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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost Losing your car keys is never an ideal option. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts you require to replace your car key without having to pay dealership cost. Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site with a key cutting machine. On average, this is 20% less than buying through a dealer. Keys with Transponder Chips Modern cars are equipped with key fobs that provide convenience and security to car owners. However, these devices come with an expense. 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 ways to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It's cheaper to have a spare car key today, rather than waiting until you lose the key and you are facing the cost of an appointment with a locksmith or towing charges. The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words “transmitter + responder”) has been a standard feature in automobiles since the mid-1990s. This technology was developed to stop the increasing number of car thefts. Essentially, the chip in a car transponder transmits a signal that contains the secret password. When the key is put in the ignition, the antenna ring around it reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will start. This is important because most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle before driving away. Transponder chips operate on a similar basis as microchips in computers and cell phones. The distinction is that they don't need constant power to work. They emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal which can be identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder and key head. We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if you need the spare key for a car equipped with a transponder. Most locksmiths have a device to create new keys to match your car model and make. mouse click the next document 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. This is because they are able to take advantage of the “scaling” effect which occurs when the quantity of units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that are connected with the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys because they require programming that can only be completed by a dealership auto locksmith or your vehicle's manufacturer. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for the new key, as well as reprogramming the immobilizer and possibly labor charges. The best way to save on car 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 purchase a cheap duplicate key from a hardware store or box store for about $25-$50, based on the kind of key. Many people don't realize that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discounted price. The benefit of buying an original key is that it will be equipped with the right transponder chip. This is important, as you will not be able use a car key that is aftermarket unless it's been professionally programmed. The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the tools needed to program modern car keys and therefore, they are unable to offer basic duplication services. You can go to a dealer or a reputable auto repair shop or a locksmith shop to get them replaced. Another thing to think about is that if you're planning on buying a cheap key from an online retailer, you'll need to make sure it isn't already programmed to a vehicle belonging to someone else. This can be accomplished by checking the key blade to determine if there's an embedded chip or a cutout that shows the signs of an old key. A key duplication machine may be purchased, but this is not a viable option for the majority of people. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys, and you'll have to cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you're not comfortable with this, a vice and hand file are a more affordable alternative. However, it's not the safest method because 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 allow you to lock and unlock your car and start the engine. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to send commands. They're a benefit for drivers, however they can be costly to replace or duplicate if you lose one. Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronic components. They also require to be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which could add up in cost as well. A new key and fob could cost as much as $300 if you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of a new fob by up to 50% if purchasing it online. Look for the right key fob for your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these fobs may require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by your local dealer, but a lot can be customer-programmed with ease (though some will require two working keys to accomplish this). Standard key fobs can be replaced for a lot less than the more sophisticated models since they do not contain an embedded chip that must be reprogrammed. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you have to design a template for a damaged or lost key it is lower than purchasing a brand new key from your car dealer. You can also cut down on cost of cutting keys by buying a new shell to replace your current key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that can replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, yet leave the electronic components intact. These shells are a cost-effective solution to upgrade your keychain without making an appointment with the dealer. Keys for Keyless Entry Car key fobs come with many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, especially when you're carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature they will help you open your hatch and trunk. The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they often consume battery power which makes it difficult to use for long periods of time. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. Many key fobs are easily repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available at a much lower cost than the dealer-supplied version by searching on the internet or visit your local hardware store. If you own a standard key, duplication costs are typically very low, and can vary from $10 to $15. You may also be able purchase an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain retailer. However, replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding can be expensive. These keys are usually laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys or high security keys. These keys have a thicker blade and have fewer grooves on its shank. They have to be programmed by a special machine at a locksmith or dealership. It can be costly to replace a key with a microchip and it is usually necessary to visit a dealer to get the replacement code. These are commonly called smart or transponder keys, and they come with electronic components that must be validated by your vehicle 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 a transponder chip. If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery in your key fob goes out, it can be costly to replace the keys. Keyless entry keys can be found in a majority of modern vehicles. They function by transmitting a message from the key fob to an internal receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.