How to Find Car Key Repairs Near Me
Getting a car key repaired is one of the best ways to keep your vehicle safe. However, many people aren't sure how to select the right service provider.
Keys from the past that allow cars to start are easy and cheap to replace, but modern key fobs require specialized equipment to program them to a specific car. This can be costly and inconvenient.
Lost Keys
In the past, losing your car key was not a huge issue. In the past, you could contact roadside assistance or a local locksmith. Then, you'd purchase the new key to program it and get your issue resolved. As automotive key repair evolved in terms of technology and more sophisticated, losing keys isn't as easy as it was in the past. The cost of replacing a lost key in a car can be high.
Always have an extra. This will stop you from having to go through the cost of having a professional locksmith cut you a new one. You can also stay clear of calling roadside assistance that can be expensive.
If you don't have a spare, try searching in your pockets (including the pockets on your jacket or pants that you were wearing at the time you lost the keys). Look in all the places you typically keep them, like in your shoes or the bag you use for your gym workouts. Also look in places you wouldn't think to look for them, such as under the seat or on the floor.
You can also post flyers around your area asking if anyone's found your car keys. This could help you locate a lead or, at a minimum, provide you with peace of mind that your car keys weren't stolen. You can also make a lost-and-found ad for your car on a site like Craigslist.
The cost of replacing a car key is contingent on the kind of car you own and the kind of key you lost. The standard car key is the most affordable to replace. You can get a replacement at AutoZone or from a locksmith, or even your dealership for just $25.
The more complicated transponder keys, also known as smart keys, on the contrary are extremely costly. The technician must first restore the cut of the key, then disassemble the key and match the transponder chip to your car. The cost of replacing a car key by its electronic components can be as high as $2,000 or more.
Broken Keys
It can be a real trouble when your car key breaks inside the lock. There are, however, some ways you can attempt to recover the car key that is broken before calling a locksmith to assist.
First, you should spray lubricant in the key hole in order to reduce friction and allow you to easily remove the broken piece. You could also use a thin piece of wire to help you grip the protruding bit so that you can pull it out. Additionally needle nose pliers can be used to extract broken key pieces. When using these tools, it is important to use caution so as not to push the broken key into the lock.
Another method that is popular is to apply superglue at the end of the key that is sticking out of the lock. This isn't the best solution for the average person as it can be messy and ineffective. The glue could get in every nook and cranny the lock, making it difficult to pull the broken piece out.
In the majority of cases, you will have to call an locksmith to repair or replace a damaged key. It is recommended to keep both keys however, as they will help the locksmith better understand how to create a new replacement. It's also cheaper to have the locksmith create a brand new one without the original in the event of an older car that doesn't require a chip.
It is also worth noting that the key fob you have purchased has been damaged, you will have to replace it as well. This can be caused by physical damage or an internal component malfunctioning. It can also happen during regular use or following the battery has been replaced. This is more expensive than purchasing a new car key without the fob, but it's still an acceptable option if you're not able to afford the new key in the first place. You'll need to provide proof that you own the vehicle to be able to get the locksmith to create an replacement fob.
Lockouts
Anyone can experience car lockouts. It can be extremely frustrating and uncomfortable to lock yourself out of your car especially during the daytime or when you're trying to get to a place that's important. There are however a number of ways you can recover from a car lockout and prevent it from occurring again.
Lost Keys
Locked out of your car because you misplaced your keys is the most common reason people get stuck out of their cars. The best preventative measures include keeping your car keys in the same location and using an alarm system that reminds you to carry your keys with you when you leave your car can reduce this risk.
Dead Batteries
In most instances, a simple fix such as replacing the batteries in the key fob of your car will solve this issue. Make car key immobiliser repair to regularly inspect your key fob for signs of wear and tear and replace the battery as soon as you notice signs of wear, when needed.
Broken Ignition Cylinder
Over time the ignition cylinder in your vehicle can wear out and be difficult to get rid of. Oftentimes, this is the result of a foreign object getting stuck inside the ignition. In some instances, this can be prevented by regularly checking your vehicle for signs of wear and tear, and then addressing any issues promptly.
Burglars Tampering
Burglars are known to alter your locks to gain access to your vehicle and steal the contents. In time, this could cause the locks to become damaged, leading to a lack of function. This is often detected through a simple test such as inserting your key into a mechanism other than the ignition.
If you have a spare key that is close by, a friend or family member can easily locate it and unlock the door. This method is typically quicker and less expensive than calling for roadside assistance. If you don't have a spare key, try not to make use of DIY methods that could damage your lock mechanism, like using an incredibly slim jim (which is effective when handled by a professional, but could cause more problems if used incorrectly). A roadside assistance membership can give you peace of heart and could save you money by avoiding the need to contact a professional.
Door Locks
Occasionally, your door locks may become a bit sticky. This can be due to a number of reasons like changes in weather and the size of your door frame. In this case the lock's tumblers get clogged by debris and can't turn properly. If this is the case it is possible to lubricate the key to aid. Cover your key with graphite powder or spray, and then place it into the keyhole of the lock. The graphite will give you lubrication and allow the tumblers to rotate properly. This simple fix usually resolves the issue.
In other situations it could be a misalignment in the lock cylinder. To fix it, loosen the screws holding the cylinder to the door. But do not remove them completely. With a screwdriver and a small adjustment, align the keyhole of the door to the keyway of the cylinder. After shifting, tighten the screws securely.
If your lock cylinder is stuck or doesn't respond to lubrication, you may require a change. It's not as complicated as you might think. You'll need an rekey kit that is compatible with your lock. Rekeying kits usually contain a variety of tools as well as pins of various sizes that you will need to remove from the cylinder. The pins will be replaced by new ones of the same length to align your lock's keyway.
Key fobs require a bit more effort because they must be disassembled. Most manufacturers have made it simple to disassemble their devices without damaging them and, therefore, you can repair or replace your key fob on your own when you follow the directions in the manual. Be aware that the battery in a keyfob can die over time or suffer water damage. This could affect its function. In these cases, you should contact your auto insurance provider to get roadside assistance. You might be able to get someone to retrieve your key fob at the cost of service provider.