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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost The loss of your car keys isn't an ideal option. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your key without having to pay a dealership. Simply bring a current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours using a key cutting machine onsite. It's about 20% less than buying through a dealer. Keys with Transponder Chips A lot of modern cars come with key fobs which provide security and ease to the car owner. However, these devices come with a cost. In some cases the cost of replacing the key fob that has been lost or damaged could be costly. The good news is that there are methods to cut the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to get a spare car key today instead of waiting until you lose the key and are facing the cost of a locksmith's visit or towing fees. Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip had been a key component of most automobiles. Its name is derived from “transmitter and responder”. This technology was developed to combat the rising number of car thefts. Transponders in cars transmit a secret code via a signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition, the antenna ring around it detects the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will start. This is a big deal since most thieves hot wire the vehicle to get it started and then take off. Transponder chips operate on the same basis as microchips found in cell phones and computers. They don't require constant power. Instead, they transmit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal which can be detected by special receivers placed in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself. We recommend visiting your local locksmith if in need of an extra key for a car equipped with transponder. Many locksmiths have a tool that can program new keys to the specific make and model of your car. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership. It is also important to know that some shops, such as AutoZone provide key programming services. They often charge much more than professional locksmiths. This is due to the fact that they can profit from the “scaling” effect which occurs when the number of units sold increases. In other words, they are able to pass on their costs savings to the consumer. Keys with Electronics Modern keys come with transponders or chips which pair to the vehicle whenever the key is placed into the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they need programming that can only be performed by a dealership, auto locksmith, or your manufacturer of your vehicle. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for a new key, as well as reprogramming the immobilizer and perhaps the cost of labor. The most effective way to save on car key cutting costs is by avoiding the need to replace your keys in the first place. It is crucial to have an extra car key in case the original is lost. You can buy another key for between $25-$50 at a box store or hardware store, depending on the type of key. Most people don't know 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 since 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 key They can only offer basic duplication services. You can also take them to a dealer or a reputable auto repair shop or a locksmith shop to have them replaced. If you are planning to purchase a cheap key on the internet, ensure that it's not programmed to another vehicle. You can do this by examining the key blade to find chip or an open cutout that has evidence of a previous key. A key duplication machine is an alternative however it's not cost-effective for the majority of people. The machine costs more than blank keys, so you'll have to cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you're not at ease using a vice, hand files are a more affordable alternative. This is not the safest option because it can cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key in the lock. Keys with Key Fobs Modern cars come with remote controls that lock and unlock the car and even start the motor. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that connect to the computer in your vehicle via radio waves to send commands. These are great features for drivers but can be expensive to duplicate or replace in the event of loss. Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys due to their sophisticated electronics. Fobs also require programming to work with your vehicle, which can also increase the cost. If you lose your only working fob, it can cost upwards of $300 to get a replacement original key and fob from the dealership made. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to just $50 if you buy it on the internet. Search for the right key fob for your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Certain key fobs will need to be programmed or laser-cut by the dealer in your area. However, many can be programmed by the buyer. Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for a lot less than more sophisticated models since they do not have an embedded chip which must be reprogrammed. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you have to create templates for a damaged or lost key, the cost is much less than purchasing a new set of keys from your car dealer. Another way to cut the cost of cutting keys is to simply purchase a new shell for your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your key fob, while leaving the electronics inside unaltered. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle of having to schedule an appointment with the dealership. Keys with Keyless Entry The car key fob comes with numerous advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, especially when you're carrying groceries or other heavy weights in your hands. If keys cut near me now equipped with this feature built in they will help you open the trunk and hatch. The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they tend to consume battery power, making it hard to use them for a long period of time. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, depending on the model and make. Many key fobs are easily replaced with new ones from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. If you look on the internet or at your local hardware store, you will typically find them for significantly less than the dealer-supplied alternatives. If you own a standard key, duplication costs are usually very affordable and vary between $10 and $15. You may also be able to buy a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain retailers. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding can be expensive. These keys are typically laser-cut, often referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a more robust blade and have fewer grooves on the shank. They must be programmed by a special machine found in a locksmith dealership. A key with chip could be expensive to replace and typically requires a trip to the dealership to obtain a replacement code. These keys are often referred to as transponder keys or smart 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 will charge between $150 and $300 for a key that has the key fob, as well as transponder chips. If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery inside your key fob goes out it could be expensive to replace them. Keyless entry keys are available in most modern cars. They function by transmitting a message from the key fob into an internal receiver in your car. The car then locks or unlocks according to the signal and opens the trunk and hatch when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.