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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and the parts to replace your key without having to pay 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 a dealer. Keys that have Transponder chips Many modern cars have key fobs that provide security and ease for the owner of the vehicle. These devices aren't free. In certain instances the cost of replacing the key fob that is damaged or lost is high. The good news is that there are ways to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It's much less expensive to have a spare vehicle key made now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and are faced with paying for the visit of a locksmith or towing costs. The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words “transmitter + responder”) has been in use in the majority of cars since the mid 1990s. The technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of car theft. Transponders in cars transmit an encrypted signal. When the key is put in the ignition, the antenna ring around it and reads the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will start. This is a big deal since most thieves use hot wires to start it, and then take off. Transponder chips function in a similar way to microchips found in cell phones and computers. They don't require constant power. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency that can be detected by special receivers placed in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself. We suggest visiting your local locksmith if in need of a spare key for a vehicle with transponder. Most locksmiths have a device to program new keys to match your vehicle model and make. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership. It's also important to note that some stores such as AutoZone will provide key programming services. They usually charge more than professional locksmiths. They do this because they profit from a “scaling effect” that occurs when the number units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips which connect to the vehicle whenever the key is put in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming, which must be performed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This procedure can cost as high as $500 for new keys, the reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possibly, labor costs. The best way to reduce car key replacement costs is to not have them in the first place. This means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can purchase an additional key for $25 to $50 at a hardware or box store retailer, based on the key type. Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online or at reduced prices from the manufacturer. The advantage of buying a factory key is that it will have the proper transponder chip. This is important because you won't be able to use an aftermarket 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, so they can only provide basic duplication services. places to get keys cut near me can also go to a locksmith, independent auto repair shop or dealer to have them replaced. Another thing to take into consideration is that if you're considering purchasing a key for a low price from an online retailer, you'll need to ensure that it's not programmed to another vehicle. This can be done by looking at the blade of the key to determine if there's chips, or a cutout showing the signs of an old key. A key duplication machine can be bought, but it isn't an option for most people. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys, and you'll have to cut many keys to break even. If you're not happy with this, a vice or hand file are a much more affordable alternative. It's not the best alternative as it can cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key inside the lock. Key Fobs with keys Modern cars come with remote controls that lock and unlock the vehicle, and start the motor. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that connect to your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to send commands. They're a benefit for drivers, however they can be expensive to replace or duplicate if you lose one. Unlike traditional keys, which require a great locksmith, automotive dealer or a different specialist service provider to make, key fobs contain sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to produce than their standard counterparts. Fobs also require programming to work with your vehicle, which can also add cost. A new fob and key can cost up to $300 when you lose your only functional fob. locksmith key cutting claims that you can reduce the cost of the new fob by up to 50% if purchasing it on the internet. Search for the right key fob for your vehicle's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Certain key fobs need to be laser-cut or programmed by the dealer in your area. However, many can be programmed by the user. Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for less than more advanced models since they do not have an embedded chip which must be reprogrammed. They can be costly to copy if you have damaged or lost keys and need a template to reproduce them however, they are cheaper than the expense of replacing an entire key set purchased from your car's dealer. You can also reduce your cost of cutting keys by buying a new shell to replace your old key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your keychain, but leaving the inside electronics unchanged. These shells are a cost-effective solution to update your keychain without having to make an appointment with the dealer. Keys with Keyless Entry The car key fob comes with many benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, particularly when you're carrying heavy groceries or other loads in your hands. They can also help you open your hatch and trunk, when they've got this feature integrated into them. These keys are not ideal for long-term use since they can drain your battery. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. Fortunately, many key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look online or visit your local hardware store, you can often find them at less than the dealer-supplied options. If you have an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually low and vary between $10 and $15. You might also be able to purchase a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain store. However, replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding could be costly. These keys are usually laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys or high security keys. They feature a more robust shank, and less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and must be programmed with a specific machine at a locksmith shop or dealer. A key that has chip could be expensive to replace and usually requires an appointment with a dealer to obtain a replacement code. They are also known as transponder keys or smart keys, and they come with electronic components 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 includes the key fob, as well as transponder chips. Keys that have keyless entry could also be costly to replace if you lose them or the battery of your key fob is dead. These keys are found in the majority of modern automobiles. They work by sending messages from the key fob to an internal receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks itself according to the signal and opens the hatch and trunk if the key is in close proximity to the receiver.