https://click4r.com/posts/g/18360099/8-tips-to-improve-your-car-key-cutting-prices-game How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost Losing your car keys is never an ideal option. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your keys without overpaying at the dealership. Simply bring a current working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours by using a machine onsite. On average, this is 20% less than purchasing through a dealer. Keys that have Transponder chips A lot of modern cars come with key fobs which provide a level of security and comfort for the owner of the vehicle. They are not free. In some cases the cost of replacing the key fob that has been damaged or lost could be costly. The good news is that there are ways to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It's cheaper to buy an extra key now rather than to wait until you lose your car key and have to pay for a locksmith or towing charges. Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been a key component of all automobiles. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". This technology was developed as a response to the rising rate of car theft. Transponders in cars transmit the secret code through a signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition, an antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder receives this signal and when it matches the password, the engine starts. This is a big deal because the majority of thieves simply hot wire the vehicle to start it, and then take off. Transponder chips operate on a similar basis as microchips found in computers and cell phones. The difference is that they don't require constant power to function. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that can be detected by special detectors that are placed on the ignition cylinder and the key head. We suggest visiting your local locksmith if in need of a spare key for your vehicle that has transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool that can