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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost The loss of your car keys isn't a good idea. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts you require to replace your car key without paying dealership cost. 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 going through a dealer. Keys with Transponder chips Modern cars are equipped with key fobs that provide security and convenience for car owners. These devices are not free. In certain instances, the cost of replacing a key fob which 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 now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and you are confronted with the expense of a locksmith's visit or towing charges. Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been an integral part of most automobiles. The name derives from “transmitter and responder”. This technology was designed to stop the increasing number of car thefts. Transponders in cars transmit an encrypted signal. When the key is inserted into the ignition, an antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder receives this signal and when it matches the password, the engine starts. This is important because most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and drive away. Transponder chips operate in a similar way to microchips found in cell phones and computers. They don't require constant power. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that is detected by special detectors placed on the ignition cylinder and the key head. We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if you require a spare key for your vehicle that has a transponder. Most locksmiths will have a tool that can program new keys for the make and model of your car. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership. Also, it's important to remember that stores such as AutoZone provide a key-programming service. They usually charge more than a professional locksmith. This is because they are able to take advantage of the “scaling” effect that occurs when the quantity of units sold increases. In other words, they can pass on their costs savings to the consumer. Keys with Electronics Modern keys come with chips or transponders that are paired to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. These keys are more costly to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which must be performed by a dealership or auto locksmith. This process can cost up to $500 for the new key, as well as reprogramming the immobilizer and possibly labor charges. The most effective method to save money on key cutting costs is by avoiding the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. car keys cut and programmed is essential to have an extra car key in the event that the original key is lost. You can buy a duplicate key from a hardware store or box store for between $25-$50, based on the type of key. Many people are unaware that they can purchase keys replacement online or at a reduced prices from the manufacturer. A factory key will most likely contain the correct transponder. This is vital, as you will not be able use a car key that is aftermarket 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, so they can only provide basic duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, a repair shop, or dealer to get them replaced. If you are planning to purchase a key for a low price on the internet, ensure that it hasn't been programmed for someone else's vehicle. This can be done by looking at the key blade for a chip or for a cutout that shows signs of the previous key. A key duplication machine can be purchased, but this is not a viable option for everyone. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys, and you'll have to cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you're not at ease using a vice, a hand file is a more affordable alternative. However, this isn't the most secure method as it may cause damage to the electronic components of the key or break the key off in the lock. Keys with Key Fobs A lot of modern cars have key fobs that function as remote controls to lock and unlock your vehicle and start the engine. They are tiny transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves. They are a convenience for drivers, however they can be costly to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one. Contrary to traditional keys that require a reputable locksmith, dealer in automotive, or other specialty service provider to design, key fobs contain sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to produce than the standard keys. Fobs must also be programmed to work with your car and this can increase the cost. A new fob and key can cost up to $300 when you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob to as little as $50 by buying it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have a key fob that fits the car model you have. Some of these fobs might need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by your dealer in your area, but most can be programmed by the customer easily (though some will require two working keys to accomplish this). Standard key fobs can be replaced for less than more sophisticated models because they do not contain an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed. They are still expensive to duplicate if you've damaged or lost keys and need a template to reproduce them but they're much cheaper than the expense of replacing a complete key set from your dealer in your vehicle. You can also cut down on cost of cutting keys by purchasing a new case to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that will replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, but leave the electronics intact. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and save you the hassle of having to make an appointment at the dealership. Keys with Keyless Entry The car key fob has many benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without the need to hunt for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you're carrying large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. If they have this feature built-in, they can help you open your hatch and trunk. The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they often drain the battery which makes it difficult to use for long periods of time. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, depending on your vehicle's model and make. A lot of key fobs can be repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available at a lower cost than dealer-supplied options, if you look online or at the local hardware store. If you already have a standard key then duplication costs can be as just $10 to $15. You can also buy keys to replace them at your local box retailer or hardware store. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding could be costly. They are usually laser cut, sometimes called sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a thicker shank and have less grooves carved out on the blade and they must be programmed with a specific machine found in a locksmith shop or dealer. It can be costly to replace a key that has microchips and it is usually necessary to visit the dealer to obtain the replacement code. These keys 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 engines. A dealer typically charges between $150 and $300 for a brand new original key that includes both the key fob and a new transponder chip. Keys with keyless entry can also be costly to replace if you lose them or the battery of your key fob dies. Keyless entry keys can be found in a majority of modern vehicles. They work by sending an electronic message from the key fob to a receiver within your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It will also open the hatch and trunk when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.