cutout to see if it shows evidence of the previous key. A key duplication machine can be purchased, but this isn't an option for the majority of people. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys themselves, and you'll have cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you're not at ease using a vice, hand-files are an option that is more affordable. But, it's not the most secure method as it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key or break the key off in the lock. Keys with Key Fobs Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the vehicle, and also start the motor. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to send commands. They're a great convenience for drivers, however they can be expensive to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one. In contrast to traditional keys, which require a professional locksmith, automotive dealer or a different specialist service provider to create keys, key fobs have sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to produce than the standard keys. Fobs also need to be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which could add up in costs as well. If you lose your only working fob, it can cost up to $300 to have a new original key and fob from the dealership made. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to only $50 by purchasing it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have a key fob that fits the car model you have. Some of these key fobs must be programmed or laser-cut by the local dealer. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the user. Standard key fobs are much cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace because they don't come with an embedded chip that has to be programmed after the fact. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you need to create a template to replace a damaged or lost key it is less than purchasing a new key from your car dealer. Another method to reduce your costs for cutting keys is by simply buying a new shell for your key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety 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 option to upgrade your keychain without making an appointment with a dealer. Keys for Keyless Entry The car key fob offers many benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, particularly when you're carrying groceries or other heavy weights in your hands. If they have this feature they will help you open the trunk and hatch. These keys aren't ideal for long-term use since they drain batteries. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. Key fobs are often repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. If car key cutting and programming near me look on the internet or at your local hardware store, you can typically find them for less than the dealer-supplied options. If you have an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually very low, and can range from $10 to $15. You can also buy a replacement key at your local hardware store or box retailer store. Keys that are newer and require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, but. They are usually laser-cut, often referred to as sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a more robust blade and less grooves on its shank. They need to be programmed using a special machine at a locksmith or dealership. It can be costly to replace a key that has microchips and it is often necessary to visit a dealer to get the replacement code. These are commonly called transponder or smart keys and they have electronics inside which must be validated by your car before it will open any doors or start the engine. A dealer typically charges between $150 and $300 for a brand new original key that includes both the key fob and an updated transponder chip. If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery inside your key fob dies it could cost you to replace the keys. The majority of modern cars have keys that function by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks itself in accordance with this signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.