How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting CostLosing your car keys is not a good idea. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your key without overpaying at the dealership.Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site with a key-cutting machine. It's about 20 percent less than purchasing from an agent.Keys that have Transponder chipsMany modern cars have key fobs that offer security and ease for the owner of the vehicle. However, these devices come with costs. In some cases the cost of replacing a key fob which has been damaged or lost is high. The good news is that there are options to lower the costs associated with these devices. It is cheaper to order an extra key today than wait until you lose your car key and then pay for the locksmith or towing fees.Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been a vital component of all cars. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". This technology was created in response to the increasing rate of theft from cars. Transponders in cars transmit a secret code via a signal. When the key is put in the ignition, the antenna ring around it reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, then the engine will start. This is crucial because the majority of thieves simply wire the vehicle before driving away.Transponder chips work on the same principle as the microchips used in cell phones and computers. The distinction is that they don't need constant power to work. Instead, they send an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency that can be recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself.We suggest visiting your local locksmith if in need of an extra key for a car equipped with a transponder. Many locksmiths have a system to make new keys to match your vehicle model and. This is a fantastic alternative to visiting the dealership.It is also important to know that some stores such as AutoZone provide key programming services. They often charge much more than professional locksmiths. This is due to the fact that they can take advantage of the "scaling" effect which occurs when the quantity of units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to the consumers.Keys with ElectronicsModern keys are equipped with transponders or chips which pair with the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. These keys are more costly to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which must be performed by a dealership or auto locksmith. This procedure can cost up to $500 for an entirely new key, changing of the immobilizer's programming, and the possibility of labor costs.The best way to reduce the expense of replacing your car keys is to not have them in the first place. This means you should have a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key for $25 to $50 at a hardware or box store retailer, based on the type of key.Many people are unaware that they can purchase keys replacement online or at a reduced prices from the manufacturer. A factory key is likely to contain the correct transponder. This is important because you won't be able to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the technology necessary to program modern car key They can only offer basic duplication services. You can also take them to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith shop to get them replaced.If you're planning to purchase a key for a low price online, make sure it's not programmed to another vehicle. This can be done by examining the blade of the key to determine if it has an embedded chip or a cutout that shows the signs of an old key.A key duplication machine may be purchased, but this is not a viable option for everyone. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys themselves, and you'll have cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you don't feel at ease using a vice, hand-files are an alternative that is less expensive. It's not the best alternative as it can harm the electronic components of the key or even break the key in the lock.Key Fobs with KeysModern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the car and start the motor. These are tiny remote transmitters which communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle via radio waves. These are great features for drivers, but they are costly to duplicate or replace if lost.Unlike traditional keys, which require a great locksmith, automotive dealer, or a different specialist service provider to create, key fobs contain sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to produce than their standard counterparts. Fobs also need to be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which could increase the cost too.A new key and fob can cost up to $300 when you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob down to as little as $50 by buying it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have a key fob that fits your car model. Some of these fobs may need to be laser-cut by a locksmith or programmed by a local dealer, but many can be programmed by the customer easily (though some will require two working keys to accomplish this).Key fobs for standard keys are cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace because they don't contain an embedded chip that requires to be programmed after the fact. While they can be expensive to duplicate if you have to create templates to replace a damaged or lost key, the cost is much lower than purchasing a brand new key from your car dealer.You can also cut down on key cutting expenses by purchasing a new shell to replace your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your key fob, and leave the electronics inside unaltered. These shells are an affordable solution to update your keychain without having to make an appointment with a dealer.Keys for Keyless EntryCar key fobs offer many 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. They can also help you open your trunk and hatch, in the event that they have this feature integrated into them.The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they often consume battery power, making it hard to use them for a long period of time. Depending on car key cut and programed and make of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Fortunately, most key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. If you search on the internet or at your local hardware store, you'll often find these for less than dealer-supplied options.If you already have a standard 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 retailer. However replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding can be expensive. These keys are usually laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys, or high security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and less grooves on the shank. They need to be programmed by a special machine at a locksmith or dealership.A key that has chip could be expensive to replace and typically requires an appointment with a dealer to obtain a replacement code. These keys are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They are equipped with electronics that must be validated before they can open doors or start engines. Dealers charge between $150 to $300 for a key that comes with the key fob, as well as a transponder chip.Keys with keyless entry may be costly to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery fails. The majority of modern cars have keys that function by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a device in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It will also open the hatch and trunk when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.