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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your keys without having to pay a dealership. Simply bring a working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours by using the key cutting machine on site. On average, this is 20% less than buying through a dealer. Keys with Transponder Chips Many modern cars have key fobs that offer an element of security and comfort to the car owner. However they also come with a cost. In certain instances it can be expensive to replace a damaged or lost key fob. The good news is that there are ways to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It's cheaper to buy an extra key now rather than wait until you lose your car key and then pay for locksmith services or towing costs. The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words “transmitter + responder”) has been in use in the majority of automobiles since the mid 1990s. This technology was created in response to rising levels of vehicle theft. A car transponder transmits the secret code through a signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it and reads the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will start. This is significant because the majority of thieves simply connect a hot wire to the vehicle to start it, and then take off. Transponder chips function in a similar way to microchips used in computers and cell phones. The distinction is that they don't require constant power to operate. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that is detected by special detectors placed on the ignition cylinder as well as the key head. If key cut places near me looking to get a spare car key made for a car equipped with a transponder chip, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a tool that can program new keys to match the model and make of the vehicle you own. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership. It's also important to note that stores such as AutoZone provide a key-programming service. They typically charge more than professional locksmiths. This is due to the fact that they are able to profit from the “scaling” effect which occurs when the quantity of units sold increases. In other words, they can pass on their costs savings to consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that are connected to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they need programming that is only done by a dealership, auto locksmith, or your vehicle's manufacturer. This process can cost up to $500 for a new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer and possibly costs for labor. The best way to avoid car key replacement costs is to not require them in the first place. It is essential to have an extra car key in case the original one is lost. You can purchase a duplicate key for $25 to $50 at the hardware store or a box retailer, based on the type of key. Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online or at a discounted price from the manufacturer. The advantage of buying a factory key is that it will likely come with the correct transponder chip. This is crucial, since you will not be able use an aftermarket car key unless it has been professionally programmed. The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the technology necessary 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 get them replaced. If you plan to buy a key for a low price online, make sure it hasn't been programmed for another vehicle. This can be done by looking at the key blade to find a chip or for the cutout to see if it shows evidence of the previous key. A key duplication machine may be bought, but it is not a viable option for the majority of people. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys themselves, and you'll have to cut many keys to break even. If you're not at ease using a vice, hand files are an alternative that is less expensive. This isn't the most secure option as it could damage the key's electronic components or even break the key in the lock. Keys with Key Fobs Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that function as remote controls that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle and also to start the engine. These are basically mini remote transmitters that communicate with your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to send commands. They are a convenience for drivers, however they can be costly to replace or duplicate if you lose one. Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronics. Fobs also require programming to work with your vehicle and this can add cost. A new key and fob could cost as much as $300 if you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob down to only $50 if you buy it on the internet. Find the right key fob for your vehicle's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these key fobs need to be programmed or laser-cut by the dealer in your area. However, many of them can be programmed by the customer. Standard key fobs are much less expensive than more advanced models to replace since they don't come with an embedded chip that needs to be programmed after the fact. While they can be expensive to duplicate if you have to create templates for a lost or damaged key The cost is far less than buying a new set of keys from your car dealer. You can also cut down on key cutting expenses by purchasing a new case to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your key fob, and leave the electronics inside unchanged. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain, and save you the headache of trying to schedule an appointment with the dealership. Keys with Keyless Entry The car key fob offers many benefits. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to look for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you are carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built in, they can help you open your hatch and trunk. The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they tend to drain the battery and make it difficult to use for long periods of time. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, depending on the vehicle's model and make. Fortunately, many key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. They are often available at a much lower cost than a dealer-supplied option, when you search on the internet or visit your local hardware store. If you already have a standard key, duplication costs can be as low as $10 to $15. You can also purchase keys to replace them at your local hardware store or box retailer store. Newer keys that require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, however. Keys that are laser-cut, often referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They feature a more robust shank, and less carved-out grooves on the blade and they have to be programmed with a specific machine at a locksmith shop or dealer. It can be expensive to replace a key using a microchip and it is often required to visit a dealer to have the replacement coded. These are commonly called transponder or smart keys and they come with electronic components which must be validated by your car before it will open any doors or start the engine. Dealers will charge between $150 and $300 for a key that has the key fob and the transponder chip. If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery inside your key fob dies it could cost you to replace them. Most modern cars have keys that function by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car then locks or unlocks according to the signal and opens the trunk and hatch if the key is within close proximity to the receiver.