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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost The loss of your car keys isn't a good idea. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car key without paying a dealership's high cost. Simply bring your current working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours using the key cutting machine on site. On average, this costs 20% less than going through a dealer. Keys with Transponder chips A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that provide a level of security and ease for the owner of the vehicle. However they come at a cost. In some cases it could be expensive to replace a damaged or lost key fob. There are methods to lower the expense of these devices. It is much cheaper to get a spare car key today instead of waiting until you lose the key and you are facing the cost of a locksmith's visit or towing fees. The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words “transmitter + responder”) has been a feature of most automobiles since the mid 1990s. This technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of car theft. A car transponder transmits an encrypted signal. When the key is inserted into ignition, the antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder reads the signal and, if it matches the password, the engine is started. This is important because most thieves simply wire the vehicle and drive off. Transponder chips function on a similar basis as microchips in cell phones and computers. 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 that are placed on the ignition cylinder and the key head. If you require an extra car key made for a car equipped with transponder chips, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to make new keys to match your vehicle model and. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership. It's also important to know that some stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming option. They usually charge more than a professional locksmith. They achieve this because they benefit from a “scaling effect” that occurs when the amount of units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to the consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that are connected with the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys because they require programming that is only completed by a dealership auto locksmith or the manufacturer of your vehicle. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for a new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possibly costs for labor. The best way to avoid car key replacement costs is to not have them in the first place. This means having a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can purchase a duplicate key for $25 to $50 at a hardware or box store store, depending 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. The benefit of buying the factory key is that it will likely have the right transponder chip. This is important since you won't be able to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed. The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the equipment to program modern-day car keys, so they can only provide basic duplication services. You can also go to a locksmith, independent auto repair shop, or dealer to have them replaced. If you are planning to purchase an inexpensive key online, make sure it's not programmed for the vehicle of someone else. This can be done by checking the key blade to see if there is chips, or a cutout showing the signs of an old key. A key duplication machine is a different option, but it won't be cost-effective for the majority of people. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys themselves and you'll need to cut many keys in order to break even. If you don't feel at ease using a vice, a hand file is an option that is more affordable. However, this isn't the most secure method as it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key or break the key off in the lock. Keys with Key Fobs A lot of modern cars have key fobs that function as remote controls that lock your car, unlock it and even start the engine. They are tiny transmitters which communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle through radio waves. These are a great convenience for drivers but can be expensive to duplicate or replace in the event of loss. Contrary to traditional keys that require a reputable locksmith, dealer in automotive, or other specialty service provider to design keys, key fobs are equipped with sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to manufacture than their standard counterparts. Fobs also require programming to work with your vehicle, which can also add cost. A new key and fob could cost as much as $300 in the event that you lose your sole functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of the new fob by as much as 50% if purchasing it on the internet. Look for a key fob for your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Certain key fobs need to be programmed or laser-cut by the local dealer. However, many can be programmed by the customer. Standard key fobs are much cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace since they don't have an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed after the fact. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you need to create templates for a damaged or lost key, the cost is much less than buying a new set of keys from a car dealer. Another method to reduce your key cutting costs is by simply buying a new case for your key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that can replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, but leave the electronics intact. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle of trying to schedule an appointment at the dealership. Keys with Keyless Entry Car key fobs offer numerous advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, especially when you're carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. If they have this feature they will help you open your trunk and hatch. These keys aren't ideal for long-term use because they can drain your battery. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. Key fobs are often repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. They are often available for much cheaper than the dealer-supplied version by searching online or at the local hardware store. If you have a standard key, duplication costs are usually very affordable and range from $10 to $15. You might also be able to buy an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. However replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding can be expensive. These keys are usually laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys or high security keys. places to get keys cut near me feature a more robust shank, and less carved-out grooves on the blade and they must be programmed using a special machine at a locksmith shop or dealer. It is costly to replace a key with a microchip and it is often required to visit a dealer to have the replacement coded. These keys are also known as smart keys or transponder keys. They contain electronic components that must be validated before they can be used to open doors or start your engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 to $300 for a new key that has both the key fob as well as an updated transponder chip. Keys that have keyless entry could also be costly to replace in the event that you lose them or your key fob battery is dead. The majority of modern cars have these keys, which work by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks itself according to the signal and opens the trunk and hatch when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.