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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost The loss of your car keys is never a good idea. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car key without having to pay dealership costs. Simply bring a working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours by using the key cutting machine on site. On average, this costs 20% less than buying through a dealer. similar web page with Transponder Chips Many modern cars have key fobs which provide an element of security and ease for the owner of the vehicle. However they also come with an expense. In certain instances it can be high to replace a damaged or lost key fob. There are methods to lower the costs of these devices. It is cheaper to order a spare key now instead of waiting until you lose your car keys and have to pay for a locksmith or towing charges. Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip had been a vital component of all automobiles. The name derives from “transmitter and responder”. This technology was designed to counter the growing number of car thefts. In essence, a car transponder chip transmits signals that contain an encrypted password. When the key is placed in the ignition, the antenna ring around it detects the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will start. This is significant because most thieves simply hot wire the vehicle to get it started and then drive off. Transponder chips work on a similar principle to the microchips used in cell phones and computers. The distinction is that they don't require constant power to operate. Instead, they emit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency that is identified by special receivers in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself. We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if you require a spare key for a car equipped with a transponder. Many locksmiths have a tool to program new keys to the specific make and model of your car. This is a fantastic alternative to going to the dealership. Also, it's important to know that some stores such as AutoZone provide a key-programming service. They often charge much more than professional locksmiths. This is due to the fact that they are able to profit from the “scaling” effect that occurs when the number of units sold increases. They can then pass on the savings to consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys come with transponders or chips that pair with the vehicle when the key is put 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 done by a dealership, auto locksmith, or your vehicle's manufacturer. This procedure can cost up to $500 for new keys, the programming of the immobilizer and the possibility of labor costs. The best method to save money on key cutting costs is by avoiding the need to replace your keys in the first place. That means having a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key at 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 at a discount. The benefit of buying the factory key is that it will likely be equipped with the proper transponder chip. This is important, as you will not be able use an aftermarket car key unless it has been professionally programmed. The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the tools needed to program modern car keys and therefore, they are unable to offer basic 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 hasn't been programmed for the vehicle of someone else. This can be done by looking at the key blade for a chip or for a cutout that shows signs of an earlier key. A key duplication device can be purchased, but this is not a viable option for most people. The machine is more expensive than keys with blanks, which means you'll have to cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you're not sure about this, a vice or hand file are a more affordable alternative. This is not the safest option as it could harm the electronic components of the key or even break the key inside the lock. Key Fobs with Keys Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the vehicle, and start the motor. These are basically mini remote transmitters that connect to the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to send commands. These are great features for drivers, but they are costly to duplicate or replace in the event of loss. Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronic components. Fobs must also be programmed to work with your vehicle, which can also add cost. A new fob and key 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 to just $50 by purchasing it online. Search for a key fob that matches your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these fobs may require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by a local dealer, but a lot can be programmed by the customer easily (though some will require two current, working keys for this). Standard key fobs can be replaced for a lot less than the more sophisticated models due to the fact that they don't have an embedded chip which must be reprogrammed. While they can be expensive to duplicate if you have to design templates for a lost or damaged key The cost is far less than purchasing a new key from your car dealer. You can also cut down on key cutting expenses by purchasing a new shell to replace your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that can replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronic components intact. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain, and save you the hassle of trying to schedule an appointment at the dealership. Keys for Keyless Entry The car key fob offers numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, especially if you're carrying groceries or other heavy weights in your hands. If they've got this feature built in they will help you open your hatch and trunk. The downside to these types of keys is that they frequently consume battery power and make it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. Fortunately, many key fobs can be replaced using replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search on the internet or at your local hardware store, you can often find them at a much lower price than dealer-supplied options. If you have an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually very affordable and vary from $10 to $15. You can also buy an additional key from your local hardware store or box retailer store. However, replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding can be expensive. These keys are typically laser cut, sometimes called sidewinder 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 dealership or locksmith shop. A key that has chip could be expensive to replace and usually requires an appointment with a dealer to have the replacement coded. These are commonly called transponder or smart keys and they are equipped with electronics that need to be verified by your vehicle before it can open doors or start the engine. Dealers will charge between $150-$300 for a key that includes the key fob as well as transponder chips. If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery inside your key fob goes out it could be expensive to replace them. Keyless entry keys can be found in most modern cars. They work by sending messages from the key fob into a receiver within your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.