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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost Losing your car keys isn't a good idea. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and the parts to replace your keys without having to pay the dealership. Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site with a key cutting machine. On average, this is 20% less than buying through the dealer. Keys with Transponder chips Modern cars have key fobs, which offer security and convenience for car owners. These devices aren't free. In certain instances, the cost of replacing the key fob that has been damaged or lost can be high. The good news is that there are options to cut the costs associated with these devices. It is cheaper to order a spare key now than to wait until you lose your car key and need to pay a locksmith or towing charges. The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words “transmitter + responder”) has been in use in the majority of automobiles since the mid 1990s. This technology was designed to combat the rising number of car thefts. The car transponder transmits the secret code through a signal. When the key is placed in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it and reads the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will begin. This is crucial because the majority of thieves simply wire the vehicle and then drive away. Transponder chips function in a similar way to microchips found in computers and cell phones. They don't require constant power. Instead, they emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that can be detected by special receivers placed in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself. If you require an extra car key made for a car with transponder chips We highly recommend you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a tool that can program new keys to match the make and model of the vehicle you own. This is a great alternative to visiting the dealership. It's also important to remember that some stores, like AutoZone will offer a key programming service. They often charge much more than a professional locksmith. They achieve this because they take advantage of a “scaling effect” that occurs when the number units sold rises. In this way, they could transfer their cost savings to consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys are equipped with chips or transponders that are paired to the car when the key is put in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which can only be completed by a dealership or auto locksmith. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for a new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer and perhaps labor charges. The most effective way to save on car key cost is to avoid the need to replace your keys in the first place. That means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can buy another key for between $25 to $50 at the hardware store or a box shop, based on the type of key. Many people don't realize that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discount. A factory-issued key will most likely have the correct transponder. This is important, as you won't be able to use an aftermarket car key unless it's been professionally programmed. The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the technology necessary to program modern car keys, so they can only offer basic duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, a repair shop or dealer 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 make sure it isn't already programmed to someone else's car. This can be done by checking the blade of the key for chips or an open cutout that has evidence of an earlier key. A key duplication machine may be purchased, but this isn't an option for everyone. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys themselves and you'll need cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you're not comfortable with that, a vice and hand file are a much more affordable alternative. However, it's not the most secure method as it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even cut the key off inside the lock. Key Fobs with keys Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the car and even start the motor. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that communicate with the computer in your vehicle via radio waves to transmit commands. They're a great convenience for drivers, however they can be expensive to replace or duplicate if you lose one. Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys because they contain sophisticated electronics. They also need to be programmed to work with your car, which can also add cost. If you lose your only working fob, it can cost you up to $300 to have a brand new original fob and key from the dealership. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to only $50 by purchasing it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have keys that are compatible with your car model. Some of these key fobs must be programmed or laser-cut by your local dealer. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the customer. Key fobs that are standard are less expensive than more advanced models to replace because they don't come with an embedded chip that requires to be programmed after the fact. However, they can be costly to duplicate in the event that you need to design a template for a damaged or lost key, the cost is much lower than purchasing a brand new set of keys from your car dealer. Another option to reduce the cost of cutting keys is by simply buying an entirely new shell for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that can replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, yet leave the electronics intact. These shells are a cost-effective solution to updating your keychain without the need to make an appointment with a dealer. Keys with Keyless Entry Car key fobs have a lot of benefits. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you have large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. They can even help you open your trunk and hatch, when they've got this feature built-in. These keys aren't recommended for long-term use since they drain batteries. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, depending on the vehicle's model and make. Fortunately, many key fobs can be replaced using replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look on the internet or at your local hardware store, you will often find them at a much lower price than the dealer-supplied options. If replacement car key cutting have a standard key, the cost of duplication could be as low as $10-$15. You can also purchase an additional key from your local hardware or box retailer store. However, replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding could be costly. They 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 must be programmed by a special machine in a locksmith or dealership. It can be expensive to replace a key using a microchip and it is usually necessary to visit the dealer to have the replacement coded. These keys are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They have electronics that need to be verified before they can open doors or start engines. A dealer will often charge between $150 to $300 for a new original key that includes both the key fob as well as the transponder chip. If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery inside your key fob goes out it could be expensive to replace the keys. Most modern cars have keys that function by sending a signal from the key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It will also open the hatch and trunk when the key is near the receiver.