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How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost The loss of your car keys isn't an ideal option. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and the parts to replace your keys 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. It's about 20 percent less than purchasing from dealers. Keys with Transponder Chips Many modern vehicles have key fobs that provide security and convenience for the owner of the vehicle. They are not free. In certain instances the cost of replacing the key fob that has been damaged or lost can be high. cutting car key www.g28carkeys.co.uk is that there are methods to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It's cheaper to get a spare car key today, rather than waiting until you lose the key and you are facing the cost of the visit of a locksmith or towing charges. Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been an integral part of all cars. Its name comes from “transmitter and responder”. This technology was developed in response to rising levels of car theft. Transponders in cars transmit an encrypted signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition, an antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder receives the signal and, if it matches the password, the engine is started. This is important because most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and then drive away. Transponder chips operate in a similar way to the microchips used in computers and cell phones. They don't require constant power. Instead, they send an electromagnetic signal of low frequency 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 in need of an extra key for a car equipped with a transponder. Many locksmiths have a tool to program new keys to match the make and model of your car. This is a great alternative to visiting the dealership. It's also important to note that some shops, such as AutoZone will offer a key programming service. They often charge much more than a professional locksmith. This is due to the fact that they can take advantage of the “scaling” effect that occurs when the number of units sold rises. In other words, they are able to transfer their cost savings to consumers. Keys with Electronics Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that are connected to the car when the key is put in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which can only be completed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This process can cost up to $500 for the new key, as well as reprogramming the immobilizer and possibly costs for labor. The best way to cut down on the expense of replacing your car keys is to not require them in the first place. This means you should have an extra key in case you lose the original. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key from the hardware store or at a box store for about $25 to $50, based on the type of key. Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discount. A factory key is likely to have the correct transponder. This is important, as you will not be able make use of an aftermarket car key unless it has been professionally programmed. The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the tools needed to program modern car key, so they can only provide basic duplication services. You can also visit a locksmith, independent auto repair shop, or dealer to get them replaced. If you plan to buy an inexpensive key online, make sure that it's not programmed for someone else's vehicle. This can be done by examining the blade of the key to determine if it has chips, or a cutout showing signs of an old key. A key duplication device can be bought, but it isn't an option for everyone. The machine costs more than blank keys, so you'll need to cut many keys to make a profit. If you're not at ease with a vice a hand file is a more affordable alternative. But, it's not the most secure method as it could damage the key's electronics or even break the key in the lock. Key Fobs with Keys Modern cars come with remote controls that lock and unlock the vehicle, and also start the motor. They are tiny transmitters which communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle through radio waves. These are great features for drivers but can be expensive to duplicate or replace if lost. Unlike traditional keys, which require a reputable locksmith, dealer in automotive, or any other specialist service provider to make, key fobs contain advanced electronics, making them more expensive to produce than their basic counterparts. They also need to be programmed to work with your vehicle, which can also add cost. A new fob and key can cost up to $300 when you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to only $50 if you buy it on the internet. Find an appropriate key fob for your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Certain key fobs need to be laser-cut or programmed by the local dealer. However, many of them can be programmed by the user. Standard key fobs can be replaced for a lot less than the more sophisticated models because they do not contain an embedded chip that requires reprogramming. They are still expensive to copy if you have damaged or lost keys and require a template to duplicate them however, they are more affordable than the cost of replacing an entire key set from your dealer for your car. Another option to reduce your costs for cutting keys is to simply purchase an entirely new shell for your 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 solution to updating your keychain without making an appointment with a dealer. Keys for Keyless Entry The car key fob has 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 weights 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 tend to drain the battery, making it hard to use for long periods of time. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. Key fobs are often repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search online or in your local hardware store, you will often find these for significantly less than dealer-supplied options. If you own an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually low and range between $10 and $15. You may also be able purchase an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. Keys that require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, however. They are usually laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys or high security keys. These keys have a thicker blade and less grooves on its shank. They must be programmed by a special machine in a locksmith or dealership. A key with chip could be costly to replace and often requires a trip to the dealership to obtain a replacement code. These are commonly called smart or transponder keys, and they come with electronic components which must be validated by your vehicle before it can open doors or start the engine. Dealers can charge between $150 to $300 for a key that has the key fob as well as a transponder chip. If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery in the key fob fails it could cost you to replace the keys. The majority of modern cars have keys that function by sending a signal from the key fob to a receiver in your car. The car then locks or unlocks according to the signal and opens the hatch and trunk if the key is close to the receiver.