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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts you require to replace your car key without paying dealership prices. Simply bring a current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours by using an on-site key cutting machine. On average, this costs 20% less than buying through a dealer. Keys with Transponder Chips Many modern cars have key fobs that provide a level of security and convenience for the owner of the vehicle. However they also come with an expense. In some cases, the cost of replacing the key fob that has been lost or damaged could be costly. The good news is that there are ways to cut the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to buy an extra key now rather than to wait until you lose your car keys and have to pay for a locksmith or towing charges. The transponder chip (which is named after the words “transmitter + responder”) has been a feature of most cars since the mid-1990s. The technology was developed in response to rising levels of theft from cars. The basic idea behind a car transponder chip transmits signals that contain an encrypted password. When the key is inserted into the ignition, an antenna ring around the ignition cylinder reads the signal and, if it matches with the password, the engine starts. This is an important thing because the majority of thieves simply hot wire the vehicle to get it started and then drive off. Transponder chips operate on the same basis as microchips in computers and cell phones. The difference is that they don't require constant power to operate. Instead, they send an electromagnetic signal of low frequency that is identified by special receivers in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself. We suggest visiting your local locksmith if you require the spare key for your vehicle that has transponder. key cut near me open now will have a device that can program new keys to match the make and model of your car. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership. It's also important to note that some stores, like AutoZone will provide key programming services. They typically charge more than a professional locksmith. This is because they can benefit from the “scaling” effect that occurs when the number of units sold rises. They can then pass the savings to the consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys are equipped with chips or transponders that are connected to the car when the key is put in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which can only be completed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This process can cost up to $500 for the new key, as well as reprogramming the immobilizer, and possibly the cost of labor. The best way to avoid car key replacement costs is to not need them in the first place. This means having a spare key in case you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key for $25 to $50 at a box store or hardware retailer, based on the type of key. Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discounted price. A factory key will likely have the correct transponder. This is important because you won't be in a position to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed. The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the technology necessary to program modern car key and therefore, they are unable to provide basic duplication services. You can take them to a dealer, 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's not programmed for another vehicle. This can be done by looking at the blade of the key to determine if there's a chip or a cutout that shows the signs of an old key. Purchasing a key duplication machine is another option, but it won't be affordable for the majority of people. The machine costs more than keys that are blank, so you'll need to cut many keys to break even. If you're not comfortable with this, a vice and hand file are a more affordable alternative. It's not the best alternative as it can damage the key's electronic components or break the key in the lock. Key Fobs with keys Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the car, and also start the motor. These are small remote transmitters which communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle via radio waves. They are a great benefit for drivers, but they can be costly to duplicate or replace in the event of loss. Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys because they contain sophisticated electronic components. Fobs also require programming to work with your vehicle and can add up in price. A new fob and key can cost up to $300 if you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob down to just $50 by purchasing it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have a key fob that fits your car model. Some of these key fobs need to be programmed or laser-cut by the local dealer. However, many of them can be programmed by the user. Key fobs for standard keys are less expensive than more advanced models to replace since they don't have an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed following the fact. They can still be expensive to copy if you have a lost or damaged key and need a template to reproduce them but they're much cheaper than the expense of replacing a complete key set purchased from your dealer in your vehicle. Another option to reduce the cost of cutting keys is by simply buying a new shell for your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your keychain, and leave the electronics inside unaltered. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle of having to schedule an appointment with the dealership. Keys for Keyless Entry The car key fob comes with numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without the need to hunt for your keys. This is particularly useful when you have heavy groceries or other items in your hands. If they've got this feature built-in they will assist you to open the trunk and hatch. These keys are not ideal for long-term use since they can drain your battery. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, depending on the vehicle's model and make. Fortunately, most key fobs can be replaced using replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available at a much lower cost than dealer-supplied options, by searching at the internet or go to your local hardware store. If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplication could be as just $10 to $15. You may also be able to buy a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. Keys that require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, however. These keys are usually laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys or high security keys. They have a thicker shank, and less carved-out grooves on the blade of the key, and they must be programmed with a specific machine found in a locksmith shop or dealer. It can be costly to replace a key with a microchip, and it's often required to visit a dealer in order to have the replacement coded. These keys are often referred to as smart or transponder keys, and they are equipped with electronics that need to be verified by your vehicle before it will open any doors or start the engine. Dealers will charge between $150 to $300 for a key that comes with the key fob and a transponder chip. Keys with keyless entry may also be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them or the battery of your key fob is dead. Keyless entry keys can be found in most modern cars. They work by sending an electronic message from the key fob into an internal receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It will also open the trunk and hatch when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.