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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car key without paying dealership prices. 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. On average, this costs 20% less than buying through a dealer. Keys with Transponder chips A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that offer an element of security and convenience to the car owner. However, these devices come with a cost. In some cases, the cost of replacing a key fob which is damaged or lost can be high. There are ways to reduce the costs of these devices. It's cheaper to have a spare car key now instead of waiting until you lose the key and you are confronted with the expense of an appointment with a locksmith or towing charges. The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words “transmitter + responder”) has been a feature of most cars since the mid 1990s. This technology was designed to counter the growing number of car thefts. The basic idea behind the chip in a car transponder transmits an electronic signal that has the secret password. When the key is inserted in the ignition, an antenna ring around the ignition cylinder reads the signal and, if it matches the password, the engine will start. This is a big deal because most thieves simply hot wire the vehicle to start it, and then take off. Transponder chips operate on a similar principle to the microchips in cell phones and computers. They do not require constant power. Instead, they transmit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal which can be recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself. We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if in need of a spare key for your vehicle that has a transponder. visit my homepage will have a device that can program new keys to the specific model and make of your vehicle. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership. Also, it's important to note that stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming option. They typically charge more than a professional locksmith. They do this because they can profit from the “scaling effect” that occurs when the amount of units sold increases. They can then pass on the savings to the consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys have chips or transponders which are linked to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they need programming that can only be performed by a dealership, auto locksmith, or your vehicle's manufacturer. This process can cost as much as $500 for a new key, the programming of the immobilizer and possibly, labor costs. The most effective method to save money on key cutting costs is by avoiding the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. This means having a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can purchase a duplicate key for $25-$50 at the hardware store or a box shop, based on the key type. Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online at reduced prices from the manufacturer. The advantage of purchasing a factory key is that it's likely to have the correct transponder chip. This is crucial, since you cannot make use of an aftermarket car key without having it 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 offer basic duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, a repair shop or dealer to get them replaced. If you plan to buy an inexpensive key online, make sure it's not programmed to someone else's vehicle. You can do this by examining the blade of the key for chip or an open cutout that has evidence of the previous key. A key duplication device can be purchased, but this is not a viable option for most people. The cost of the machine is higher than blank keys, so you'll have to cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you're not sure about this, a vice and hand file are a cheaper alternative. However, it's not the safest method because it could harm the electronics of the key or even break the key in the lock. Key Fobs with keys A lot of modern cars have key fobs, which are remote controls to lock and unlock your vehicle and start the engine. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that communicate with your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to transmit commands. These are great features for drivers but can be expensive to duplicate or replace if they are lost. Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys because they contain sophisticated electronic components. Fobs must also be programmed to work with your vehicle, which can also increase the cost. If you lose your sole working fob, it can cost you up to $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 down to only $50 if you buy it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have a key fob that fits the car model you have. Some of these fobs may need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by your dealer in your area, but most can be programmed by the customer with ease (though some may require two working, current keys to do this). Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for a lot less than more sophisticated models since they do not have an embedded chip which needs to be reprogrammed. While they can be expensive to duplicate if you have to create an original template to replace a damaged or lost key it is less than purchasing a new set of keys from a car dealer. You can also lower your key cutting costs by buying a new shell to replace your current key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your key fob, while leaving the electronics inside unchanged. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and save you the hassle of trying to schedule an appointment with the dealership. Keys with Keyless Entry The car key fob has many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to look for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you're carrying large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. They can also help you open your trunk and hatch if they have this functionality built in. The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they frequently consume battery power which makes it difficult to use for long periods of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search on the internet or at your local hardware store, you can often find them at less than the dealer-supplied alternatives. If you already have a standard key, the cost of duplication could be as low as $10 to $15. You may also be able to buy an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain retailer. Keys that are newer and require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, however. Keys that are laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a thicker shank and less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and must be programmed using a specific machine found in a dealership or locksmith shop. It can be expensive to replace a key that has microchips and it is usually necessary to visit the dealer to obtain the replacement code. These are commonly called smart or transponder keys, and they have electronics inside that need to be verified by your car before it will open any doors or start the engine. A dealer typically charges between $150 and $300 for a new original key that includes both the key fob and a new transponder chip. Keys with keyless entry may be costly to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery is dead. Keyless entry keys can be found in the majority of modern automobiles. They function by transmitting messages from the key fob to an internal receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It will also open the hatch and trunk when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.