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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 spare parts to replace your key without having to pay the dealership. Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site using a key-cutting machine. G28 Car Keys 's about 20% less than buying from dealers. Keys with Transponder Chips Many modern cars have key fobs that provide security and comfort for the owner of the vehicle. However, these devices come with an expense. In certain instances the cost of replacing a key fob that has been lost or damaged is high. There are ways to cut down on the costs of these devices. It's cheaper to buy an extra key now rather than wait until you lose your car keys and need to pay a locksmith or towing charges. The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words “transmitter + responder”) has been a feature of most automobiles since the mid-1990s. This technology was created as a response to the rising rate of theft from cars. The car transponder transmits a secret code via a signal. When the key is put in the ignition, the antenna ring around it detects the signal. If the signal matches the password, then the engine will begin. This is crucial because the majority of thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and then drive away. Transponder chips work in a similar way to the microchips found in computers and cell phones. The distinction is that they don't need constant power to work. Instead, they send a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that is detected by special receivers placed in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself. We recommend visiting your local locksmith if you require the spare key for a vehicle with a transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to program new keys to the specific make and model of your car. This is a fantastic alternative to going to the dealership. It is also important to know that some stores, like AutoZone offer a key programming service. They usually charge more than professional locksmiths. They do this because they can benefit from a “scaling effect” that occurs when the amount of units sold increases. They can then pass on the savings to consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys have transponders or chips that are paired to the car when the key is put in the ignition. These keys are more costly to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming, which must be completed by an auto locksmith or a dealership. This procedure can cost as much as $500 for an entirely new key, programming of the immobilizer and possible labor charges. The best way to cut down on the expense of replacing your car keys is to not have them in the first place. It is crucial to have a spare car key in the event that the original one is lost. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key from a hardware store or box store for about $25 to $50, based on the type of key. Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online at a discounted price from the manufacturer. The advantage of buying a factory key is that it will likely have the proper transponder chip. This is important, as you won't be able to use a car key that is aftermarket unless it has been professionally programmed. Most hardware stores and box stores do not have the technology to program modern car keys, which is why they can only provide basic key duplication services. You can take them to a dealer or an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith to get them replaced. If you are planning to purchase a cheap key online, make sure that it's not programmed for the vehicle of someone else. This can be done by examining the blade of the key for chip or a cutout that shows signs of a previous key. Purchasing a key duplication machine is another option however, it's not 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 make a profit. If you're not happy with this, a vice and hand file are a more affordable alternative. However, it's not the most secure method as it may damage the key's electronics or even cut the key off in the lock. Key Fobs with Keys Many modern vehicles come with key fobs, which are remote controls that allow you to lock and unlock your car and start the engine. These are small remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves. These are great features for drivers but can be costly to duplicate or replace if lost. In contrast to traditional keys, which require a reputable locksmith, automotive dealer, or any other specialist service provider to design keys, key fobs are equipped with sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to make than the standard keys. Fobs also need to be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which could add up in cost too. If you lose your sole working fob, it could cost you up to $300 to get a replacement fob and key from the dealership. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob down to only $50 by buying it online. Search for the right key fob for your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Certain key fobs must be laser-cut or programmed by your local dealer. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the customer. Key fobs for standard keys are cheaper than more advanced models to replace as they don't come with an embedded chip that has to be programmed after the fact. Although they can be costly to duplicate in the event that you need to design templates for a damaged or lost key it is lower than purchasing a brand new set of keys from your car dealer. Another way to cut your costs for cutting keys is by simply buying a new shell for your key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, while leaving the electronics intact. These shells are a cost-effective option to updating your keychain without having to make an appointment with the dealer. Keys with Keyless Entry Car key fobs offer numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, especially if you're carrying groceries or other heavy loads in your hands. They can even assist you to open your hatch and trunk, if they have this functionality integrated into them. These keys aren't recommended for long-term use because they drain batteries. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. Key fobs are often replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. These can often be found for much cheaper than a dealer-supplied option, by searching online or at the local hardware store. If you already have a standard-sized key, duplication costs can be as low as $10 to $15. You may also be able to buy a replacement from 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 or high-security keys. They have a more robust blade and have fewer grooves on the shank. They have to be programmed by a specific machine in a locksmith or dealership. A key that has chip could be expensive to replace and usually requires an appointment with a dealer to obtain a replacement code. These keys are often referred to as smart or transponder keys, and they come with electronic components which must be validated by your vehicle before it will open any doors or start the engine. A dealer typically charges between $150 to $300 for a brand new original key that has both the key fob and the transponder chip. If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery in the key fob fails, it can be costly to replace the keys. These keys are found in most modern cars. They work by sending messages 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 trunk and hatch when the key is near the receiver.