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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car key without paying dealership cost. Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site with a key cutting machine. It's about 20% less than purchasing through the dealer. Keys that have Transponder chips Modern cars have key fobs, which offer security and convenience to owners. These devices aren't free. In certain instances, the cost of replacing a key fob which has been damaged or lost can be high. There are ways to cut down on the expense of these devices. It's much less expensive to get a spare car key made now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and are confronted with the expense of the visit of a locksmith or towing charges. The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words “transmitter + responder”) has been a standard feature in automobiles since the mid-1990s. The technology was developed as a response to the rising rate of car theft. Essentially, the chip in a car transponder transmits signals that contain the secret password. When the key is inserted into ignition, the antenna ring around the ignition cylinder reads this signal and if it matches the password, the engine is started. This is significant because most thieves simply connect a hot wire to the vehicle to start it and then leave the scene. Transponder chips function on a similar basis as microchips found in computers and cell phones. They do not require constant power. They emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that can be identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder and the key head. If you're looking to get a spare car key made for a car equipped with a transponder chip We strongly suggest that you visit your local locksmith. Most locksmiths have a device to program new keys for your particular vehicle model and. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership. It's also important to remember that stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming option. They usually charge more than a professional locksmith. They can do this because they can take advantage of a “scaling effect” that occurs when the amount of units sold increases. In other words, they can transfer their cost savings to consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys are equipped with chips or transponders that are paired to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming that is only done by a dealership, auto locksmith or the manufacturer of your vehicle. This process can cost up to $500 for the new key, as well as reprogramming the immobilizer, and possibly costs for labor. The best way to cut down on the expense of replacing your car keys is to not require them in the first place. It is important 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 kind of key. Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a reduced price. The benefit of buying an original key is that it will come with the proper transponder chip. This is crucial, since you will not be able make use of an aftermarket car key unless it has been professionally programmed. The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the equipment to program modern-day car keys, so they can only provide basic duplication services. You can also go to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop, or a locksmith to get them replaced. If index planning to purchase an inexpensive key online, make sure that it's not programmed to the vehicle of someone else. This can be done by looking at the key blade to find chips or a cutout that shows signs of a previous key. A key duplication machine may be purchased, but this is not an option for the majority of 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 using a vice, a hand file is an alternative that is less expensive. This isn't the most secure option because it can damage the key's electronic components or break the key in the lock. Keys with Key Fobs Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the car and start the motor. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that communicate with the computer in your vehicle via radio waves to send commands. They are a convenience for drivers, however they can be costly to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one. Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys because they contain sophisticated electronic components. Fobs also need to be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which could add up in cost too. A new key and fob can cost up to $300 when you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of an entirely new fob by up to 50% if you purchase it online. Search for the right key fob for your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Certain key fobs must be programmed or laser-cut by the dealer in your area. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the buyer. Standard key fobs are much cheaper than more advanced models to replace because they don't contain an embedded chip that requires to be programmed after the fact. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you have to create templates to replace a damaged or lost key The cost is far less than buying a new set of keys from a car dealer. You can also reduce your cost of cutting keys by buying a new shell to replace your old key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that can replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, but leave the electronic components intact. These shells are a cost-effective solution to update your keychain without making an appointment with the dealer. Keys for Keyless Entry The car key fob offers many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, particularly when you're carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. If they've got this feature they will help you open your trunk and hatch. The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they tend to drain the battery and make it difficult to use for long periods of time. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs can be replaced using replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. They are often available at a lower cost than the dealer-supplied version when you search online or at your local hardware store. If you already have a standard-sized key, duplication costs can be as just $10 to $15. You can also buy a replacement key at your local hardware store or box retailer store. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding could be costly. These keys are usually laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys or high security keys. They have a larger shank, and less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and must be programmed with a specific machine at the locksmith shop or dealership. It is costly to replace a key using a microchip, and it's often necessary to visit a dealer to have the replacement coded. Keys with chips are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They are equipped with electronics that need to be verified before they can be used to open doors or start your engine. A dealer typically charges between $150 and $300 for a new original key that has both the key fob as well as an updated transponder chip. Keys that have keyless entry could also be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them or the battery of your key fob dies. Keyless entry keys can be found in most modern cars. They function by sending a message from the key fob into an internal receiver in 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.