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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 the parts to replace your keys without overpaying at the dealership. Simply bring a working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours using a key cutting machine onsite. It's typically 20 percent less than purchasing from an agent. Keys with Transponder chips Many modern cars have key fobs which provide a level of security and convenience for the owner of the vehicle. However they also come with a cost. In some instances it could be expensive to replace a damaged or lost key fob. The good news is that there are methods to cut the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to have a spare car key today, rather than waiting until you lose the key and you are confronted with the expense of an appointment with a locksmith or towing costs. Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip had been an integral part of most cars. The name derives from “transmitter and responder”. The technology was created to combat the rising number of car thefts. Essentially, the chip in a car transponder transmits signals that contain an encrypted password. When the key is put in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it reads 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 operate on a similar principle to the microchips used in cell phones and computers. The distinction is that they don't need constant power to work. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal which can be detected by special detectors placed on the ignition cylinder as well as the key head. If you're looking to get a spare car key created for a car equipped with a transponder chip, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Many locksmiths have a system to program new keys to match your car model and make. This is a great alternative to visiting the dealership. It's also important to remember that some stores, like AutoZone provide key programming services. They typically charge more than professional locksmiths. This is due to the fact that they can take advantage of the “scaling” effect which occurs when the number of units sold rises. In this way, they could transfer their savings to the consumer. Keys with Electronics Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips which connect with the vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which must be done by an auto locksmith or dealership. This process can cost as much as $500 for a new key, the programming of the immobilizer and possibly, labor costs. The most effective method to save money on key cost is to avoid the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. This means having a spare key in case you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key from the hardware store or at a box store for around $25 to $50, based on the kind 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 the factory key is that it will be equipped with the right transponder chip. This is crucial, since you cannot use a car key that is aftermarket unless it's been professionally programmed. The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the tools needed to program modern car key and therefore, they are unable to offer basic duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, auto repair shop, or dealer to get them replaced. Another thing to think about is that if you're considering buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll need make sure it isn't already programmed to another vehicle. This can be done by examining the blade of the key for chips or a cutout that shows signs of the previous key. A key duplication device can be purchased, but it isn't an option for everyone. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys and you'll need to cut many keys in order to break even. If you're not happy with this, a vice and hand file are a much cheaper alternative. This isn't the most secure alternative as it can harm the electronic components of the key or even break the key inside the lock. Key Fobs with keys A lot of modern cars have key fobs that are remote controls that lock your car, unlock it and start the engine. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that connect to your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to transmit commands. These are great features for drivers, but they are expensive to duplicate or replace if they are lost. Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys because they contain sophisticated electronics. Key fobs must also be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which can increase the cost too. If you lose your only working fob, it can cost up to $300 to have a brand new fob and key from the dealership. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of a new fob by up to 50% if purchasing it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have a key fob that fits the car model you have. Some of these key fobs need to be laser-cut or programmed by your local dealer. However, many can be programmed by the customer. key cut place are much cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace because they don't have an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed after the fact. They are still expensive to duplicate if you've got a lost or damaged key and need a template to duplicate them but they're much cheaper than the expense of replacing a complete key set from the dealer in your vehicle. You can also cut down on key cutting costs by purchasing a new shell to replace your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that will replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronics intact. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain and save you the hassle of having to schedule an appointment with the dealership. Keys with Keyless Entry Car key fobs offer numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, especially when you're carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. If they have this feature, they can help you open your hatch and trunk. These keys aren't ideal for long-term use since they drain batteries. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, based on your vehicle's model and make. Fortunately, many key fobs can be replaced using replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available for much cheaper than dealer-supplied options, by searching on the internet or visit your local hardware store. If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplication could be as low as $10 to $15. You can also purchase a replacement key at your local hardware store or box retailer store. Keys that require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, however. They are typically laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They feature a more robust shank and less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and they have to be programmed using a specific machine found in a dealership or locksmith shop. It can be costly to replace a key using a microchip, and it's often required to visit a dealer in order to obtain the replacement code. These are commonly called transponder keys or smart keys, and they come with electronic components that must be validated by your vehicle before it can open doors or start the engine. A dealer typically charges between $150 and $300 for a new original key that includes both the key fob and an updated transponder chip. If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery in the key fob fails, it can be costly to replace them. Keyless entry keys are available in the majority of modern automobiles. They function by transmitting a message from the key fob into an internal receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car according to the signal. It will also open the trunk and hatch when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.