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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost Losing your car keys is never a good idea. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your key without overpaying at the dealership. Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site with a key cutting machine. It's typically 20% less than buying from an agent. Keys with Transponder Chips Modern cars are equipped with key fobs, which offer convenience and security to car owners. However they also come with costs. In certain instances it could be expensive to replace a lost or damaged key fob. There are ways to reduce the expense of these devices. It's much less expensive to have a spare vehicle key now instead of waiting until you lose the key and you are faced with paying for the visit of a locksmith or towing costs. Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been a key component of the majority of cars. Its name is derived from “transmitter and responder”. This technology was created in response to the increasing rate of car theft. Transponders in cars transmit a secret code via a signal. When keys cut near me now is inserted into the ignition, the antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder receives the signal and, when it matches the password, the engine is started. This is crucial because the majority of thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and then drive off. Transponder chips function on a similar basis as microchips used in cell phones and computers. The distinction is that they don't require constant power to operate. Instead, they send an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency which can be detected by special receivers placed in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself. If you need to have a spare car key created for a car equipped with transponder chips, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Many locksmiths have a system to make new keys to match your vehicle model and. This is an excellent alternative to visiting a dealership. Also, it's important to know that some stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming option. They typically charge more than professional locksmiths. They can do this because they profit from an “scaling effect” that occurs when the number units sold increases. In other words, they can transfer their savings to the consumer. Keys with Electronics Modern keys are equipped with chips or transponders that are connected to the car when the key is put in 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 up to $500 for a new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer and possibly labor charges. The best way to cut down on cost of replacing car keys is to not require them in the first place. This means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can buy an additional key for $25-$50 at a hardware or box store retailer, based on the key type. Many people don't realize that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a reduced price. A factory-issued key will most likely have the correct transponder. This is essential because you won't be able to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed. The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the equipment to program modern-day car keys, so they can only provide basic duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, auto repair shop or dealer to have them replaced. Another thing to think about is that if you're planning on buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll need make sure it isn't already programmed to someone else's car. You can do this by checking the key blade for a chip or for a cutout that shows signs of the previous key. A key duplication machine can be purchased, but this is not a viable option for the majority of people. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys themselves, and you'll have cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you're not at ease using a vice, a hand file is an alternative that is less expensive. This isn't the most secure alternative as it can harm the electronic components of the key or break the key in the lock. Key Fobs with Keys Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the car, and also start the motor. These are tiny remote transmitters which communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle using radio waves. They're a benefit for drivers, however they can be expensive to replace or duplicate if you lose one. Unlike traditional keys, which require a reputable locksmith, automotive dealer or other specialty service provider to create keys, key fobs are equipped with advanced electronics, making them more expensive to manufacture than their standard counterparts. Fobs must also be programmed to work with your vehicle and this can add up in price. A new fob and key can cost up to $300 if you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of a new fob by up to 50% if you buy it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have an appropriate key fob for your car model. Some of these fobs might need to be laser-cut by a locksmith or programmed by your local dealer, but many can be programmed by the customer with relative ease (though some may require two working keys for this). Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for a lot less than more sophisticated models due to the fact that they don't have an embedded chip which must be reprogrammed. Although they can be costly to duplicate in the event that you need to design a template for a damaged or lost key it is less than purchasing a new key from your car dealer. You can also lower your key cutting costs by purchasing a new case to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronics intact. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain and spare you the headache of trying to make an appointment at the dealership. Keys with Keyless Entry The car key fob offers many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to search for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you have heavy groceries or other items in your hands. They can even assist you to open your hatch and trunk, if they have this functionality built in. The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they often consume battery power and make it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Furthermore, mobile car key cutting can be difficult to program, depending on the vehicle's model and make. Many key fobs are easily repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search online or in your local hardware store, you will typically find them for significantly less than the dealer-supplied alternatives. If you own a standard key, duplication costs are usually very low, and can range from $10 to $15. You might also be able to purchase a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. Keys that are newer and require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, however. These keys are usually laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys, or high security keys. They have a more robust blade and less grooves on the shank. They have to be programmed by a specific machine in a locksmith or dealership. A key that has a chip can be quite expensive to replace and usually requires a trip to the dealership to have the replacement coded. These keys are also known as transponder or smart keys. They contain electronic components that must be validated before they can open doors or start engines. Dealers can charge between $150-$300 for a key that has the key fob as well as transponder chips. If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery inside your key fob goes out, it can be costly to replace them. The majority of modern cars have these keys, which work by sending a signal from the key fob to a receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks itself based on this signal and opens the trunk and hatch if the key is within close proximity to the receiver.