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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your key without overpaying at the dealership. 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 going through a dealer. Keys with Transponder chips A lot of modern cars come with key fobs which provide a level of security and ease for the owner of the vehicle. These devices aren't free. In some instances the cost of replacing a key fob that has been lost or damaged can be high. The good news is that there are ways to reduce the cost associated with these devices. laser key cutting is much cheaper to have a spare vehicle key today, rather than waiting until you lose the key and you are faced with paying for an appointment with a locksmith or towing costs. 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 counter the growing number of car thefts. The car transponder transmits a secret code via a signal. When the key is inserted into the ignition, an antenna ring around the ignition cylinder detects this signal and when it matches the password, the engine starts. This is significant because most thieves simply connect a hot wire to the vehicle to get it started and then drive off. Transponder chips work in a similar way to the microchips in cell phones and computers. The difference is that they don't require constant power to function. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal of low frequency that can be identified by special receivers in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself. We suggest visiting your local locksmith if in need of a spare key for your vehicle that has a transponder. Many locksmiths have a tool to program new keys to match the make and model of your car. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership. Also, it's important to remember that stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming option. They typically charge more than a professional locksmith. They can do this because they profit from the “scaling effect” that occurs when the number units sold rises. They can then pass on the savings to consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys come with chips or transponders which are connected to the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they need programming that can only be done by a dealership, auto locksmith, or your vehicle's manufacturer. This procedure can cost up to $500 for a new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer and perhaps the cost of labor. The most effective method to cut down on key cost is to avoid the need to replace your keys in the first place. It is crucial to have an extra car key in case the original is lost. You can buy an additional key for $25 to $50 at a box store or hardware retailer, based on the key type. Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a reduced price. A factory-issued key will likely contain the correct transponder. This is vital, as you won't be able to make use of an aftermarket car key unless it's been professionally programmed. The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the equipment to program modern car key, so they can only offer basic duplication services. You can also go to a dealer or an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith shop to get them replaced. If you're planning to purchase a cheap key on the internet, ensure that it hasn't been programmed for the vehicle of someone else. This can be done by checking the blade of the key for a chip or for an open cutout that has evidence of the previous key. The purchase of a key duplication device is another option however, it's not affordable for most people. The machine costs more than keys with blanks, which means you'll need to cut many keys to break even. If you're not sure about this, a vice and hand file are a more affordable option. 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 in the lock. Key Fobs with Keys Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the vehicle, and even start the motor. These are small remote transmitters which communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves. They're a benefit for drivers, however they can be costly to replace or duplicate if you lose one. Contrary to traditional keys that require a reputable locksmith, automotive dealer, or any other specialist service provider to create keys, key fobs are equipped with advanced electronics, making them more expensive to make than their standard counterparts. Fobs must also be programmed to work with your vehicle and this can increase the cost. If you lose your only working fob, it could cost up to $300 to have a brand new original fob and key from the dealership. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob to only $50 by buying it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have an appropriate key fob for the car model you have. Some of these fobs might need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by a local dealer, but a lot can be customer-programmed with ease (though some may require two working, current keys to do this). Key fobs for standard keys are cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace since they don't have an embedded chip that requires to be programmed after the fact. They can still be expensive to duplicate if you've got a lost or damaged key and require a template reproduce them, but they are much cheaper than the expense of replacing an entire key set from the car's dealer. Another option to reduce the cost of cutting keys is by simply buying a new case for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that will replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, but leave the electronic components intact. These shells are a cost-effective option to upgrade your keychain without the need to make an appointment with the dealer. Keys with Keyless Entry The car key fob comes with many benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, particularly when you're carrying heavy groceries or other weights in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built in they will assist you to open your hatch and trunk. These keys aren't ideal for long-term use because they drain the battery. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, depending on the vehicle's make and model. Fortunately, most key fobs can be replaced using replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. These can often be found for much cheaper than a dealer-supplied option, when you search at the internet or go to the local hardware store. If you own an ordinary key, duplicate costs are typically very low and vary from $10 to $15. You can also purchase a replacement key at your local hardware or box retailer store. However, replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding can be expensive. These keys are typically laser-cut, often called sidewinder or high-security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and less grooves on its shank. They have to be programmed by a special machine found in a locksmith dealership. A key with a chip can be quite expensive to replace and typically requires an appointment with a dealer to obtain a replacement code. These keys are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They have electronics that must be validated before they are able to open doors or start your engine. Dealers charge between $150 to $300 for a key that includes the key fob, as well as transponder chips. Keys that have keyless entry could be costly to replace in the event that you lose them or the battery of your key fob dies. Keyless entry keys are available in the majority of modern automobiles. They work by sending a message from the key fob to an internal receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It will also open the hatch and trunk when the key is close to the receiver.