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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost The loss of your car keys is never a good idea. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car keys without having to pay dealership cost. Simply bring a current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours by using a key cutting machine onsite. key cutter 's about 20 percent less than buying from dealers. Keys that have Transponder chips Modern cars are equipped with key fobs, which offer security and convenience to owners. However they also come with a cost. In some cases 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 car key made now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and are faced with paying for the visit of a locksmith or towing fees. The transponder chip (which is named after the words “transmitter + responder”) has been a standard feature in automobiles since the mid 1990s. The technology was developed in response to rising levels of vehicle theft. In essence, the chip in a car transponder transmits an electronic signal that has an encrypted password. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder detects this signal and if it matches the password, the engine starts. This is important because most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle before driving off. Transponder chips work on a similar principle to the microchips in computers and cell phones. The difference is that they don't require constant power to operate. Instead, they emit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency that is detected by special receivers placed in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself. If Click Link need to have a spare car key made for a vehicle equipped with a transponder chip, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Most locksmiths will have a tool to program new keys to match the model and make of your car. This is a great alternative to visiting a dealership. It's also important to remember that stores like AutoZone provide a key-programming service. However, they usually cost more than locksmiths. This is due to the fact that they can take advantage of the “scaling” effect which occurs when the number of units sold rises. They can then pass the savings to consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys come with transponders or chips that are connected to the car when the key is put in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they need programming that can only be completed by a dealership auto locksmith or the manufacturer of your vehicle. The process could cost as much as $500 for a new key, the changing of the immobilizer's programming, and possible labor charges. The best way to avoid the expense of replacing your car keys is to not require them in the first place. It is important to have a spare car key in case the original one is lost. You can buy another key for between $25-$50 at a hardware or box store shop, based on the key type. Most people don't know that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a reduced price. A factory-issued key will most likely have the correct transponder. This is crucial 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 tools needed to program modern car key, so they can only provide basic duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, auto repair shop or the dealer to get them replaced. If you are planning to purchase a cheap key online, make sure it's not programmed to the vehicle of someone else. This can be done by looking at the blade of the key for a chip or for an open cutout that has evidence of an earlier key. A key duplication machine is another option, but it won't be affordable for most people. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys and you'll need to cut many keys to make a profit. If you're not happy with this, a vice and hand file are a much cheaper alternative. However, it's not the safest method because it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key or break the key off in the lock. Keys with Key Fobs Many modern cars come with key fobs that are remote controls to lock and unlock your car and even start the engine. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that communicate with your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to send commands. These are a great convenience for drivers but can be expensive to duplicate or replace if lost. Contrary to traditional keys that require a professional locksmith, automotive dealer, or any other specialist service provider to make keys, key fobs are equipped with sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to manufacture than their basic counterparts. Key fobs must also be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which can add up in cost too. A new fob and key could cost as much as $300 if you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob to just $50 by purchasing it online. Find the right key fob for your vehicle's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these fobs may require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by a local dealer, but many are programmable by customers easily (though some require two working, current keys for this). Standard key fobs are much cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace as they don't have an embedded chip that has to be programmed after the fact. While they can be expensive to duplicate if you have to create a template to replace a damaged or lost key it is less than buying a new key from your car dealer. You can also cut down on key cutting costs by purchasing a new case to replace your current key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that can replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, while leaving the electronic components intact. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle of trying to schedule an appointment at the dealership. Keys for Keyless Entry Car key fobs offer many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, particularly when you're carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built-in, they can help you open the trunk and hatch. These keys are not ideal for long-term usage because they can drain your battery. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, depending on the vehicle's make and model. Many key fobs are easily replaced with new ones from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. These can often be found at a lower cost than a dealer-supplied option, by searching at the internet or go to the local hardware store. If you already have a standard key then the cost of duplicates can be as low as $10 to $15. You can also buy keys to replace them at your local hardware store or box retailer store. Newer keys that require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, but. They are typically laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. These keys have a thicker blade and less grooves on its shank. They must 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 obtain a replacement code. These keys are also known as smart keys or transponder keys. They are equipped with electronics that must be validated before they can open doors or start engines. Dealers charge between $150-$300 for a key that comes with the key fob and a transponder chip. If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery inside your key fob goes out it could cost you to replace the keys. These keys are found in most modern cars. They function by sending messages from the key fob into a receiver within your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It will also open the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.