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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 costs. Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site with a key-cutting machine. On average, this costs 20% less than buying through a dealer. Keys with Transponder chips Modern cars have key fobs, which offer security and convenience for car owners. However, these devices come with an expense. In some cases the cost of replacing the key fob that has been lost or damaged is high. There are ways to cut down on the costs of these devices. It's cheaper to have a spare car key today instead of waiting until you lose the key and are faced with paying for a locksmith's visit or towing charges. The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words “transmitter + responder”) has been a feature of most automobiles since the mid 1990s. This technology was created in response to rising levels of vehicle theft. Essentially, a car transponder chip transmits a signal that contains a secret password. When the key is placed in the ignition the antenna will ring around it reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will begin. This is significant because most thieves simply use hot wires to get it started and then leave the scene. Transponder chips function on the same basis as microchips in cell phones and computers. The distinction is that they don't require constant power to operate. Instead, they emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that can be detected by special receivers placed in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself. If you're looking to get a spare car key made for a vehicle equipped with transponder chips, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Most locksmiths have a device to program new keys for your particular car model and make. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership. Also, it's important to note that stores like AutoZone provide a key-programming service. They often charge much more than a professional locksmith. This is because they are able to benefit from the “scaling” effect which occurs when the quantity of units sold increases. In other words, they can pass on their costs savings to consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys come with transponders or chips which are connected with the vehicle when the key is inserted into the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they need programming that can only be done by a dealership, auto locksmith or the manufacturer of your vehicle. This process can cost as much as $500 for a new key, the programming of the immobilizer and the possibility of labor costs. The best way to cut down on cost of replacing car keys is to not need them in the first place. This means having a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can purchase a duplicate key for $25-$50 at a hardware or box store retailer, based on the key type. Many people don't realize that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discounted price. A factory-issued key will likely contain the correct transponder. This is important, as you won't be able to use an aftermarket car key without having it professionally programmed. The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the equipment to program modern car key and therefore, they are unable to offer basic duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, a repair shop or the dealer to have them replaced. If you're planning to purchase a cheap key on the internet, ensure that it hasn't been programmed for another vehicle. This can be accomplished by checking the key blade to see if there is a chip or a cutout that shows evidence of an old key. The purchase of a key duplication device is a different option, but it won't be affordable for the majority of 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 happy with this, a vice or hand file are a more affordable alternative. However, this isn't the most secure option as it may damage the key's electronics or break the key off inside the lock. Keys with Key Fobs Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that function as remote controls that lock and unlock your vehicle and even start the engine. These are small remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle through radio waves. They're a benefit for drivers, however they can be costly to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one. Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronics. Fobs must also be programmed to work with your car and can increase the cost. 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 reduce the cost of the new fob by up to 50% if you purchase it on the internet. Look for an appropriate key fob for your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Certain key fobs will need to be laser-cut or programmed by the local dealer. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the user. Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for less than the more sophisticated models due to the fact that they don't contain an embedded chip that must be reprogrammed. While they can be expensive to duplicate in the event that you need to create a template for a damaged or lost key it is less than buying a new key from your car dealer. You can also cut down on key cutting costs by purchasing a new shell to replace your old key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that can replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, while leaving the electronics intact. These shells are an affordable solution to updating your keychain without making an appointment with a dealer. Keys with Keyless Entry Car key fobs offer numerous advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, especially when you're carrying groceries or other heavy items in your hands. They can also help you open your trunk and hatch, when they've got this feature integrated into them. These keys are not ideal for long-term use since they can drain your battery. Additionally, they are difficult to program, based on the vehicle's make and model. A lot of key fobs can be repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If locksmith key cutting search on the internet or at your local hardware store, you'll typically find them for less than the dealer-supplied options. If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplication could be as low as $10-$15. You may also be able to buy a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain retailer. Keys that require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, however. They are usually laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys or high security keys. They have a larger shank and less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and they have to be programmed using a specific machine that is found at the locksmith shop or dealership. A key that has chip could be expensive to replace and typically requires an appointment with a dealer to have the replacement coded. Keys with chips are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They have electronics that must be validated before they can be used to open doors or start your engine. Dealers charge between $150 and $300 for a key that includes the key fob as well as the transponder chip. If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery in your key fob goes out it could be expensive to replace them. Keyless entry keys are available in a majority of modern vehicles. They work by sending a message from the key fob to a receiver within your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.