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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 that you need to replace your car keys without paying 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. It's typically 20 percent less than purchasing from a dealer. Keys with Transponder chips Modern cars are equipped with key fobs, which offer security and convenience to owners. However they come at an expense. In some instances, the cost of replacing the key fob that has been damaged or lost can be high. There are methods to lower the costs of these devices. It's cheaper to buy a spare key now than wait until you lose your car key and need to pay a locksmith or towing charges. Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip had been a vital component of most cars. Its name is derived from “transmitter and responder”. This technology was created in response to rising levels of theft from cars. A car transponder transmits a secret code via a signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition, an antenna ring around the ignition cylinder detects this signal and when it matches the password, the engine starts. This is important because most thieves simply wire the vehicle before driving off. Transponder chips work in a similar way to the microchips in computers and cell phones. The distinction is that they don't require constant power to operate. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal of low frequency which can be identified by special receivers in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself. We suggest visiting your local locksmith if in need of the spare key for a vehicle with transponder. Many locksmiths have a system to create new keys for your specific car model and make. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership. It's also important to remember that some stores, like AutoZone will offer a key programming service. However, they typically cost higher than a locksmith. They can achieve this because they benefit from a “scaling effect” that occurs when the amount of units sold increases. They can then pass on the savings to consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys come with chips or transponders which pair with the vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which can only be completed by an auto locksmith or a dealership. This process can cost up to $500 for an entirely new key, programming of the immobilizer and possible labor charges. The best way to reduce the expense of replacing your car keys is to not have them in the first place. That means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key from the hardware store or at a box store for around $25 to $50, depending on the type of key. Most people don't know that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a reduced price. A factory key will likely have the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you will not be able use a car key that is aftermarket unless it has been professionally programmed. The majority of hardware and box stores do not have the technology to program modern car keys, which is why they only offer basic key duplication services. You can take them to a dealer or an independent auto repair shop, or a locksmith to get them replaced. If you plan to buy an inexpensive key online, make sure that it's not programmed to the vehicle of someone else. You can do this by examining the blade of the key for chips or a cutout that shows signs of the previous key. A key duplication device can be purchased, but this is not a viable option for everyone. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys and you'll need cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you don't feel comfortable using a vice, hand-files are an option that is more affordable. However, this isn't the most secure option as it may harm the electronics of the key or break the key off in the lock. Keys with Key Fobs Many modern vehicles come with key fobs, which are remote controls that allow you to lock and unlock your car and start the engine. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that connect to the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to transmit commands. They are a great benefit for drivers, but they can be costly to duplicate or replace if they are lost. Contrary to traditional keys that require a professional locksmith, automotive dealer, or any other specialist service provider to create keys, key fobs have sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to make than the standard keys. Key fobs must also be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which can add up in cost too. A new key and fob could cost as much as $300 if you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to just $50 if you buy it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have an appropriate key fob for the car model you have. g28carkeys need to be programmed or laser-cut by the dealer in your area. However, many can be programmed by the customer. Key fobs that are standard are less expensive than more advanced models to replace because they don't contain an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed after the fact. While they can be expensive to duplicate if you need to design an original template for a lost or damaged key it is lower than purchasing a brand new key from your car dealer. Another option to reduce your costs for cutting keys is to simply purchase an entirely new shell for your current key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the plastic outer and buttons on your key fob and leave the electronics inside unchanged. These shells are an affordable solution to update your keychain without having to make an appointment with the dealer. Keys with Keyless Entry The car key fob offers many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, especially when you're carrying groceries or other heavy items in your hands. If they have this feature they will assist you to open your trunk and hatch. These keys aren't recommended for long-term usage because they drain batteries. Additionally, they are difficult to program, based on the vehicle's model and make. Fortunately, most key fobs can be replaced using replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available for much cheaper than the dealer-supplied version when you search on the internet or visit your local hardware store. If you already have a standard key then duplication costs can be as just $10 to $15. You can also buy a replacement key at your local box retailer or hardware store. Keys that are newer and require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, but. They are usually laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys, or high security keys. They feature a more robust shank and less carved-out grooves on the blade of the key, and must be programmed using a special machine that is found at a dealership or locksmith shop. A key with a chip can be quite expensive to replace and usually requires an appointment with a dealer to obtain a replacement code. These keys are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They contain electronic components that need to be verified before they can be used to open doors or start engines. Dealers will charge between $150 and $300 for a key that has the key fob and the transponder chip. 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. The majority of modern cars have these keys, which function by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a receiver in your car. The car then locks or unlocks based on this signal and opens the hatch and trunk if the key is in close proximity to the receiver.