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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 keys without having to pay the dealership. Simply bring your current working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours by using a key cutting machine onsite. This costs on average 20 percent less than purchasing from a dealer. Keys with Transponder chips Modern cars are equipped with key fobs, which provide security and convenience for car owners. These devices aren't free. In some cases it could be high to replace a lost or damaged key fob. The good news is that there are options to lower the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to have a spare car key made now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and you are facing the cost of a locksmith's visit or towing costs. Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been a vital component of all cars. The name derives from “transmitter and responder”. This technology was developed as a response to the rising rate of vehicle theft. Essentially, a car transponder chip transmits a signal that contains the secret password. When the key is placed in the ignition the antenna will ring around it and reads the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will begin. This is an important thing since most thieves connect a hot wire to the vehicle to get it started and then take off. Transponder chips function on a similar basis as microchips found in cell phones and computers. The different is that they do not require constant power to operate. They emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal which can be detected by special detectors that are placed on the ignition cylinder as well as key head. We suggest visiting your local locksmith if you need an extra key for your vehicle that has a transponder. Most locksmiths have a device to make new keys for your particular vehicle model and. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership. It's also important to note that some shops, such as AutoZone provide key programming services. They typically charge more than professional locksmiths. They do this because they can profit from an “scaling effect” that occurs when the number of units sold increases. In this way, they could transfer their savings to consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys are equipped with chips or transponders which pair with the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which can only be completed by a dealership or auto locksmith. This process can cost as much as $500 for a new key, the programming of the immobilizer and the possibility of labor costs. The best method to cut down on key cutting costs is by avoiding the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. This means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can buy an additional key for $25 to $50 at the hardware store or a box store, depending on the type of key. Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online at an affordable price from the manufacturer. A factory key will most likely have the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you won't be able to use a car key that is aftermarket without having it professionally programmed. The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the equipment to program modern-day car keys They can only offer basic duplication services. You can also go to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop, or a locksmith to get them replaced. Another thing to think about is that if you're considering purchasing a key for a low price from an online retailer, you'll have to make sure it isn't already programmed to someone else's car. This can be done by checking the key blade to determine if it has an embedded chip or cutout that shows the signs of an old key. A key duplication machine may be purchased, but it is not an option for everyone. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys, and you'll have cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you're not sure about this, a vice and hand file are a cheaper alternative. This isn't the most secure option as it could harm the electronic components of the key or even break the key inside the lock. Keys with Key Fobs Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the car, and start the motor. 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 can be expensive to duplicate or replace in the event of loss. Unlike like this , which require a reputable locksmith, dealer in automotive, or a different specialist service provider to design, key fobs contain sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to make than their basic counterparts. Fobs also require programming to work with your car and can add up in price. If you lose your sole working fob, it can cost you up to $300 to get a replacement fob and key from the dealership made. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of an entirely new fob by up to 50% if you buy it online. Find the right key fob for your vehicle's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these key fobs will need to be programmed or laser-cut by the local dealer. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the buyer. Standard key fobs can be replaced for a lot less than the more sophisticated models due to the fact that they don't have an embedded chip which must be reprogrammed. They can be costly to copy if you have damaged or lost keys and need a template to make them again, but they are much cheaper than the expense of replacing a complete key set from your dealer for your car. You can also lower your key cutting expenses by purchasing a new shell to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your keychain, while leaving the electronics inside unaltered. These shells are a cost-effective solution to upgrade your keychain without the need to make an appointment with the dealer. Keys with Keyless Entry Car key fobs come with numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to search for your keys. This is especially useful when you are carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. They can even help you open your trunk and hatch, when they've got this feature integrated into them. These keys aren't ideal for long-term use because they drain batteries. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. Many key fobs are easily replaced with new ones from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look online or visit your local hardware store, you'll typically find them for less than the dealer-supplied alternatives. If you have a standard key, duplication costs are usually affordable and range from $10 to $15. You may also be able to purchase an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. Newer keys that require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, but. These keys are usually laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys, or high security keys. They have a thicker shank, and less carved-out grooves on the blade of the key, and they have to be programmed using a specific machine found in the locksmith shop or dealership. It is costly to replace a key using a microchip and it is often necessary to visit the dealer to have the replacement coded. Keys with chips are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They are equipped with electronics that must be verified before they are able to open doors or start your engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 and $300 for a brand new original key that includes both the key fob and a new transponder chip. Keys that have keyless entry could also be expensive to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery fails. The majority of modern cars have these keys, which function by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.