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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost The loss of your car keys is not a good idea. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car key without paying a dealership's high cost. Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site using a key-cutting machine. This costs on average 20 percent less than purchasing from an agent. Keys with Transponder Chips Many modern vehicles have key fobs that provide a level of security and comfort for the owner of the vehicle. However they also come with an expense. In certain instances, it can be quite high to replace a lost or damaged key fob. The good news is that there are methods to lower the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to buy an extra key now rather instead of waiting until you lose your car keys and need to pay locksmith services or towing costs. Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been a vital component of most automobiles. The name derives from “transmitter and responder”. This technology was developed to stop the increasing number of car thefts. The basic idea behind the car transponder chip emits signals that contain an encrypted 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 start. This is crucial because the majority of thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and drive away. Transponder chips function on the same basis as microchips found in cell phones and computers. They do not require constant power. Instead, they send an electromagnetic signal of low frequency that can be detected by special receivers placed in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself. We suggest visiting your local locksmith if in need of an extra key for a car equipped with transponder. Most locksmiths will have a tool to program new keys for the make and model of the vehicle you own. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership. Also, it's important to remember that stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming option. They usually charge more than professional locksmiths. They can do this because they can benefit from the “scaling effect” that occurs when the amount of units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys are equipped with chips or transponders which pair to the vehicle when the key is inserted into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which can only be completed by a dealership or auto locksmith. The process could cost as much as $500 for an entirely new key, changing of the immobilizer's programming, and possibly, labor costs. The best way to cut down on car key replacement costs is to not have them in the first place. This means you should have a spare key in case you lose the original. You can buy an additional key for $25 to $50 at a box store or hardware store, depending on the key type. Many people are unaware that they can buy keys replacement online or at a a discounted price from the manufacturer. A factory-issued key will likely contain the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you cannot use a car key that is aftermarket unless it's been professionally programmed. The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the tools needed to program modern-day car keys and therefore, they are unable to offer basic duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, a repair shop, or dealer to have them replaced. If you are planning to purchase an inexpensive key on the internet, ensure that it's not programmed for another vehicle. This can be done by examining the key blade to find a chip or for an open cutout that has evidence of the previous key. A key duplication machine can be bought, but it is not an option for most people. The cost of the machine is higher than keys with blanks, which means you'll need to cut many keys to break even. If you're not comfortable with this, a vice or hand file are a cheaper alternative. However, this isn't the most secure option as it could harm the electronics of the key or even cut the key off in the lock. Key Fobs with keys Many modern vehicles come with key fobs, which are remote controls to lock and unlock your vehicle and also to start the engine. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that communicate with the computer in your vehicle via radio waves to transmit commands. These are great features for drivers, but they are expensive to duplicate or replace in the event of loss. Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys due to their sophisticated electronics. They also require to be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which could add up in cost too. If you lose your sole functioning fob, it could cost upwards of $300 to have a new original key and fob from the dealership made. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of an entirely new fob by up to 50% if purchasing it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have a key fob that fits your car model. Some of these fobs might need to be laser-cut by a locksmith or programmed by a local dealer, but many can be customer-programmed easily (though some require two working, current keys to accomplish this). Standard key fobs are much cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace since they don't contain an embedded chip that requires to be programmed after the fact. While mobile key cutting near me g28carkeys can be expensive to duplicate if you need to design an original template for a lost or damaged key it is lower than purchasing a brand new key from your car dealer. You can also lower your key cutting expenses by purchasing a new case to replace 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 electronics intact. These shells are a cost-effective option to update your keychain without having to make an appointment with the dealer. Keys with Keyless Entry Car key fobs come with a lot of benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without the need to hunt for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you have large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. If they have this feature they will assist you to open your hatch and trunk. These keys aren't ideal for long-term use because they drain batteries. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, based on the make and model. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs can be replaced using replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. These can often be found at a much lower cost than the dealer-supplied version if you look online or at the local hardware store. If you already have a standard key, the cost of duplication could be as low as $10-$15. You might also be able to purchase an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain retailer. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption could be costly. They are usually laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a thicker shank and have less grooves carved out on the blade and they have to be programmed using a specific machine found in a dealership or locksmith shop. It can be costly to replace a key using a microchip, and it's often required to visit a dealer in order to get the replacement code. Keys with chips are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They are equipped with electronics that must be validated before they can open doors or start your engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 and $300 for a new key that comes with the key fob as well as an updated transponder chip. 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. Many modern cars come with these keys, which function by sending a signal from your key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car then locks or unlocks according to the signal and opens the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.