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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost The loss of your car keys is not an ideal option. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts you require to replace your car keys without paying a dealership's high costs. Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site with a key cutting machine. This costs on average 20% less than buying from a dealer. Keys with Transponder Chips A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that provide security and ease for the owner of the vehicle. However, key cutting services come with costs. In some cases it could be expensive to replace a damaged or lost key fob. The good news is that there are ways to lower the costs associated with these devices. It's much less expensive to get a spare car key made now instead of waiting until you lose the key and are faced with paying for an appointment with a locksmith or towing charges. The transponder chip (which is named after the words “transmitter + responder”) has been in use in the majority of cars since the mid 1990s. This technology was created in response to rising levels of theft from cars. The basic idea behind the car transponder chip emits a signal that contains an encrypted password. When the key is inserted into ignition, an antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder reads the signal and, if it matches the password, the engine will start. This is significant since most thieves use hot wires to get it started and then leave the scene. Transponder chips work on a similar principle to the microchips found in computers and cell phones. The distinction is that they don't require constant power to function. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency which can be identified by special receivers in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself. We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if you require the spare key for your vehicle that has transponder. Most locksmiths will have a device that can program new keys for the model and make of the vehicle you own. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership. Also, it's important to note that stores such as AutoZone provide a key-programming service. However, they often cost significantly more than locksmiths. This is due to the fact that they can profit from the “scaling” effect which occurs when the number of units sold rises. In other words, they are able to transfer their savings to consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys come with transponders or chips which are connected with the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. These keys are more costly to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which can only be completed by an auto locksmith or a dealership. This process can cost up to $500 for a new key, reprogramming the immobilizer and perhaps labor charges. The best way to cut down on car key replacement costs is to not have them in the first place. It is important to have a spare car key in the event that the original one is lost. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key at an hardware store or box store for between $25-$50, based on the kind of key. Many people are unaware that they can buy keys replacement online or at a an affordable price from the manufacturer. A factory-issued key will likely contain the correct transponder. This is essential since you won't be able to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed. Most hardware stores and box stores don't have the capability to program modern car keys, so they only offer basic key duplication services. You can also go to a locksmith, independent auto repair shop or dealer to get them replaced. If you are planning to purchase a cheap key online, make sure it's not programmed for the vehicle of someone else. This can be done by checking the blade of the key for chips or the cutout to see if it shows evidence of the previous key. A key duplication device can be purchased, but this is not a viable option for most people. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys and you'll need to cut many keys in order to break even. If you're not comfortable with this, a vice or hand file are a much more affordable alternative. But, it's not the most secure method as it could harm the electronics of the key or even break the key inside the lock. Key Fobs with Keys Modern cars 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 send commands. They are a convenience for drivers, however they can be expensive to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one. Unlike traditional keys, which require a professional locksmith, automotive dealer, or a different specialist service provider to create keys, key fobs have sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to manufacture than the standard keys. Fobs must also be programmed to work with your vehicle and can add cost. If you lose your sole working fob, it could 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 a new fob by up to 50% if purchasing it on the internet. Look for the right key fob for your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these fobs may require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by a dealer in your area, but most are programmable by customers with ease (though some will require two current, working keys to accomplish this). Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for a lot less than the more sophisticated models because they do not contain an embedded chip that requires reprogramming. They can be costly to duplicate if you've got damaged or lost keys and require a template to duplicate them but they're much more affordable than the cost of replacing the entire key set purchased from your dealer for your car. You can also cut down on key cutting costs by purchasing a new shell to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your key fob, while leaving the electronics inside unaltered. These shells are an affordable solution to update your keychain without having to make an appointment with a dealer. Keys for Keyless Entry The car key fob offers numerous advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without the need to hunt for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you have large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built-in, they can help you open your hatch and trunk. The downside to these types of keys is that they frequently drain the battery and make it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, depending on the vehicle's model and make. linked here are often repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. If you look online or in your local hardware store, you can often find them at significantly less than the dealer-supplied alternatives. If you have a standard key, duplication costs are usually low, and can range between $10 and $15. You can also buy a replacement key at your local hardware or box retailer store. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding can be expensive. Keys that are laser-cut, often referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a more robust blade and have fewer grooves on the shank. They need to be programmed by a specific machine at a locksmith or dealership. It can be costly to replace a key using microchips and it is often required to visit a dealer to obtain the replacement code. These keys are also known as smart keys or transponder keys. They have electronics that must be verified before they can open doors or start engines. Dealers will charge between $150 to $300 for a key that comes with the key fob, as well as transponder chips. If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery in your key fob dies it could be expensive to replace them. Keyless entry keys are available in a majority of modern vehicles. They function by transmitting a message from the key fob into an internal receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks itself based on this signal and opens the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.