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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost The loss of your car keys isn't an ideal option. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your keys without overpaying at the dealership. Simply bring a current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours using a key cutting machine onsite. It's about 20% less than buying from a dealer. Keys with Transponder Chips Many modern cars have key fobs that offer an element of security and ease for the owner of the vehicle. However cutting car key come at an expense. In some instances the cost of replacing the key fob that has been damaged or lost is high. There are ways to cut down on the costs of these devices. It is cheaper to order an extra key today than to wait until you lose your car keys and need to pay the locksmith or towing fees. The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words “transmitter + responder”) has been a feature of most cars since the mid-1990s. This technology was created as a response to the rising rate of theft from cars. A car transponder transmits an encrypted signal. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder reads this signal and if it matches the password, the engine is started. This is crucial because the majority of thieves simply wire the vehicle before driving off. Transponder chips work on the same principle as the microchips found in cell phones and computers. They do not require constant power. Instead, they emit an electromagnetic signal of low frequency that can be identified by special receivers in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself. We suggest visiting your local locksmith if you need an extra key for your vehicle that has transponder. Most locksmiths will have a tool to program new keys to the specific make and model of your car. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership. Also, it's important to remember that stores such as AutoZone provide a key-programming service. However, they typically charge significantly higher than a locksmith. This is because they can benefit from the “scaling” effect which occurs when the quantity of units sold increases. automotive key cutting near me can then pass the savings to consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that are connected to the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming, which can only be performed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This process can cost as much as $500 for new keys, the changing of the immobilizer's programming, and possible labor charges. The best way to reduce car key replacement costs is to not require them in the first place. That means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can buy another key for between $25 to $50 at the hardware store or a box shop, based on the type of key. Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online at reduced prices from the manufacturer. A factory-issued key is likely to contain the correct transponder. This is essential because you won't be able to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed. Most hardware stores and box stores don't have the capability to program modern car keys, which is why they only offer basic key duplication services. You can also visit a locksmith, independent auto repair shop, or dealer to get them replaced. If you are planning to purchase an inexpensive key on the internet, ensure that it hasn't been programmed for someone else's vehicle. This can be done by examining the key blade to find chip or a cutout that shows signs of an earlier key. A key duplication machine is a different option however, it's not cost-effective for the majority of people. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys, and you'll have to cut many keys to make a profit. If you're not happy with that, a vice and hand file are a much more affordable option. This isn't the most secure option because it can harm the electronic components of the key or even break the key in 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 tiny remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle via radio waves. They are a great benefit for drivers, but they are costly to duplicate or replace if they are lost. In contrast to traditional keys, which require a professional locksmith, automotive dealer or any other specialist service provider to create, key fobs contain advanced electronics, making them more expensive to manufacture than their standard counterparts. Key fobs must also be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which could increase the costs as well. If you lose your sole working fob, it can cost up to $300 to get a replacement original key and fob from the dealer. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of an entirely new fob by as much as 50% if you purchase it online. Find an appropriate key fob that matches your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these fobs may need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by your local dealer, but a lot can be programmed by the customer easily (though some will require two current, working keys to accomplish this). straight from the source 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. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you have to create templates to replace a damaged or lost key, the cost is much lower than purchasing a brand new set of keys from a car dealer. Another option to reduce your costs for cutting keys is to simply purchase a new shell for your key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your key fob, while leaving the electronics inside unchanged. These shells are an affordable solution to updating your keychain without the need to make an appointment with the dealer. Keys with Keyless Entry The car key fob has many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, especially when you're carrying groceries or other heavy loads in your hands. They can even assist you to open your hatch and trunk, in the event that they have this feature built in. These keys aren't recommended for long-term usage because they can drain your battery. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs can be replaced with replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. These can often be found for much cheaper than the dealer-supplied version by searching on the internet or visit your local hardware store. If you already have a standard key, the cost of duplication could be as just $10 to $15. You can also purchase an additional key from your local box retailer or hardware store. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption could be costly. These keys are typically laser-cut, often referred to as sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a more robust blade and have fewer grooves on the shank. They need to be programmed by a special machine found in a locksmith dealership. A key with a chip can be quite expensive to replace and usually requires a trip to the dealership to get the replacement code. These keys are often referred to as smart or transponder keys, and they have electronics inside that must be validated by your vehicle before it can open doors or start the engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 to $300 for a new key that comes with the key fob and an updated transponder chip. If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery in your key fob dies it could be expensive to replace them. Many modern cars come with keys that function by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It will also open the hatch and trunk when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.