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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost The loss of your car keys is never an ideal idea. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts you require to replace your car keys without having to pay dealership cost. Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site with a key cutting machine. It's about 20% less than purchasing through the dealer. Keys with Transponder chips Many modern cars have key fobs which provide an element of security and convenience to the car owner. These devices are not free. In certain instances the cost of replacing the key fob that has been damaged or lost is high. There are methods to lower the expense of these devices. It is much cheaper to have a spare vehicle key today instead of waiting until you lose the key and you are faced with paying for the visit of a locksmith or towing costs. The transponder chip (which is named after the words “transmitter + responder”) has been in use in the majority of automobiles since the mid-1990s. This technology was designed to stop the increasing number of car thefts. In essence, the chip in a car transponder transmits an electronic signal that has the secret password. When the key is put in the ignition, the antenna ring around it detects the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will begin. This is crucial because the majority of thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle before driving off. Transponder chips function on the same basis as microchips in computers and cell phones. They do not require constant power. They emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that is detected by special detectors that are placed on the ignition cylinder and the key head. If you're looking to get an extra car key made for a vehicle equipped with transponder chips, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to program new keys to the specific model and make of your car. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership. It's also important to know that some stores like AutoZone provide a key-programming service. automobile keys made near me charge more than a professional locksmith. They can do this because they profit from a “scaling effect” that occurs when the number of units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips which connect with the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they need programming that is only performed by a dealership, auto locksmith or your vehicle's manufacturer. This process can cost up to $500 for the new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer and perhaps the cost of labor. The best way to avoid car key replacement costs is to not require them in the first place. That means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key from a hardware store or box store for around $25 to $50, based on the type of key. Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online or at reduced prices from the manufacturer. A factory key will likely contain the correct transponder. This is vital, as you will not be able use an aftermarket car key without having it professionally programmed. The majority of hardware stores and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, so they only offer basic key duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, auto repair shop or the dealer to get them replaced. Another thing to consider is that if you're considering buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll have to ensure that it's not programmed to a vehicle belonging to someone else. This can be done by checking the blade of the key for a chip or for an open cutout that has evidence of a previous key. The purchase of a key duplication device is another option however it's not affordable for most people. The machine costs more than keys with blanks, which means you'll need to cut many keys in order to break even. If you're not sure about this, a vice and hand file are a more affordable alternative. However, it's not the safest method because it could harm the electronics of the key or break the key off in the lock. Keys with Key Fobs Modern cars come with remote controls that can lock and unlock the vehicle, and also start the motor. These are small remote transmitters which communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves. These are great features for drivers but can be expensive to duplicate or replace in the event of loss. Unlike traditional keys, which require a great locksmith, automotive dealer, or any other specialist service provider to create, key fobs contain sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to make than the standard keys. They also require to be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which can add up in cost as well. A new fob and key could cost as much as $300 in the event that you lose your sole functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of an entirely new fob by up to 50% if you purchase it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have an appropriate key fob for your car model. Certain key fobs need to be laser-cut or programmed by the dealer in your area. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the customer. Key fobs that are standard are cheaper than more advanced models to replace since they don't contain an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed following the fact. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you need to create templates to replace a damaged or lost key The cost is far less than buying a new set of keys from your car dealer. You can also reduce your key cutting costs by purchasing a new case to replace your old key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that will replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, yet leave the electronic components intact. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain, and save you the headache of trying to schedule an appointment with the dealership. Keys for Keyless Entry Car key fobs offer numerous advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, especially if you're carrying groceries or other heavy loads in your hands. If they've got this feature built-in they will help you open your hatch and trunk. These keys are not ideal for long-term usage because they drain batteries. Additionally, they are difficult to program, based on the model and make. A lot of key fobs can be repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. They are often available for much cheaper than the dealer-supplied version if you look on the internet or visit your local hardware store. If you have an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually very low, and can range from $10 to $15. You can also buy keys to replace them at your local hardware store or box retailer store. Keys that are newer and require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, however. They are usually laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a more robust blade and have fewer grooves on its shank. They have to be programmed by a specific machine found in a locksmith dealership. It is costly to replace a key using microchips and it is often necessary to visit the dealer to get the replacement code. These keys are often referred to as smart or transponder keys, and they have electronics inside which must be validated 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, as well as transponder chips. If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery inside your key fob goes out, it can be costly to replace them. Most modern cars have these keys, which work by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a device in your car. The car locks or unlocks itself in accordance with this signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.