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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost Losing your car keys isn't a good idea. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your key without having to pay the dealership. Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site using a key-cutting machine. This costs on average 20 percent less than purchasing from dealers. Keys that have Transponder chips Many modern cars have key fobs that provide a level of security and convenience to the car owner. They are not free. In some cases, the cost of replacing a key fob that is damaged or lost could be costly. There are ways to cut down on the expense of these devices. It is cheaper to order a spare key now instead of waiting until you lose your car keys and have to pay for the locksmith or towing fees. Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been a key component of all cars. The name derives from “transmitter and responder”. This technology was designed to counter the growing number of car thefts. A car transponder transmits a secret code via a signal. When the key is inserted into ignition, an antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder reads this signal and if it matches with the password, the engine is started. This is crucial because the majority of thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and drive away. Transponder chips operate on the same principle as the microchips in cell phones and computers. The distinction is that they don't require constant power to operate. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that is identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder and key head. If you need to have a spare car key created for a car equipped with transponder chips We strongly suggest that you visit your local locksmith. Most locksmiths will have a tool that can program new keys to the specific model and make of your car. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership. Also, it's important to note that stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming service. They usually charge more than professional locksmiths. This is because they can benefit from the “scaling” effect which occurs when the quantity of units sold increases. They can then pass on the savings to the consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys have transponders or chips which are linked to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. These keys are more costly to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which can only be performed by a dealership or auto locksmith. This process can cost as high as $500 for a new key, the reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possible labor charges. The best way to cut down on cost of replacing car keys is to not have them in the first place. This means you should have a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key from the hardware store or at a box store for between $25-$50, based on the type of key. Many people don't realize that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a reduced price. A factory key will most likely contain the correct transponder. This is crucial 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 equipment to program modern-day car keys and therefore, they are unable to offer basic duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, auto repair shop or dealer to get them replaced. If you are planning to purchase an inexpensive key on the internet, ensure that it's not programmed for the vehicle of someone else. You can do this by looking at the blade of the key for chip or an open cutout that has evidence of an earlier key. Purchasing a key duplication machine is another option however it's not affordable for the majority of people. The cost of the machine is higher than blank keys, so you'll have to cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you're not comfortable with this, a vice or hand file are a much more affordable alternative. But, it's not the most secure method as it may harm the electronics of the key or break the key off in the lock. Key Fobs with keys Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the car and also start the motor. These are small remote transmitters which communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves. g28carkeys 're a great convenience for drivers, however they can be costly to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one. Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys because they contain sophisticated electronics. They also need to be programmed to work with your vehicle and this can add cost. A new fob and key could cost as much as $300 in the event that you lose your sole functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of an entirely new fob by as much as 50% if you purchase it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have an appropriate key fob for the car model you have. Some of these key fobs must be laser-cut or programmed by your local dealer. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the buyer. Standard key fobs are much less expensive than more advanced models to replace since they don't come with an embedded chip that requires to be reprogrammed after the fact. However, they can be costly to duplicate in the event that you need to design an original template to replace a damaged or lost key it is less than buying a new set of keys from a car dealer. You can also lower your cost of cutting keys by purchasing a new case to replace your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your key fob, but leaving the inside electronics unaltered. These shells are a cost-effective option to upgrade your keychain without making an appointment with a dealer. Keys for Keyless Entry The car key fob offers many benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, particularly when you're carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. They can also help you open your trunk and hatch when they've got this feature integrated into them. The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they frequently drain the battery and make it difficult to use them for a long period 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 repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. They are often available at a much lower cost than a dealer-supplied option, by searching at the internet or go to the local hardware store. If you own an ordinary key, duplicate costs are typically very affordable and range between $10 and $15. You might also be able to purchase a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding can be expensive. They are usually laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. These keys have a thicker blade and have fewer grooves on its shank. They need to be programmed by a special machine found in a locksmith dealership. It can be expensive to replace a key that has 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 are equipped with electronics which 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 a new transponder chip. Keys that have keyless entry could also be expensive to replace if you lose them or the battery of your key fob dies. Keyless entry keys are available in most modern cars. They function by sending an electronic message from the key fob to a receiver within your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk when the key is near the receiver.