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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts you require to replace your car key without having to pay dealership costs. Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site with a key-cutting machine. This costs on average 20 percent less than buying from dealers. Keys with Transponder Chips A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that provide security and comfort to the car owner. However they also come with a cost. In some cases the cost of replacing a key fob which has been lost or damaged could be costly. There are ways to reduce the costs of these devices. It's much less expensive to have a spare vehicle key made now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and you are facing the cost of the visit of a locksmith or towing fees. The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words “transmitter + responder”) has been a standard feature in cars since the mid 1990s. This technology was designed to counter the growing number of car thefts. Essentially, the car transponder chip emits signals that contain an encrypted password. When the key is placed in the ignition, the antenna ring around it and reads the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will start. This is important because most thieves simply wire the vehicle before driving away. Transponder chips operate in a similar way to the microchips used in cell phones and computers. They do not require constant power. Instead, they send a low-frequency electromagnetic signal which can be detected by special receivers placed in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself. If you're looking to get an extra car key made for a car equipped with a transponder chip We highly recommend you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to program new keys for your particular vehicle model and make. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership. It's also important to remember that stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming option. They typically charge more than professional locksmiths. This is due to the fact that they are able to benefit from the “scaling” effect which occurs when the number of units sold increases. They can then pass on the savings to the consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys have chips or transponders that are paired to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. These keys are more costly to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which can only be done by a dealership or auto locksmith. This procedure can cost as high as $500 for an entirely new key, changing of the immobilizer's programming, and the possibility of labor costs. The most effective method to save money on key cost is to avoid the need to replace your keys in the first place. It is essential to have a spare car key in case the original key is lost. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key from an hardware store or box store for around $25 to $50, depending on the type of key. Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discounted price. A factory key is likely to have the correct transponder. This is vital, as you cannot make use of an aftermarket car key without having it professionally programmed. The majority of hardware and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, which is why they offer only basic key duplication services. You can take them to a dealer or an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith shop to get them replaced. Another thing to think about is that if you're thinking of purchasing a key for a low price from an online retailer, you'll need to make sure it isn't already programmed to another vehicle. This can be done by looking at the blade of the key for chip or a cutout that shows signs of the previous key. A key duplication machine can be purchased, but it is not an option for everyone. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys themselves and you'll need to cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you're not comfortable with that, a vice and hand file are a cheaper alternative. It's not the best option because it can cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key in the lock. Key Fobs with keys Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the vehicle, and also start the motor. These are basically mini remote transmitters that connect to your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to send commands. These are great features for drivers but can be costly to duplicate or replace in the event of loss. Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys due to their sophisticated electronics. Fobs must also be programmed to work with your car and this can increase the cost. A new fob and key could cost as much as $300 when you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of an entirely new fob by up to 50% if purchasing it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have keys that are compatible with the car model you have. Certain key fobs need to be laser-cut or programmed by the local dealer. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the user. Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for less than more sophisticated models because they do not contain an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed. They can still be expensive to copy if you have damaged or lost keys and require a template duplicate them but they're much cheaper than the expense of replacing the entire key set purchased from your car's dealer. You can also lower your key cutting costs by purchasing a new case to replace your old key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that can replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronic components intact. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle of having to schedule an appointment at the dealership. Keys with Keyless Entry Car key fobs offer many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to look for your keys. This is particularly useful when you're carrying large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. They can also help you open your trunk and hatch in the event that they have this feature built-in. These keys are not ideal for long-term usage because they drain batteries. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, based on the vehicle's make and model. Fortunately, most key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. They are often available for much cheaper than a dealer-supplied option, by searching on the internet or visit the local hardware store. If you have an ordinary key, duplicate costs are typically very low and range between $10 and $15. You may also be able to purchase an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain store. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding could be costly. They are typically laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They feature a more robust shank, and less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and they have to be programmed using a specific machine at a dealership or locksmith shop. A key that has a chip can be quite expensive to replace and usually requires an appointment with a dealer to get the replacement code. They are also known as transponder keys or smart keys, and they come with electronic components which must be validated by your vehicle before it will open any doors or start the engine. automotive key cutting near me can charge between $150 to $300 for a new key that comes with the key fob as well as the transponder chip. Keys that have keyless entry could be costly to replace if you lose them or the battery of your key fob dies. Many modern cars come with these keys, which function by sending a signal from the key fob to a receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.