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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 need to replace your car keys without paying a dealership's high cost. Simply bring a working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours by using a key cutting machine onsite. On average, this is 20% less than going through a dealer. Keys that have Transponder chips Many modern vehicles have key fobs that provide a level of security and comfort to the car owner. These devices aren't free. In some instances it can be high to replace a lost or damaged key fob. There are ways to reduce the costs of these devices. It's much less expensive to have a spare vehicle key made now instead of waiting until you lose the key and are confronted with the expense of an appointment with a locksmith or towing costs. The transponder chip (which is named after the words “transmitter + responder”) has been in use in the majority of cars since the mid 1990s. This technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of car theft. Transponders in cars transmit an encrypted signal. When the key is inserted into ignition, an antenna ring around the ignition cylinder receives this signal and if it matches the password, the engine is started. This is important as most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle before driving off. Transponder chips function in a similar way to microchips found in computers and cell phones. The different is that they do not require constant power to operate. Instead, they transmit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal which can be identified by special receivers in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself. If you need to have an extra car key made for a vehicle equipped with a transponder chip We strongly suggest that you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to create new keys for your particular vehicle model and make. This is an excellent alternative to visiting a dealership. It's also important to note that some shops, such as AutoZone provide key programming services. They usually 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 rises. In this way, they could transfer their savings to consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys have chips or transponders which are linked to the car when the key is put in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which must be completed by an auto locksmith or a dealership. This procedure can cost up to $500 for an entirely new key, changing of the immobilizer's programming, and possible labor charges. The most effective method to save money on key cutting costs is by avoiding the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. It is important to have a spare car key in case the original key is lost. You can buy another key for between $25 to $50 at a box store or hardware shop, based on the type of key. Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online at reduced prices from the manufacturer. The advantage of purchasing the factory key is that it will likely come with the proper transponder chip. This is vital, as you cannot use a car key that is aftermarket unless it's been professionally programmed. The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the technology necessary to program modern car keys, so they can only offer basic duplication services. You can go to a dealer or an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith shop to have them replaced. Another thing to think about is that if you're thinking of 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 accomplished by looking at the blade of the key to determine if it has an embedded chip, or a cutout showing evidence of an old key. A key duplication machine may be purchased, but this is not an option for most people. The cost of the machine is higher than blank keys, so you'll need to cut numerous keys to make a profit. If you don't feel at ease using a vice, hand-files are an alternative that is less expensive. This is not the safest alternative as it can harm 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 can lock and unlock the car and even start the motor. These are small remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle via radio waves. These are a great convenience for drivers, but they are costly to duplicate or replace if they are lost. Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys due to their sophisticated electronics. They also need to be programmed to work with your car, which can also increase the cost. If you lose your only working fob, it can cost up to $300 to have a new original fob and key from the dealership made. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to only $50 by buying it online. Find an appropriate key fob for your vehicle's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these key fobs must be laser-cut or programmed by the dealer in your area. However, mobile key cutting can be programmed by the customer. Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for less than more advanced models since they do not contain an embedded chip that must be reprogrammed. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you need to create a template to replace a damaged or lost key it is lower than purchasing a brand new set of keys from your car dealer. Another way to cut your costs for cutting keys is to simply purchase an entirely new shell for your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that will replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, but leave the electronics intact. These shells are a cost-effective solution to upgrade your keychain without having to make an appointment with a dealer. Keys with Keyless Entry The car key fob comes with numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to look for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you are carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. If they have this feature built in they will help you open the trunk and hatch. These keys aren't recommended for long-term use because they drain the battery. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, depending on the model and make. Many key fobs are easily replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look online or in your local hardware store, you'll often find them at less than the dealer-supplied options. If you already have a standard key then duplication costs can be as low as $10-$15. You can also buy keys to replace them at your local hardware store or box retailer store. Keys that require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, however. They are usually laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. These keys have a thicker blade and less grooves on the shank. They have to be programmed using a special machine at a locksmith or dealership. It can be costly to replace a key with a microchip and it is often necessary to visit a dealer to have the replacement coded. Keys with chips are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They contain electronic components that need to be verified before they are able to open doors or start your engine. A dealer can charge between $150 and $300 for a new original key that comes with the key fob as well as an updated transponder chip. If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery inside your key fob goes out it could cost you to replace them. These keys are found in the majority of modern automobiles. They function by sending a message from the key fob into the car's receiver. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.