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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts you need to replace your car key without having to pay dealership costs. Simply bring car keys cut and programmed working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours by using a key cutting machine onsite. It's about 20 percent less than buying from a dealer. Keys that have Transponder chips A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that offer a level of security and convenience to the car owner. However they come at an expense. In certain instances it can be expensive to replace a damaged or lost key fob. There are ways to cut down on the cost of these devices. It's cheaper to buy an extra key today than to wait until you lose your car key and have to pay for the locksmith or towing fees. Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been an integral part of most automobiles. Its name is derived from “transmitter and responder”. This technology was developed to combat the rising number of car thefts. The basic idea behind the chip in a car transponder transmits an electronic signal that has a secret password. When the key is inserted in the ignition, the antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder reads the signal and, if it matches with the password, the engine will start. This is a big deal since most thieves use hot wires to start it and then drive off. Transponder chips operate on a similar principle to the microchips found in cell phones and computers. The difference is that they don't require constant power to operate. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal which can be identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder as well as the key head. We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if in need of a spare key for your vehicle that has transponder. Most locksmiths will have a device that can program new keys to match the make and model of your vehicle. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership. It's also important to note that some stores, like AutoZone provide key programming services. They usually charge more than professional locksmiths. They can do this because they can profit from a “scaling effect” that occurs when the amount of units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to the consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that are connected to the car when the key is put in the ignition. These keys are more costly to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which can only be done by a dealership or auto locksmith. This procedure can cost as much as $500 for an entirely new key, changing of the immobilizer's programming, and possible labor charges. The best method to cut down on key cutting costs is by avoiding the need to replace your keys in the first place. This means you should have a spare key in case you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key for $25 to $50 at a hardware or box store shop, based on the key type. Many people don't realize that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a reduced price. The benefit of buying the factory key is that it's likely to have the right transponder chip. This is essential since you won't be able to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed. The majority of hardware 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 go to an independent locksmith, auto repair shop or the dealer to get them replaced. If you are planning to purchase a key for a low price on the internet, ensure that it hasn't been programmed for someone else's vehicle. You can do this by examining the key blade to find chips or a cutout that shows signs of the previous key. A key duplication machine can be purchased, but it is not an option for everyone. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys themselves and you'll need to cut many keys in order to break even. If you're not at ease using a vice, hand-files are an alternative that is less expensive. It's not the best option because it can damage the key's electronic components or even break the key inside the lock. Keys with Key Fobs A lot of modern cars have key fobs that function as remote controls that allow you to lock and unlock your car and start the engine. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that connect to the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to send commands. These are a great convenience for drivers but can be expensive to duplicate or replace if lost. In contrast to traditional keys, which require a professional locksmith, dealer in automotive, or any other specialist service provider to make, key fobs contain sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to produce than their basic counterparts. Key fobs must also be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which could add up in cost too. If you lose your sole functioning fob, it could cost you up to $300 to get a replacement fob and key from the dealership made. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to just $50 if you buy it on the internet. Search for an appropriate key fob for your vehicle's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these fobs may require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by a local dealer, but many can be customer-programmed easily (though some may require two working, current keys to accomplish this). Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for less than more sophisticated models since they do not contain an embedded chip that must be reprogrammed. They can still be expensive to duplicate if you've got a lost or damaged key and require a template to duplicate them however, they are cheaper than the expense of replacing a complete key set purchased from your car's dealer. You can also reduce your key cutting expenses by buying a new shell to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your key fob, but leaving the inside electronics unchanged. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and save you the headache of trying to schedule an appointment at the dealership. Keys for Keyless Entry The car key fob offers many benefits. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, especially if you're carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. They can also help you open your trunk and hatch when they've got this feature built-in. The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they tend to drain the battery which makes it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, based on your vehicle's model and make. A lot of key fobs can be repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. If you look online or in your local hardware store, you'll often find these for a much lower price than dealer-supplied options. If you already have a standard key then the cost of duplicates can be as low as $10-$15. You might also be able to purchase a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption could be costly. They are usually laser-cut, often 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 by a specific machine at a locksmith or dealership. A key that has chip could be costly to replace and often requires the visit to a dealership to obtain a replacement code. Keys with chips are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They have electronics that need to be verified before they are able to open doors or start engines. A dealer will often charge between $150 to $300 for a brand new original key that comes with the key fob and an updated transponder chip. Keys that have keyless entry could also be costly to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery fails. Many modern cars come with these keys, which work by sending a signal from your key fob to a receiver in your car. The car then locks or unlocks based on this signal and opens the trunk and hatch if the key is close to the receiver.