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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 parts to replace your key without having to pay a dealership. Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site with a key cutting machine. On average, this is 20% less than going through the dealer. Keys that have Transponder chips A lot of modern cars come with key fobs which provide security and convenience to the car owner. However they come at costs. In some cases, the cost of replacing the key fob that has been lost or damaged can be high. There are ways to reduce the cost of these devices. It is much cheaper to get a spare car key made now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and are facing the cost of a locksmith's visit or towing fees. The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words “transmitter + responder”) has been a feature of most cars since the mid-1990s. This technology was developed as a response to the rising rate of car theft. Essentially, a car transponder chip transmits signals that contain an encrypted password. When the key is put in the ignition the antenna will ring around it detects the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will start. This is important because most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and then drive off. Transponder chips work on the same principle as the microchips found in computers and cell phones. They don't require constant power. Instead, they emit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency that can be recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself. We recommend visiting your local locksmith if you need a spare key for a car equipped with a transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to make new keys for your specific car model and make. This is a great alternative to visiting a dealership. It's also important to remember that stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming service. However, they typically cost significantly more than locksmiths. This is due to the fact that they are able to benefit from the “scaling” effect that occurs when the quantity of units sold increases. In this way, they could pass on their costs savings to consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys come with transponders or chips that pair with the vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they need programming that can only be completed by a dealership auto locksmith or the manufacturer of your vehicle. This procedure can cost as much as $500 for an entirely new key, reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possible labor charges. The most effective method to save money on key cost is to avoid the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. It is important to have an extra car key in case the original key is lost. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key from the hardware store or at a box store for between $25-$50, based on the type of key. Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discount. A factory-issued key will likely have the correct transponder. This is important, as you won't be able to make use of an aftermarket car key without having it professionally programmed. Most hardware stores and box stores don't have the capability to program modern car keys, which is why they offer only basic key duplication services. You can also go to a locksmith, independent auto repair shop or dealer to have them replaced. If you're planning to purchase an inexpensive key online, make sure it's not programmed to someone else's vehicle. This can be done by checking the key blade to determine if it has a chip, or a cutout showing evidence of an old key. A key duplication machine is an alternative however, it's not affordable for the majority of people. The machine costs more than keys that are blank, so you'll have to 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. It's not the best alternative as it can cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key inside the lock. Key Fobs with keys Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the car, and also start the motor. They are tiny transmitters which communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle through radio waves. These are a great convenience for drivers, but they can be costly to duplicate or replace in the event of loss. Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronic components. Key fobs must also be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which could increase the cost as well. If you lose your sole working fob, it can cost up to $300 to get a replacement original key and fob from the dealership made. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of a new fob by as much as 50% if you purchase it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have a key fob that fits the car model you have. Some of these fobs may need to be laser-cut by a locksmith or programmed by a local dealer, but a lot can be programmed by the customer easily (though some may require two working keys to do this). Key fobs that are standard are less expensive than more advanced models to replace as they don't contain an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed following the fact. While they can be expensive to duplicate if you have to create a template for a damaged or lost key it is lower than purchasing a brand new key from your car dealer. Another way to cut the cost of cutting keys is to purchase a new shell for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that will replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronics intact. These shells are a cost-effective option to upgrade your keychain without the need to make an appointment with a dealer. Keys for Keyless Entry Car key fobs come with many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys. This is especially useful when you have large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. automotive key cutting near me can also help you open your hatch and trunk, in the event that they have this feature built-in. These keys aren't ideal for long-term usage because they can drain your battery. Additionally, they are difficult to program, depending on your vehicle's model and make. Fortunately, most key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. They are often available for much cheaper than a dealer-supplied option, when you search at the internet or go to the local hardware store. If you have an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually very low, and can range from $10 to $15. You may also be able to buy a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain store. Keys that require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, but. These keys are usually laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys or high security keys. These keys have a thicker blade and less grooves on the shank. They have to be programmed using a special machine in a locksmith or dealership. A key that has chip could be expensive to replace and typically requires a trip to the dealership to obtain a replacement code. Keys with chips are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They are equipped with electronics that must be verified before they can be used to open doors or start your engine. A dealer typically charges between $150 and $300 for a brand new original key that includes both the key fob and an updated transponder chip. If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery inside your key fob dies it could be expensive to replace them. These keys are found in the majority of modern automobiles. They work by sending messages from the key fob to the car's receiver. The car locks or unlocks itself in accordance with this signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk if the key is within close proximity to the receiver.