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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost Losing your car keys is not an ideal option. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts you require to replace your car key without paying a dealership's high costs. Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site with a key-cutting machine. It's about 20% less than buying through a dealer. Keys with Transponder Chips Many modern vehicles have key fobs which provide a level of security and ease to the car owner. However they also come with a cost. In some cases the cost of replacing a key fob which has been damaged or lost is high. The good news is that there are ways to lower the costs associated with these devices. It's much less expensive to have a spare car key now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and are confronted with the expense of a locksmith's visit or towing charges. The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words “transmitter + responder”) has been a standard feature in automobiles since the mid 1990s. car key cutting and programming was created in response to rising levels of car theft. The basic idea behind the car transponder chip emits a signal that contains a secret password. 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 important because most thieves simply wire the vehicle and then drive away. Transponder chips function on the same basis as microchips in computers and cell phones. They don't require constant power. Instead, they emit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency which can be identified by special receivers in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself. If you require a spare car key made for a car with transponder chips, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a device that can program new keys for the make and model of the vehicle you own. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership. It's also important to know that some stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming service. They typically charge more than a professional locksmith. They can achieve this because they profit from an “scaling effect” that occurs when the number units sold rises. They can then pass the savings to consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips which pair to the vehicle whenever the key is placed in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which must be completed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This procedure can cost up to $500 for a new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer and possibly labor charges. The best way to avoid the expense of replacing your car keys is to not need them in the first place. It is crucial to have a spare car key in the event that the original one is lost. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key at an hardware store or box store for about $25 to $50, based on the kind of key. Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discount. The advantage of purchasing a factory key is that it will come with the right transponder chip. This is important, as you won't be able to use an aftermarket car key unless it has been professionally programmed. The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the equipment to program modern car key, so they can only offer basic duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, a repair shop, or dealer to get them replaced. Another thing to consider is that if you're considering buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll need to ensure that it's not programmed to someone else's car. This can be accomplished by looking at the blade of the key to see if there is an embedded chip, or a cutout showing the signs of an old key. The purchase of a key duplication device is a different option however it's not cost-effective for the majority of people. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys and you'll need to cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not sure about that, a vice and hand file are a more affordable alternative. However, it's not the safest method because it could damage the key's electronics or even break the key inside the lock. Key Fobs with Keys Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the vehicle, and start the motor. These are small remote transmitters which communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle using radio waves. They're a benefit for drivers, however they can be costly to replace or duplicate if you lose one. Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronic components. Fobs also require programming to work with your vehicle and this can increase the cost. If you lose your sole working fob, it could cost you up to $300 to have a new fob and key from the dealer. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of the new fob by up to 50% if you purchase it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have keys that are compatible with the car model you have. Certain key fobs need to be laser-cut or programmed by your local dealer. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the customer. Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for a lot less than more advanced models since they do not have an embedded chip which requires reprogramming. However, they can be costly to duplicate in the event that you need to create templates for a damaged or lost key, the cost is much lower than purchasing a brand new key from your car dealer. You can also reduce your key cutting costs by purchasing a new case to replace your old key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your key fob, but leaving the inside electronics unaltered. These shells are a cost-effective solution to updating your keychain without making an appointment with a dealer. Keys for Keyless Entry Car key fobs have numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, particularly when you're carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. If they have this feature they will assist you to open the trunk and hatch. These keys aren't recommended for long-term use because they can drain your battery. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, depending on your vehicle's model and make. Fortunately, many key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look on the internet or at your local hardware store, you can often find these for a much lower price than the dealer-supplied options. If you already have a standard key then the cost of duplication could be as low as $10 to $15. You may also be able to buy an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain retailer. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding could be costly. These keys are typically laser-cut, often referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They feature a more robust shank and have less grooves carved out on the key's blade, and they have to be programmed with a specific machine at a locksmith shop or dealer. A key with chip could be costly to replace and often requires an appointment with a dealer to have the replacement coded. Keys with chips are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They have electronics that need to be verified before they can open doors or start your engine. Dealers can charge between $150 and $300 for a key that has the key fob, as well as the transponder chip. Keys with keyless entry may also be expensive to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery is dead. These keys are found in a majority of modern vehicles. They work by sending messages from the key fob into an internal receiver in your car. The car then locks or unlocks based on this signal and opens the hatch and trunk if the key is close to the receiver.