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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts you require to replace your car keys without paying dealership prices. Simply bring a current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours by using an on-site key cutting machine. It's typically 20 percent less than purchasing from a dealer. Keys that have Transponder chips Modern cars have key fobs, which provide security and convenience for car owners. However, these devices come with a cost. In certain instances it can be expensive to replace a damaged or lost key fob. There are ways to reduce the costs of these devices. It's cheaper to have a spare vehicle key now instead of waiting until you lose the key and are faced with paying for an appointment with a locksmith or towing charges. Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip had been a vital component of all automobiles. Its name comes from “transmitter and responder”. This technology was designed to counter the growing number of car thefts. The car transponder transmits an encrypted signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition, an antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder detects the signal and, if it matches the password, the engine starts. This is a big deal since most thieves connect a hot wire to the vehicle to get it started and then take off. Transponder chips work on a similar principle to the microchips used in cell phones and computers. The difference is that they don't require constant power to operate. Instead, they send a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that is identified by special receivers in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself. If you need to have a spare car key made for a vehicle equipped with transponder chips, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a tool that can program new keys to the specific model and make of your vehicle. This is an excellent alternative to visiting the dealership. It's also important to know that some stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming service. They often charge much more than professional locksmiths. They achieve this because they take advantage of an “scaling effect” that occurs when the number of units sold increases. In other words, they are able to pass on their costs savings to consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys have transponders or chips that are paired to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming that can only be completed by a dealership auto locksmith, or your vehicle's manufacturer. This procedure can cost up to $500 for the new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer and perhaps the cost of labor. The best method to save money on key cost is to avoid the need to replace your keys in the first place. This means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key from the hardware store or at a box store for between $25 to $50, depending on the kind of key. Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discounted price. The advantage of purchasing a factory key is that it will likely have the correct transponder chip. This is important since you won't be able to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed. The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the tools needed to program modern car keys and therefore, they are unable to provide basic duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, auto repair shop or the dealer to get them replaced. If you plan to buy a key for a low price online, make sure it's not programmed for someone else's vehicle. You can do this by checking the key blade for a chip or for the cutout to see if it shows evidence of a previous key. The purchase of a key duplication device is a different option however it's not affordable for most people. The machine is more expensive than keys with blanks, which means you'll need to cut many keys to break even. If you don't feel at ease with a vice hand files are an option that is more affordable. However, this isn't the safest method because it may damage the key's electronics or even break the key inside the lock. Key Fobs with Keys A lot of modern cars have key fobs, which are remote controls to lock your car, unlock it and even start the engine. These are small remote transmitters that communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle via radio waves. They're a great convenience for drivers, however they can be costly to replace or duplicate if you lose one. Unlike traditional keys, which require a professional locksmith, dealer in automotive, or other specialty service provider to create keys, key fobs have advanced electronics, making them more expensive to produce than the standard keys. Fobs also require programming to work with your car and this can add up in price. If you lose your only functioning fob, it could cost you up to $300 to have a new fob and key from the dealership made. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob to as little as $50 if you buy it on the internet. Find a key fob for your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these keys may need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by a dealer in your area, but most can be programmed by the customer with ease (though some will require two working keys to do this). keys cut near me now that are standard are cheaper than more advanced models to replace as they don't come with an embedded chip that needs to be programmed after the fact. They can be costly to duplicate if you've damaged or lost keys and require a template make them again, but they are much cheaper than the expense of replacing an entire key set from the dealer in your vehicle. Another option to reduce your costs for cutting keys is by simply buying a new case for your key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the plastic outer and buttons on your key fob and leave the electronics inside unaltered. These shells are a cost-effective option to updating your keychain without the need to make an appointment with the dealer. Keys for Keyless Entry Car key fobs have numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, especially when you're carrying groceries or other heavy items in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature they will help you open your hatch and trunk. These keys aren't ideal for long-term use since they drain batteries. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, based on the vehicle's make and model. Many key fobs are easily replaced with new ones from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look on the internet or at your local hardware store, you can often find them at significantly less than the dealer-supplied options. If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplicates can be as low as $10-$15. You might also be able to buy a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain retailers. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding can be expensive. These keys are usually laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys, or high security keys. These keys have a thicker blade and have fewer grooves on the shank. They need to be programmed using a special machine at a locksmith or dealership. A key that has chip could be expensive to replace and usually requires a trip to the dealership to have the replacement coded. These keys are also known as smart keys or transponder keys. They have electronics that must be verified before they can be used to 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. Keys with keyless entry can also be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them or the battery of your key fob fails. Most modern cars have keys that function by sending a signal from your key fob to a device in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It will also open the hatch and trunk when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.