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Getting a New Car Key Cut You will save money compared to a dealership by using an auto locksmith. They can make replacements keys for all types of vehicles and models, including fobs which require programming. Laser-cut keys have a thicker shank with smaller grooves. They also come with transponder chips that must be programmed into your car. This process is more complicated and takes longer, but it's still less expensive than going to a dealership. What kind of keys do I require? When it comes to replacing keys for your car, the kind of keys you own is a significant factor. If your car is older and you have a traditional type of key, you can find an alternative from a variety of locksmiths or hardware stores. Keys of this kind have simple, precise ridges cut into one side and are simple to duplicate. Most modern vehicles use electronic keys, which have integrated transponder chips which transmits a signal the vehicle when it's put in the ignition. This system is designed in a way that unauthorized users cannot start your car or open doors. If you lose a key that is the smart key, it's much more costly to replace as they require a specialized computer chip to function. It's a good idea have a spare key available and leave it with someone in your family or a family member in case you lose the original. Depending on the brand and model of your car it might or may not be possible to replace the missing smart key with a second-hand version. If your car doesn't have the technology, you'll have to go to a dealer or contact a locksmith. You'll need a photo ID and proof of ownership to purchase the new car key. They will then have to program the key into your vehicle's system. The process can take up to an hour. It's much more expensive than an ordinary copy of a key. A key fob laser-cut will cost between $50 and $100. While you wait for your new key, don't stress too much about it. You should always keep a spare key in your pocket, or with a trusted companion. Keep an eye on your keychain when it moves. Think about purchasing an aftermarket key online if you wish to save money. These keys are often priced at 75% less than what dealers would charge. You will still have to cut them and program them to your car. Find out the best price in your area. How long will it take? If you're the type who is at risk of losing or forgetting your keys It could be the right time to buy an extra. You'll save yourself the expense of having to pay for locksmiths to visit or having your vehicle towed to the dealer if you need new keys. It can take anywhere between several minutes to a few hours to make a replacement key. It could cost up to $200 to replace a key if you lose the sole key. This is because you will need to pay for the vehicle to be taken to the dealer, who will then need to purchase and program a replacement. You will also be charged for labor costs. Spending money on a spare key now is better than having to pay for the replacement later. Traditional car keys can be made quickly by a locksmith, or at an hardware store. They typically have a slightly thicker shank and have less grooves carved out than laser-cut keys. However, if you need the replacement of a key fob, it's likely to take longer since they need to be programmed by the vehicle's computer. In the majority of cases the most reliable auto locksmith can handle this. It's best to contact them ahead of time to ask about their rates and the time they'll need to complete the job. Most Mister Minit locations have the expertise and equipment to duplicate your existing car key or fob. You'll have to bring the key you'd like duplicated as well as the year, make, and MODEL of your car to help us determine what kind of transponder chip the key has. The year, make and model will also allow us to determine what kind of key fob you require. If you're worried about losing your original, you can also visit the dealer who makes the car you drive. If you require an replacement for your key fob, it will take a bit longer as the dealer will have to program it using the computer in your car. They'll need evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title papers for this. You can also find a third car key to use as a spare, and reprogramme it yourself. You'll need to check the owner's manual of your vehicle to find out how to do this, since it varies from one manufacturer to the next. Are there any limitations on Getting a Key Made Without the Original? If you own an older vehicle it is possible to purchase a standard metal key made by an auto locksmith or in some cases even at a hardware store. This is because older vehicles do not use specialized electronic components such as chips. Newer cars may use transponder keys which require a laser-cutting device called sidewinder to duplicate the key. These newer keys can also have a chip programmed to prevent the vehicle from starting when the original key is not near to the ignition. If your car is equipped with one of these advanced keys, you should know that you will probably need to go to an auto dealer to get an alternate key made, without the original. This can be expensive especially if you need to tow your car to the dealer to program the key. A locksmith's call is a cheaper alternative. They can cut and program a duplicate of your car key for about half the price of a dealership. It is crucial to take this step prior to losing your car keys, as it can save you a significant amount of money in the end if you can't find the keys. Can I get a key made at AutoZone? Although modern cars are equipped with advanced security systems, they rely on keys to open the car and start it. It's not as simple as going to the self-service kiosk at the mall and getting an alternative key. Modern car keys need to be programmed for the vehicle's security and contain a transponder chip that is unique to each vehicle. Many AutoZone stores have the experience and equipment to offer these services. If you have your key fob (or even a simple key) with you, an associate will cut it and then help program it to your vehicle on the spot. The most basic method of cutting a car keys involves using a machine to duplicate the contours of a working key. A blank key is positioned on one side of a duplication machine, and an existing key is placed on the other side. Both are aligned by a specific tool. The machine then moves the blank key and working key in a circular motion, cutting out the desired shape. The new key will have the dimensions of the previous one. The process of creating an additional key for your car could be more complex. The year and make, as well as the model will determine the type of key you require. The key will be cut by a professional to fit your car. Many dealerships have the necessary equipment, but you can also find a locksmith who will perform this task for less. Find out whether the locksmith is part of the Associated Locksmiths of America. It is common to find replacement keys online for less than visiting a dealer to have them cut and programmed. You can find them by searching “(your year and make)” on websites created for this purpose. If you own a more complicated key or key fob, you'll need to visit the locksmith or dealer to get it replaced. You can have a key made by providing your VIN and proof of ownership, but the programming will cost you. auto key cutting to avoid these costs is to have a spare key manufactured today, so that you can use it in case in an emergency.