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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost Losing your car keys isn't a good idea. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your key without having to pay the dealership. Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site with a key-cutting machine. It's typically 20% less than buying from an agent. Keys with Transponder Chips A lot of modern cars come with key fobs which provide an element of security and ease to the car owner. However, these devices come with a cost. In some instances the cost of replacing a key fob that has been lost or damaged can be high. The good news is that there are options to lower the costs associated with these devices. It is much cheaper to have a spare vehicle key today, rather than waiting until you lose the key and you are confronted with the expense of the visit of a locksmith or towing costs. The transponder chip (which is named after the words “transmitter + responder”) has been a standard feature in automobiles since the mid-1990s. This technology was developed to combat the rising number of car thefts. Essentially, a car transponder chip transmits a signal that contains an encrypted password. When the key is put in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it detects the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will start. This is a big deal because most thieves simply connect a hot wire to the vehicle to start it and then drive off. Transponder chips operate in a similar way to the microchips found in computers and cell phones. The different is that they do not require constant power to operate. Instead, they send an electromagnetic signal of low frequency which can be detected by special receivers placed in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself. If you require a spare car key created for a vehicle equipped with transponder chips We highly recommend you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to program new keys to match the model and make of your car. This is a fantastic alternative to going to the dealership. It's also important to note that some stores, like AutoZone provide key programming services. However, they usually charge significantly more than a locksmith. They can achieve this because they profit from the “scaling effect” that occurs when the number units sold increases. In other words, they are able to transfer their savings to consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys come with chips or transponders which are connected to the vehicle whenever the key is inserted in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming, which must be done by an auto locksmith or dealership. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for a new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possibly labor charges. The most effective method to cut down on key cost is to avoid the need to replace your keys in the first place. It is important to have an extra car key in the event that the original one is lost. You can buy a duplicate key from the hardware store or at a box store for around $25-$50, based on the kind of key. Most people don't know that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discount. The benefit of buying an original key is that it will likely come with the right transponder chip. cost to get a key cut is essential because you won't be in a position to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed. The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the equipment to program modern-day car keys They can only offer basic duplication services. You can also bring them to a dealer or a reputable auto repair shop or a locksmith shop to have them replaced. Another thing to think about is that if you're thinking of buying a cheap key from an online retailer, you'll need to ensure that it's not programmed to someone else's car. You can do this by examining the key blade for chip or the cutout to see if it shows evidence of a previous key. The purchase of a key duplication device is an alternative however it's not cost-effective for the majority of people. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys themselves, and you'll have to cut many keys to break even. If you don't feel at ease using a vice, hand files are an alternative that is less expensive. However, this isn't the most secure option as it may cause damage to the electronic components of the key or break the key off in the lock. Keys with Key Fobs Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the car, and even start the motor. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that connect to the computer in your vehicle via radio waves to send commands. These are great features for drivers, but they can be expensive to duplicate or replace if they are lost. Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys because they contain sophisticated electronic components. Fobs also need to be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which can increase the costs as well. 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 down to as little as $50 by buying it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have keys that are compatible with your car model. Certain key fobs will need to be laser-cut or programmed by the dealer in your area. However, many of them can be programmed by the buyer. Standard key fobs are much cheaper than more advanced models to replace as they don't come with an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed after the fact. However, they can be costly to duplicate if you have to design a template for a lost or damaged key, the cost is much less than buying a new key from your car dealer. Another method to reduce your key cutting costs is to simply purchase a new case for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, but leave the electronics intact. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain, and save you the hassle of having to schedule an appointment with the dealership. Keys for Keyless Entry The car key fob offers many benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, particularly when you're carrying groceries or other heavy items in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built in, they can help you open your trunk and hatch. The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they often drain the battery which makes it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. Key fobs are often replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. These can often be found at a lower cost than dealer-supplied options, by searching on the internet or visit your local hardware store. If you have an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually very low and range from $10 to $15. You can also buy an additional key from 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, and are sometimes called sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a larger shank and less carved-out grooves on the blade and they must be programmed using a special 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 a dealer to get the replacement code. These keys are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They have electronics that must be verified before they are able to open doors or start engines. Dealers can charge between $150 to $300 for a key that includes the key fob, as well as transponder chips. Keys with keyless entry can be costly to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery fails. Keyless entry keys are available in the majority of modern automobiles. They work by sending an electronic message from the key fob into the car's receiver. The car locks or unlocks itself based on this signal and opens the trunk and hatch when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.