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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost The loss of your car keys is never an ideal option. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car keys without paying a dealership's high cost. Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site with a key-cutting machine. On average, this costs 20% less than purchasing through a dealer. Keys with Transponder chips Modern cars are equipped with key fobs that provide security and convenience to owners. These devices aren't free. In certain instances it can be expensive to replace a damaged or lost key fob. There are ways to cut down on the cost of these devices. It's cheaper to purchase an extra key today than to wait until you lose your car key and have to pay for the locksmith or towing fees. The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words “transmitter + responder”) has been a feature of most cars since the mid-1990s. This technology was designed to stop the increasing number of car thefts. Essentially, the car transponder chip emits signals that contain an encrypted password. When the key is inserted in the ignition the antenna will ring around it detects the signal. If the signal matches the password, then the engine will start. This is important as most thieves simply wire the vehicle and then drive away. Transponder chips operate in a similar way to the microchips in cell phones and computers. The different is that they do not need constant power to work. Instead, they transmit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that is recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself. We recommend visiting your local locksmith if you need the spare key for a vehicle with transponder. Most locksmiths have a device to program new keys for your particular car model and make. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership. It's also important to know that some stores like AutoZone provide a key-programming service. However, they usually cost higher than a locksmith. This is because they are able to profit from the “scaling” effect which occurs when the quantity of units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys come with transponders or chips that are connected with the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. automotive key cutting are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which must be completed by a dealership or auto locksmith. This procedure can cost up to $500 for a new key, reprogramming the immobilizer and perhaps costs for labor. The best way to cut down on the expense of replacing your car keys is to not have them 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 another key for between $25-$50 at the hardware store or a box store, depending on the key type. Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online at a discounted price from the manufacturer. The advantage of buying an original key is that it will likely have the proper transponder chip. This is important because 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 technology necessary to program modern-day car keys, so they can only provide basic duplication services. You can go to a dealer or a reputable auto repair shop, or a locksmith to have them replaced. Another thing to take into consideration is that if you're thinking of purchasing a key for a low price from an online retailer, you'll need ensure that it's not programmed to someone else's car. This can be done by looking at the blade of the key to determine if it has chips, or a cutout showing evidence of an old key. A key duplication device can be purchased, but this isn't an option for everyone. The machine costs more than keys with blanks, which means you'll need to cut numerous keys in order to break even. If you're not at ease with a vice hand files are an alternative that is less expensive. However, it's not the safest method because it may cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even cut the key off inside the lock. Keys with Key Fobs Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the car, and start the motor. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that communicate with the computer in your vehicle via radio waves to send commands. They're a benefit for drivers, but they can be costly to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one. Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys because they contain sophisticated electronics. They also require to be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which can add up in costs as well. If you lose your only functioning fob, it could cost you up to $300 to have a brand new original key and fob from the dealer. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob down to as little as $50 if you buy it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have keys that are compatible with your car model. Some of these key fobs must be programmed or laser-cut by the dealer in your area. However, many of them can be programmed by the buyer. Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for less than more sophisticated models because they do not have an embedded chip which must be reprogrammed. However, they can be costly to duplicate if you need to design templates to replace a damaged or lost key The cost is far less than buying a new set of keys from a car dealer. Another option to reduce your key cutting costs is to purchase a new case for your key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, but leave the electronic components intact. These shells are a cost-effective solution to upgrade your keychain without having to make an appointment with a dealer. Keys with Keyless Entry Car key fobs come with numerous advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without the need to hunt for your keys. This is especially useful when you have large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built in they will help you open your trunk and hatch. These keys aren't ideal for long-term use because they drain the battery. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. Many key fobs are easily replaced with new ones from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available at a lower cost than dealer-supplied options, if you look online or at the local hardware store. If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplicates can be as just $10 to $15. You may also be able to buy a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain store. Keys that require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, however. They are usually laser-cut, often referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a larger shank and less carved-out grooves on the blade and must be programmed using a special machine that is found at a locksmith shop or dealer. A key with a chip can be quite expensive to replace and usually requires the visit to a dealership to get the replacement code. These are commonly called smart or transponder keys, and they are equipped with electronics that need to be verified by your car before it will open any doors or start the engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 and $300 for a new original key that includes both the key fob as well as a new transponder chip. If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery inside your key fob goes out it could cost you to replace them. These keys are found 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 hatch and trunk if the key is within close proximity to the receiver.