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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost Losing your car keys is never an ideal option. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts you require to replace your car key without having to pay dealership costs. Simply bring a working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours by using a key cutting machine onsite. On average, this is 20% less than going through the dealer. Keys with Transponder Chips Modern cars are equipped with key fobs, which provide security and convenience to owners. However they come at an expense. In certain instances, the cost of replacing a key fob that has been damaged or lost can be high. The good news is that there are methods to cut the costs associated with these devices. It is cheaper to order a spare key now instead of waiting until you lose your car key and need to pay a locksmith or towing charges. Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip had been an integral part of most cars. Its name comes from “transmitter and responder”. The technology was created to combat the rising number of car thefts. A car transponder transmits the secret code through a signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition, an antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder reads the signal and, if it matches the password, the engine will start. This is significant because the majority of thieves simply connect a hot wire to the vehicle to start it, and then leave the scene. Transponder chips operate in a similar way to microchips in computers and cell phones. The different is that they do not require constant power to operate. They emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that is detected by special detectors placed on the ignition cylinder as well as key head. We recommend visiting your local locksmith if in need of the spare key for a vehicle with a transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to create new keys for your specific car model and make. This is an excellent alternative to going to the dealership. It's also important to note that some stores, like AutoZone provide key programming services. However, they often cost significantly more than a locksmith. They do this because they profit from a “scaling effect” that occurs when the amount of units sold increases. In other words, they are able to pass on their costs savings to the consumer. Keys with Electronics Modern keys come with chips or transponders which are connected to the vehicle whenever the key is put into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming that can only be done by a dealership, auto locksmith, or your manufacturer of your vehicle. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for a new key, reprogramming the immobilizer and possibly labor charges. The best way to cut down on cost of replacing car keys is to not require them in the first place. This means having a spare key in case you lose the original. You can buy an additional key for $25-$50 at a box store or hardware retailer, based on the type of key. Many people are unaware that they can buy keys replacement online or at a a discounted price from the manufacturer. A factory-issued key will most likely have the correct transponder. This is important, as you cannot use an aftermarket car key unless it has been professionally programmed. The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the equipment to program modern car key and therefore, they are unable to provide basic duplication services. You can also go to a dealer or a reputable auto repair shop, or a locksmith to have them replaced. Another thing to consider is that if you're planning on purchasing a key for a low 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 key blade for a chip or for a cutout that shows signs of the previous key. A key duplication machine is another option, but it won't be cost-effective for the majority of people. The cost of the machine is higher than blank keys, so you'll need to cut numerous keys to make a profit. If you don't feel comfortable using a vice, hand files are an alternative that is less expensive. This isn't the most secure option as it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key inside the lock. Keys with Key Fobs Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the vehicle, and start the motor. These are basically mini remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to transmit commands. They are a great benefit for drivers, but they can be expensive to duplicate or replace in the event of loss. Unlike traditional keys, which require a great locksmith, automotive dealer, or a different specialist service provider to design, key fobs contain sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to manufacture than their basic counterparts. They also require to be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which can add up in costs as well. A new fob and key could cost as much as $300 when you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob down to as little as $50 by purchasing it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have keys that are compatible with the car model you have. Some of these fobs may need to be laser-cut by a locksmith or programmed by your dealer in your area, but most can be customer-programmed with relative ease (though some will require two current, working keys to accomplish this). Key fobs that are standard are cheaper than more advanced models to replace since they don't have an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed after the fact. They can still be expensive to duplicate if you've damaged or lost keys and need a template to reproduce them but they're much more affordable than the cost of replacing the entire key set from your dealer for your car. You can also reduce your cost of cutting keys by purchasing a new shell to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your key fob but leaving the inside electronics unchanged. These shells are a cost-effective solution to upgrade your keychain without having to make an appointment with the dealer. Keys for Keyless Entry The car key fob has many benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, particularly when you're carrying heavy groceries or other weights in your hands. If they've got this feature built-in, they can help you open your hatch and trunk. These keys aren't ideal for long-term use because they drain the battery. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. Fortunately, most key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. They are often available at a lower cost than the dealer-supplied version by searching on the internet or visit your local hardware store. If you have a standard key, duplication costs are usually very low, and can vary from $10 to $15. You can also buy keys to replace them at your local hardware or box retailer store. Newer keys that require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, but. These keys are typically laser cut, sometimes referred to as sidewinder or high-security keys. They feature a more robust shank and less carved-out grooves on the blade and they have to be programmed using a special machine that is found at the locksmith shop or dealership. he has a good point with a chip can be quite costly to replace and often requires an appointment with a dealer to obtain a replacement code. These keys are often referred to as transponder keys or smart keys, and they come with electronic components that must be validated by your car before it can open doors or start the engine. Dealers can charge between $150 to $300 for a key that comes with the key fob as well as a transponder chip. Keys that have keyless entry could also be expensive to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery is dead. Most modern cars have these keys, which work by sending a signal from your key fob to a receiver in your car. The car then locks or unlocks according to the signal and opens the trunk and hatch when the key is within close proximity to the receiver.