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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your keys without overpaying at the dealership. Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site using a key-cutting machine. It's about 20 percent less than buying from an agent. Keys that have Transponder chips Many modern cars have key fobs that provide an element of security and comfort for the owner of the vehicle. They are not free. In some cases, it can be quite high to replace a lost or damaged key fob. 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 then pay for locksmith services or towing costs. Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip had been a vital component of the majority of automobiles. Its name is derived from “transmitter and responder”. This technology was designed to counter the growing number of car thefts. The basic idea behind a car transponder chip transmits signals that contain a secret password. When the key is put in the ignition, the antenna ring around it and reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will begin. This is important because most thieves simply wire the vehicle and then drive off. Transponder chips operate in a similar way to microchips found in computers and cell phones. They don't require constant power. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that is identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder as well as key head. We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if you require a spare key for a car equipped with transponder. Many locksmiths have a tool to program new keys to the specific make and model of the vehicle you own. This is a great alternative to visiting a dealership. Also, it's important to remember that stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming option. However, they often cost significantly more than locksmiths. They achieve this because they profit from an “scaling effect” that occurs when the number of units sold rises. In other words, they are able to transfer their cost savings to the consumer. Keys with Electronics Modern keys have transponders or chips which are linked to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which must be completed by an auto locksmith or dealership. The process could cost as high as $500 for a new key, the changing of the immobilizer's programming, and possible labor charges. The best way to reduce car key replacement costs is to not need them in the first place. It is important to have a spare car key in the event that the original is lost. You can buy another key for between $25 to $50 at a box store or hardware retailer, based on the key type. Most people don't know that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discount. The benefit of buying an original key is that it's likely to come with the proper transponder chip. This is important because you won't be able to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed. Most hardware stores and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, so they can only provide basic key duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, auto repair shop, or dealer to have them replaced. If you are planning to purchase a key for a low price on the internet, ensure that it's not programmed for another vehicle. This can be done by looking at the blade of the key to determine if there's an embedded chip, or a cutout showing signs of an old key. A key duplication machine may be purchased, but it isn't an option for the majority of people. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys themselves and you'll need cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not happy with this, a vice and hand file are a much cheaper alternative. However, this isn't the safest method because it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even cut the key off inside the lock. Key Fobs with Keys Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the vehicle, and even start the motor. These are small remote transmitters which communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle using radio waves. These are great features for drivers, but they can be costly to duplicate or replace if they are lost. In contrast to traditional keys, which require a reputable locksmith, dealer in automotive, or any other specialist service provider to design keys, key fobs are equipped with sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to manufacture than their standard counterparts. Fobs also need to be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which can add up in cost as well. A new fob and key could cost as much as $300 if you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of an entirely new fob by as much as 50% if you purchase it online. Find the right key fob for your vehicle's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these fobs may require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by your local dealer, but a lot are programmable by customers with ease (though some will require two working keys to do this). Key fobs for standard keys are less expensive than more advanced models to replace since they don't contain an embedded chip that requires to be reprogrammed following the fact. However, they can be costly to duplicate if you have to design a template for a damaged or lost key The cost is far less than buying a new key from your car dealer. Another option to reduce your key cutting costs is by simply buying a new case for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the plastic outer and buttons on your key fob but leaving the inside electronics unaltered. These shells are an affordable solution to upgrade your keychain without making an appointment with a dealer. Keys for Keyless Entry The car key fob has many benefits. 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. what google did to me can even assist you to open your trunk and hatch, in the event that they have this feature built-in. These keys are not ideal for long-term use since they drain batteries. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. Many key fobs are easily replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. These are usually available at a much lower cost than the dealer-supplied version when you search online or at your local hardware store. If you have an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually very affordable and range from $10 to $15. You might also be able to buy an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain store. Newer keys that require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, however. They are usually laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They feature a more robust shank, and less carved-out grooves on the blade and must be programmed using a specific machine that is found at a dealership or locksmith shop. It is costly to replace a key using a microchip and it is usually necessary to visit the dealer to obtain the replacement code. They are also known as transponder keys or smart keys, and they have electronics inside that need to be verified by your car before it can open doors or start the engine. Dealers can charge between $150 to $300 for a key that has the key fob and transponder chips. Keys with keyless entry may be costly to replace in the event that you lose them or the battery of your key fob is dead. 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 based on this signal and opens the hatch and trunk if the key is within close proximity to the receiver.