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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost The loss of your car keys isn't an ideal idea. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts you need to replace your car key without having to pay dealership prices. 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. It's typically 20 percent less than buying from a dealer. Keys with Transponder chips Many modern cars have key fobs that offer security and convenience for the owner of the vehicle. They are not free. In certain instances the cost of replacing a key fob that has been damaged or lost is high. The good news is that there are options to lower the costs associated with these devices. It is cheaper to order a spare key now than wait until you lose your car key and have to pay for a locksmith or towing charges. Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been an integral part of all cars. Its name comes from “transmitter and responder”. This technology was created in response to the increasing rate of theft from cars. In key cut service , the chip in a car transponder transmits an electronic signal that has the secret password. When the key is inserted in the ignition, the antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder detects this signal and if it matches with the password, the engine is started. This is important because most thieves simply wire the vehicle before driving off. Transponder chips operate on a similar principle to the microchips used in computers and cell phones. The difference is that they don't require constant power to operate. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency that is recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself. We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if you require a spare key for your vehicle that has a transponder. Many locksmiths have a device that can program new keys to the specific model and make of your vehicle. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership. Also, it's important to remember that stores like AutoZone provide a key-programming service. They usually charge more than professional locksmiths. This is due to the fact that they are able to profit from the “scaling” effect that occurs when the number of units sold increases. In other words, they can transfer their cost savings to consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys come with chips or transponders that are connected to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. These keys are more costly to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming, which must be completed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This procedure can cost as much as $500 for a new key, the programming of the immobilizer and possible labor charges. The best way to reduce the expense of replacing your car keys is to not have them in the first place. This means you should have a spare key in case you lose the original. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key from an hardware store or box store for about $25 to $50, based on the kind of key. Many people are unaware that they can purchase keys replacement online or at a a discounted price from the manufacturer. A factory-issued key will likely have the correct transponder. This is important, as you will not be able use an aftermarket car key unless it has been professionally programmed. The majority of hardware and box stores do not have the technology to program modern car keys, so they offer only basic key duplication services. You can bring them to a dealer or a reputable auto repair shop or a locksmith to get them replaced. If you're planning to purchase an inexpensive key online, make sure it's not programmed to another vehicle. This can be accomplished by looking at the blade of the key to determine if it has a chip or a cutout that shows the signs of an old key. A key duplication machine may be bought, but it is not an option for everyone. The cost of the machine is higher than keys with blanks, which means you'll need to cut numerous keys to make a profit. If you're not sure about that, a vice and hand file are a much more affordable option. However, it's not the safest method because it could damage the key's electronics or even cut the key off in the lock. Keys with Key Fobs Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the vehicle, and also start the motor. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that communicate with the computer in your vehicle via radio waves to transmit commands. They are a convenience for drivers, but they can be expensive to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one. Contrary to traditional keys that require a professional locksmith, automotive dealer or a different specialist service provider to create keys, key fobs have sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to produce than their basic counterparts. Fobs also need to be programmed prior to working 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 new original key and fob from the dealer. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob down to just $50 if you buy it on the internet. Search for a key fob for your vehicle's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Certain key fobs need to be laser-cut or programmed by your local dealer. However, many can be programmed by the customer. Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for a lot less than more sophisticated models because they do not have an embedded chip which must be reprogrammed. They are still expensive to copy if you have a lost or damaged key and need a template to make them again, but they are much cheaper than the expense of replacing an entire key set from the dealer in your vehicle. You can also lower your cost of cutting keys by buying a new shell to replace your old key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your keychain, and leave the electronics inside unchanged. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain, and save you the hassle of trying to schedule an appointment with the dealership. Keys with Keyless Entry Car key fobs come with a lot of benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, especially when you're carrying heavy groceries or other weights in your hands. They can even assist you to open your trunk and hatch in the event that they have this feature built-in. These keys aren't ideal for long-term use since they drain batteries. Additionally, they are difficult to program, based on the vehicle's make and model. Many key fobs are easily replaced with new ones from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. These can often be found at a lower cost than a dealer-supplied option, if you look online or at the local hardware store. If you already have a standard key then duplication costs can be as low as $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 can be expensive. They are usually laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder or high-security keys. They feature a more robust shank, and less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and they must be programmed using a specific machine found in a dealership or locksmith shop. A key that has a chip can be quite expensive to replace and usually requires a trip to the dealership to have the replacement coded. These keys are also known as transponder or smart keys. They have electronics that must be verified before they can be used to open doors or start your engine. A dealer can charge between $150 to $300 for a brand new original key that comes with the key fob and a new transponder chip. If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery inside your key fob goes out it could cost you to replace them. Many modern cars come with keys that function by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks itself based on this signal and opens the trunk and hatch if the key is in close proximity to the receiver.