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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost The loss of your car keys isn't a good idea. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your keys without having to pay the dealership. Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site using a key-cutting machine. It's about 20% less than going through a dealer. Keys with Transponder Chips A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that provide security and comfort for the owner of the vehicle. However they also come with costs. In some cases the cost of replacing a key fob that has been damaged or lost can be high. The good news is that there are methods to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It's much less expensive to have a spare vehicle key now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and are faced with paying for a locksmith's visit or towing charges. Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been a key component of the majority of cars. The name derives from “transmitter and responder”. The technology was developed as a response to the rising rate of vehicle theft. The car transponder transmits the secret code through a signal. When the key is inserted into ignition, an antenna ring around the ignition cylinder detects this signal and when it matches the password, the engine will start. This is important because most thieves simply wire the vehicle before driving away. Transponder chips operate in a similar way to microchips used in cell phones and computers. The distinction is that they don't need constant power to work. Instead, they emit an electromagnetic signal of low frequency that is recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself. If you require a spare car key made for a car with a transponder chip We strongly suggest that you visit your local locksmith. Most locksmiths will have a tool to program new keys to match the model and make of your car. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership. It is also important to know that some shops, such as AutoZone provide key programming services. However, they often cost more than a locksmith. They do this because they benefit from the “scaling effect” that occurs when the amount of units sold increases. They can then pass on the savings to consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips which pair with the vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming that can only be done by a dealership, auto locksmith or your manufacturer of your vehicle. The process could cost as high as $500 for a new key, the programming of the immobilizer and possible labor charges. The most effective method to cut down on key cost is to avoid the need to replace your keys in the first place. It is essential to have an extra car key in case the original one is lost. You can purchase an additional key for $25-$50 at the hardware store or a box retailer, based on the type of key. Many people don't realize that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a reduced price. A factory key will likely have the correct transponder. This is vital, as you cannot use a car key that is aftermarket without having it professionally programmed. The majority of hardware and box stores do not have the technology to program modern car keys, which is why they can only provide basic key duplication services. You can take them to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith to have them replaced. If you're planning to purchase an inexpensive key on the internet, ensure that it's not programmed for another vehicle. You can do this by checking the blade of the key for chip or the cutout to see if it shows evidence of the previous key. A key duplication machine may be purchased, but it is not a viable option for most people. The machine is more expensive than keys that are blank, so you'll have to cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you're not comfortable using a vice, hand-files are an alternative that is less expensive. However, this isn't the most secure method as it could harm the electronics of the key or even break the key inside the lock. Keys with Key Fobs Modern cars come with remote controls that lock and unlock the car and also start the motor. These are tiny remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle via radio waves. These are a great convenience for drivers, but they can be costly to duplicate or replace if lost. Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys because they contain sophisticated electronic components. They also need to be programmed to work with your car and this can add cost. A new fob and key could cost as much as $300 when you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob down to just $50 by buying it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have a key fob that fits your car model. Certain 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 that are standard are cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace since they don't have an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed after the fact. They can be costly to duplicate if you've damaged or lost keys and require a template make them again however, they are more affordable than the cost of replacing an entire key set from your car's dealer. Another method to reduce your key cutting costs is to purchase a new shell for your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of new shells that replace the plastic outer and buttons on your keychain, and leave the electronics inside unaltered. These shells are a cost-effective solution to upgrade your keychain without the need to make an appointment with a dealer. Keys for Keyless Entry Car key fobs offer many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to look for your keys. This is particularly useful when you are carrying large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. They can even assist you to open your trunk and hatch, if they have this functionality built-in. g28carkeys.co.uk to these types of keys is that they frequently drain the battery and make it difficult to use them for long periods of time. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. A lot of key fobs can be replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. They are often available for much cheaper than the dealer-supplied version when you search on the internet or visit your local hardware store. If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplication could 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 encryption typically cost more to replace, however. They are typically laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They feature a more robust shank and have less grooves carved out on the key's blade, and must be programmed with a specific machine at a dealership or locksmith shop. It can be costly to replace a key using microchips and it is often required to visit a dealer in order to get the replacement code. These keys are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They have electronics that must be verified before they can open doors or start engines. Dealers charge between $150 and $300 for a key that has the key fob as well as the transponder chip. Keys with keyless entry can 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 locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is near the receiver.