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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. AutoZone offers 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 the contours using the key cutting machine on site. It's typically 20 percent less than buying from dealers. Keys with Transponder Chips Modern cars come with key fobs, which offer convenience and security to car owners. However car keys cut and programmed come with costs. In some cases, it can be quite high to replace a lost or damaged key fob. There are ways to cut down on the costs of these devices. It's cheaper to get a spare car key now instead of waiting until you lose the key and are confronted with the expense of an appointment with a locksmith or towing costs. 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 created to counter the growing number of car thefts. Transponders in cars transmit a secret code via a signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition the antenna will ring around it and reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, then the engine will start. This is an important thing since most thieves use hot wires to start it, and then take off. Transponder chips function in a similar way to microchips in computers and cell phones. The distinction is that they don't need constant power to work. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that can be detected by special detectors that are placed on the ignition cylinder as well as key head. We recommend visiting your local locksmith if you need an extra key for a car equipped with transponder. Many locksmiths have a system to make new keys for your particular vehicle model and. This is an excellent alternative to visiting a dealership. Also, it's important to know that some stores such as AutoZone provide a key-programming service. However, they usually cost higher than a locksmith. This is due to the fact that they are able to take advantage of the “scaling” effect that occurs when the quantity of units sold increases. They can then pass on the savings to consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that are connected with the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which must be performed by a dealership or auto locksmith. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for a new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer and possibly labor charges. The best way to cut down on the expense of replacing your car keys is to not need them in the first place. It is important to have a spare car key in the event that the original key is lost. You can buy a duplicate key from a hardware store or box store for between $25 to $50, depending on the type of key. Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online or at a discounted price from the manufacturer. The advantage of purchasing the factory key is that it will be equipped with the right transponder chip. This is crucial since you won't be able to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed. The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the technology necessary to program modern-day car keys, so they can only offer basic duplication services. You can also go to a dealer or an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith to get them replaced. Another thing to take into consideration is that if you're considering buying a cheap key 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 for chips or a cutout that shows signs of the previous key. A key duplication machine can be purchased, but it is not an option for most people. The machine is more expensive than blank keys, so you'll need to cut many keys in order to break even. If you're not comfortable using a vice, a hand file is a more affordable alternative. This isn't the most secure option as it could damage the key's electronic components or even break the key inside the lock. Key Fobs with keys Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the car, and also start the motor. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that connect to the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to send commands. They're a benefit for drivers, however they can be expensive to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one. Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys due to their sophisticated electronics. Fobs also need to be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which can increase the cost as well. A new key and fob can cost up to $300 if you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob down to as little as $50 by buying it online. Look for the right key fob for your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these keys may require laser cutting by a locksmith or programmed by a local dealer, but a lot are programmable by customers with relative ease (though some may require two current, working keys to do this). Key fobs for standard keys are cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace since they don't come with an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed following the fact. They can be costly to copy if you have damaged or lost keys and require a template to duplicate them however, they are cheaper than the expense of replacing the entire key set from the dealer in your vehicle. Another way to cut your costs for cutting keys is to simply purchase a new shell for your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your keychain, while leaving the electronics inside unchanged. These shells are a cost-effective option to upgrade your keychain without making an appointment with the dealer. Keys for Keyless Entry The car key fob offers many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without the need to hunt for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you have large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. They can even assist you to open your trunk and hatch, if they have this functionality built-in. These keys are not ideal for long-term use because they can drain your battery. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, depending on the make and model. Many key fobs are easily repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. They are often available at a much lower cost than dealer-supplied options, if you look on the internet or visit your local hardware store. If you own an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually very low, and can vary from $10 to $15. You can also purchase an additional key from your local box retailer or hardware store. Newer keys that require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, but. They are usually laser-cut and may be 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 with a specific machine that is found at a locksmith shop or dealer. A key with chip could be costly to replace and often requires a trip to the dealership to have the replacement coded. Keys with chips are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They have electronics that must be validated before they can be used to open doors or start your engine. A dealer typically charges between $150 and $300 for a brand new original key that includes both the key fob and an updated transponder chip. If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery inside your key fob goes out, it can be costly to replace them. These keys are found in most modern cars. They work by sending a message from the key fob to an internal receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks itself in accordance with this signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is within close proximity to the receiver.