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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost The loss of your car keys is not a good idea. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts you require to replace your car key without paying a dealership's high costs. Simply bring your current working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours by using an on-site key cutting machine. It's about 20% less than buying from dealers. Keys that have Transponder chips Modern cars come with key fobs, which provide security and convenience for car owners. These devices are not free. In certain instances the cost of replacing the key fob that is damaged or lost can be high. The good news is that there are options to lower the costs associated with these devices. It's much less expensive to have a spare vehicle key now instead of waiting until you lose the key and you are faced with paying for the visit of a locksmith or towing fees. Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been a vital component of most cars. The name derives from “transmitter and responder”. The technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of theft from cars. The basic idea behind the chip in a car transponder transmits signals that contain an encrypted password. When the key is put in the ignition, the antenna ring around it reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, then the engine will begin. This is important as most thieves simply wire the vehicle before driving off. Transponder chips function on a similar basis as microchips in cell phones and computers. The different is that they do not require constant power to operate. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal of low frequency that can be recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself. We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if you require the spare key for your vehicle that has a transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to program new keys for your particular car model and make. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership. It is also important to know that some stores, like AutoZone will offer a key programming service. However, they often cost significantly higher than a locksmith. This is because they are able to profit from the “scaling” effect which occurs when the quantity of units sold increases. In other words, they are able to transfer their cost savings to the consumer. Keys with Electronics Modern keys come with chips or transponders which are connected with the vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they require programming that is only performed by a dealership, auto locksmith, or your manufacturer of your vehicle. This procedure can cost as high as $500 for new keys, the reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possibly, labor costs. The best way to save on car key cost is to avoid the need to replace your keys in the first place. It is important to have a spare car key in case the original one is lost. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key from the hardware store or at a box store for between $25-$50, based on the kind of key. Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a reduced price. A factory-issued key will likely contain the correct transponder. This is important because you won't be in a position to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed. The majority of hardware stores and box stores do not have the technology to program modern car keys, so they only offer basic key duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, a repair shop or dealer to have them replaced. Another thing to consider is that if you're thinking of purchasing a key for a low price from an online retailer, you'll need make sure it isn't already programmed to a vehicle belonging to someone else. This can be done by examining the key blade to find chip or the cutout to see if it shows evidence of an earlier key. A key duplication device can be purchased, but it is not an option for most people. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys themselves, and you'll have cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you're not sure about that, a vice and hand file are a more affordable alternative. However, this isn't the safest method because it could damage the key's electronics or break the key off inside the lock. Keys with Key Fobs Modern cars come with remote controls that can lock and unlock the vehicle, and even start the motor. These are basically mini remote transmitters that connect to the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to transmit commands. These are a great convenience for drivers but can be costly to duplicate or replace if they are lost. Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys due to their sophisticated electronic components. Fobs also require programming to work with your car and can add cost. A new key and fob could cost as much as $300 when you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to just $50 by purchasing it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have keys that are compatible with your car model. Some of these key fobs will need to be laser-cut or programmed by your local dealer. However, many can be programmed by the buyer. Standard key fobs are much cheaper than more advanced models to replace since they don't have an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed following the fact. They are still expensive to copy if you have damaged or lost keys and need a template to duplicate them but they're much more affordable than the cost of replacing an entire key set from your dealer for your car. You can also reduce your cost of cutting keys by purchasing a new shell to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that will replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, yet leave the electronic components intact. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle of trying to schedule an appointment at the dealership. Keys for Keyless Entry Car key fobs have a lot of benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, particularly when you're carrying heavy groceries or other weights in your hands. They can even help you open your hatch and trunk, when they've got this feature built in. These keys are not ideal for long-term use because they drain batteries. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Many key fobs are easily repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. They are often available at a lower cost than the dealer-supplied version by searching online or at your local hardware store. If you already have a standard key then the cost of duplication could be as low as $10-$15. You can also buy a replacement key at your local hardware store or box retailer store. Keys that are newer and require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, however. These keys are usually laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys, or high security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and less grooves on the shank. They must be programmed using a special machine in a locksmith or dealership. cost to get a key cut is costly to replace a key using a microchip, and it's often necessary to visit the dealer to have the replacement coded. They are also known as transponder or smart keys and they have electronics inside that must be validated by your vehicle before it can open doors or start the engine. Dealers will charge between $150 and $300 for a key that includes the key fob and the transponder chip. Keys that have keyless entry could be costly to replace if you lose them or the battery of your key fob fails. Many modern cars come with these keys, which work by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car according to the signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.