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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and the parts to replace your key without overpaying at the dealership. Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site with a key-cutting machine. It's about 20% less than buying through a dealer. Keys with Transponder Chips Modern cars come with key fobs, which provide security and convenience to owners. However, these devices come with costs. 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 purchase a spare key now instead of waiting until you lose your car key and then pay for locksmith services or towing costs. The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words “transmitter + responder”) has been a standard feature in cars since the mid 1990s. This 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 put in the ignition the antenna will ring around it and reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will start. This is significant because the majority of thieves simply hot wire the vehicle to get it started and then drive off. Transponder chips work on the same principle as the microchips in cell phones and computers. The difference is that they don't require constant power to operate. Instead, they send an electromagnetic signal of low frequency which can be identified by special receivers in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself. We suggest visiting your local locksmith if in need of a spare key for your vehicle that has a transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to program new keys for your particular car model and make. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership. Also, it's important to know that some stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming service. They typically charge more than a professional locksmith. They do this because they can profit from a “scaling effect” that occurs when the number of units sold rises. They can then pass the savings to consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys have chips or transponders which are linked to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming that is only done by a dealership, auto locksmith or your vehicle's manufacturer. This procedure can cost as high as $500 for an entirely new key, reprogramming of the immobilizer, and the possibility of labor costs. The best method to cut down on key cutting costs is by avoiding the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. It is important to have a spare car key in the event that the original one is lost. key cutting cost G28 Car Keys can buy another key for between $25 to $50 at the hardware store or a box store, depending on the key type. Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online at a discounted price from the manufacturer. The advantage of buying a factory key is that it will be equipped with the right transponder chip. This is important since you won't be able to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed. The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the tools needed to program modern-day car keys They can only provide basic duplication services. You can also go to a locksmith, independent auto repair shop or dealer to get them replaced. Another thing to take into consideration is that if you're thinking of purchasing a key for a low price from an online retailer, you'll need ensure that it's not programmed to another vehicle. This can be done by checking the key blade for a chip or for an open cutout that has evidence of the previous key. The purchase of a key duplication device is a different option however, it's not cost-effective for the majority of people. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys and you'll need cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not happy with this, a vice and hand file are a much more affordable alternative. It's not the best alternative as it can cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key inside the lock. Key Fobs with Keys Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the car, and also start the motor. These are small remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle via radio waves. They're a great convenience for drivers, but they can be expensive to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one. Unlike traditional keys, which require a professional locksmith, dealer in automotive, or a different specialist service provider to design keys, key fobs have sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to make than their basic counterparts. Fobs also require programming to work with your car and this can add up in price. A new key and fob can cost up to $300 if you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob down to only $50 by buying it online. Look for an appropriate key fob for your vehicle's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Certain key fobs will need to be programmed or laser-cut by the local dealer. However, many of them can be programmed by the user. Standard key fobs can be replaced for less than the more sophisticated models because they do not have an embedded chip which requires reprogramming. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you need to create a template for a lost or damaged key, the cost is much less than purchasing a new set of keys from your car dealer. Another way to cut your costs for cutting keys is to purchase a new shell for your key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that can replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronic components intact. These shells are a cost-effective option to updating your keychain without the need to make an appointment with the dealer. Keys for Keyless Entry Car key fobs have numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, particularly when you're carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built-in they will help you open your hatch and trunk. These keys aren't recommended for long-term use because they drain the battery. Additionally, they are difficult to program, based on the make and model. Many key fobs are easily replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. These can often be found at a much lower cost than dealer-supplied options, when you search on the internet or visit the local hardware store. If you already have a standard key then the cost of duplicates can be as low as $10-$15. You can also purchase keys to replace them at your local hardware or box retailer store. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption could be costly. These keys are usually laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys, or high security keys. They have a more robust blade and have fewer grooves on the shank. They have to be programmed by a specific machine at a locksmith or dealership. A key that has chips can be costly to replace and often requires an appointment with a dealer to obtain a replacement code. These keys are also known as transponder or smart keys. They contain electronic components that need to be verified before they can be used to open doors or start your engine. Dealers will charge between $150 to $300 for a key that has the key fob and transponder chips. If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery in your key fob dies it could cost you to replace the keys. Keyless entry keys can be found in the majority of modern automobiles. They work by sending an electronic message from the key fob to a receiver within your car. The car locks or unlocks itself according to the signal and opens the trunk and hatch when the key is within close proximity to the receiver.