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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your keys without overpaying at the dealership. Simply bring your current working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours by using an on-site key cutting machine. It's typically 20% less than buying from an agent. Keys with Transponder Chips Many modern vehicles have key fobs that offer an element of security and ease for the owner of the vehicle. These devices aren't free. In replacement car key cutting , the cost of replacing a key fob which is damaged or lost could be costly. The good news is that there are options to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It's much less expensive to get a spare car key today, rather than waiting until you lose the key and are facing the cost of an appointment with a locksmith or towing costs. The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words “transmitter + responder”) has been in use in the majority of automobiles since the mid-1990s. This technology was created in response to rising levels of theft from cars. Essentially, a car transponder chip transmits a signal that contains the secret password. When the key is placed in the ignition the antenna will ring around it reads the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will begin. This is an important thing because most thieves simply connect a hot wire to the vehicle to start it, and then leave the scene. Transponder chips function on the same basis as microchips used in cell phones and computers. They do not require constant power. They emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal which can be identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder and key head. We recommend visiting your local locksmith if you need a spare key for a vehicle with transponder. Most locksmiths have a device to create new keys to match your vehicle model and make. This is a fantastic alternative to visiting the dealership. It is also important to know that some shops, such as AutoZone provide key programming services. They typically charge more than a professional locksmith. This is because they are able to profit from the “scaling” effect that occurs when the quantity of units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to the consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys have chips or transponders which are linked to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they require programming that can only be done by a dealership, auto locksmith or your manufacturer of your vehicle. This process can cost as high as $500 for an entirely new key, programming of the immobilizer and the possibility of labor costs. The most effective way to save on car key cutting costs is by avoiding the need to replace your keys in the first place. That means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key from a hardware store or box store for between $25 to $50, depending 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 advantage of buying an original key is that it's likely to be equipped with the correct transponder chip. This is essential because you won't be able to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed. The majority of hardware stores and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, so they offer only basic key 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 thinking of buying a cheap key from an online retailer, you'll need make sure it isn't already programmed to another vehicle. You can do this by looking at the blade of the key for chips or an open cutout that has evidence of an earlier key. A key duplication machine is a different option, but it won't be cost-effective for the majority of people. The cost of the machine is higher than keys that are blank, so you'll have to cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not comfortable using a vice, hand files are an option that is more affordable. It's not the best option as it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key in the lock. Keys with Key Fobs Many modern vehicles come with key fobs, which are remote controls that lock and unlock your vehicle and also to start the engine. These are tiny remote transmitters which communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle using radio waves. They're a great convenience for drivers, but they can be costly to replace or duplicate if you lose one. Unlike traditional keys, which require a reputable locksmith, dealer in automotive, or a different specialist service provider to design keys, key fobs have sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to manufacture than the standard keys. They also need to be programmed to work with your vehicle and this can add cost. If you lose your only working fob, it could cost upwards of $300 to have a new original key and fob from the dealer. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob to as little as $50 by purchasing it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have keys that are compatible with your car model. Some of these key fobs will need to be laser-cut or programmed by your local dealer. However, many can be programmed by the user. Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for a lot less than more advanced models since they do not have an embedded chip which needs to be reprogrammed. They are still expensive to duplicate if you've got a lost or damaged key and need a template to duplicate them, but they are much cheaper than the expense of replacing a complete key set purchased from your dealer in your vehicle. Another way to cut the cost of cutting keys is by simply buying a new case for your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that will replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, yet leave the electronic components intact. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain and save you the headache of trying to schedule an appointment with the dealership. Keys with Keyless Entry Car key fobs have numerous advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, especially if you're carrying groceries or other heavy loads in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature they will assist you to open your hatch and trunk. The downside to these types of keys is that they frequently drain the battery which makes it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Additionally, they are difficult to program, based on the model and make. Many key fobs are easily replaced with new ones from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. cost to get a key cut are usually available for much cheaper than the dealer-supplied version when you search online or at the local hardware store. If you already have a standard key then duplication costs can be as low as $10-$15. You may also be able to purchase a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain retailer. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding could be costly. They are typically laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys or high security keys. These keys have a thicker blade and less grooves on the shank. They have to be programmed using a special machine found in a locksmith dealership. A key that has chips can be expensive to replace and usually requires the visit to a dealership to have the replacement coded. They are also known as transponder or smart keys and they have electronics inside that must be validated by your car before it will open any doors or start the engine. Dealers can charge between $150 and $300 for a key that has the key fob, as well as a transponder chip. If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery inside the key fob fails it could be expensive to replace the keys. Many modern cars come with keys that function by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a 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.