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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 key without paying dealership prices. Simply bring a current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours by using the key cutting machine on site. This costs on average 20 percent less than buying from an agent. Keys with Transponder chips A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that offer a level of security and ease for the owner of the vehicle. However, these devices come with a cost. In some cases the cost of replacing a key fob which has been damaged or lost could be costly. The good news is that there are options to lower the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to buy a spare key now than to wait until you lose your car key and have to pay for the locksmith or towing fees. Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been a vital component of the majority of cars. Its name is derived from “transmitter and responder”. This technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of theft from cars. Essentially, a car transponder chip transmits an electronic signal that has a secret password. When the key is inserted in the ignition, the antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder receives this signal and when it matches the password, the engine starts. This is an important thing because the majority of thieves simply use hot wires to get it started and then leave the scene. Transponder chips function on the same basis as microchips used in computers and cell phones. The different is that they do not require constant power to function. They emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that is identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder and key head. If you require a spare car key made for a vehicle equipped with transponder chips, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to make new keys to match your vehicle model and make. key cutting open now is an excellent alternative to going to the dealership. It's also important to remember that stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming service. They usually charge more than professional locksmiths. This is due to the fact that they can profit from the “scaling” effect which occurs when the number of units sold increases. In other words, they are able to transfer their savings to the consumer. Keys with Electronics Modern keys come with chips or transponders which connect with the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys because they require programming that is only completed by a dealership auto locksmith or your manufacturer of your vehicle. This process can cost up to $500 for the new key, as well as reprogramming the immobilizer, and possibly labor charges. The best method to save money on key cost is to avoid the need to replace your keys in the first place. This means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can purchase another key for between $25 to $50 at the hardware store or a box store, depending on the type of key. Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online or at reduced prices from the manufacturer. A factory key will likely contain the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you won't be able to use an aftermarket car key without having it professionally programmed. The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the tools needed to program modern car keys They can only offer basic duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, a repair shop or dealer to have them replaced. If you're planning to purchase a cheap key on the internet, ensure that it's not programmed to another vehicle. This can be done by looking at the blade of the key to see if there is an embedded chip or a cutout that shows the signs of an old key. A key duplication device can be purchased, but it is not a viable option for most people. The machine is more expensive than blank keys, so you'll need to cut many keys to break even. If you're not comfortable 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 even cut the key off in the lock. Keys with Key Fobs Modern cars come with remote controls that can lock and unlock the vehicle, and start the motor. They are tiny transmitters which communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle via radio waves. These are a great convenience for drivers, but they can be expensive to duplicate or replace if lost. Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronics. They also need to be programmed to work with your car, which can also add cost. A new key and fob can cost up to $300 in the event that you lose your sole functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob down to just $50 by purchasing it online. Search for an appropriate key fob for your vehicle's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these fobs may need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by your local dealer, but a lot are programmable by customers with ease (though some may require two current, working keys for this). Key fobs for standard keys are cheaper than more advanced models to replace since they don't have an embedded chip that has to be programmed after the fact. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you need to create a template for a damaged or lost key it is less than buying a new set of keys from your car dealer. Another way to cut your key cutting costs is to simply purchase a new case for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your key fob while leaving the electronics inside unchanged. These shells are an affordable solution to upgrade your keychain without having to make an appointment with the dealer. Keys with Keyless Entry Car key fobs have many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to search for your keys. This is especially useful when you have large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built-in they will assist you to open your hatch and trunk. These keys are not ideal for long-term usage because they drain the battery. Additionally, they are difficult to program, based on the model and make. Key fobs are often replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. They are often available for much cheaper than a dealer-supplied option, if you look at the internet or go to your local hardware store. If you own a standard key, duplication costs are usually low and range from $10 to $15. You can also buy an additional key from your local hardware store or box retailer store. Keys that require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, however. Keys that are laser cut, sometimes called sidewinder or high-security keys. They feature a more robust shank and have less grooves carved out on the blade and must be programmed with a specific machine at the locksmith shop or dealership. It can be expensive to replace a key that has a microchip and it is usually necessary to visit a dealer to obtain the replacement code. These keys are also known as transponder or smart keys. They are equipped with electronics that must be verified before they can be used to open doors or start engines. Dealers will charge between $150-$300 for a key that has the key fob as well as the transponder chip. If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery inside your key fob goes out it could cost you to replace the keys. Most modern cars have these keys, which function by sending a signal from your key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is near the receiver.