Car keys have a way of disappearing from pockets in coats or between sofa cushions. That used to be simple however, today's sophisticated key fobs, smart keys and transponder chips are more difficult for thieves to duplicate.
Many car owners contact their dealer to get these keys made up. However, it's generally more expensive than calling a locksmith.
Lost Keys
It's a major problem to lose your keys. You're likely to be anxious and confused when reach into your pocket or purse and find no keys. Take a deep breath and try to recall where you might have misplaced your keys. This is crucial and 95% of times keys are located in the vicinity. If not, you need to contact a locksmith.
The majority of locksmiths for cars offer a variety of services, and can help you locate your keys, regardless of whether you lost them or lost they've been lost or misplaced. Before calling you, it's a good idea to have your key information prepared for the technician to make the process smoother and quicker. Write down the year, model, and make of your vehicle. This information will help the locksmith determine what kind of key you require.
Then, you'll need be aware of whether your key is electronic or traditional. Most older cars have traditional keys. Newer vehicles, however, are usually equipped with transponder chips. These chips emit an electronic code that unlocks the doors and then starts the engine of your car when you insert them into it. If you lose a transponder keys it is essential to contact your dealer at the time of purchase and provide them with proof of ownership before they allow you to buy a replacement. This process costs between $200 and $250.
If your key doesn't have a transponder you can typically purchase an alternative at the majority of hardware stores. They make use of a machine to duplicate the contours of your old key so they can cut it onsite. Then, you can re-key your car's locks with the new key. This is usually less expensive than hiring a car locksmith to come to your house and do the work for you.
If you're not in a rush you can visit your local dealership to purchase a new key for your car. This could be an expensive option because the dealership will only have blank keys for your car key replacement service model.
Broken Keys
Sometimes, a key can break inside of a lock. This is a problem that can happen for a variety of reasons. It could be because you have been putting keys in your pocket for too long, or the keys have been used to open a paint tin or package. It's important to deal with the problem immediately regardless of the reason. If you don't, you could be unable to lock the door of your office, home or car, leaving it at an increased risk of theft.
There are several ways you can fix broken keys and get them out of the lock. The first way is to use clips. This is a good option, especially when the key is of normal in size and not too thick. The paperclip will grab the key from both sides, and help you to lever it out. You can also apply a bit of lubricant in order to speed up the process.
You could also try using a screw to take out a broken key. This isn't as effective as a paperclip or a pair of pliers, but it could be useful if one or two pieces of the key is protruding from the lock. The screw's keyway needs to be lined up with the serrations on the key that will allow the hook at the end of the screw to penetrate the damaged portion and grasp it. Before you attempt this method, it's a great idea to cover the damaged section of the key with duct tape.
Another option is to make use of a hot glue stick. It's a bit more difficult, but this method is effective in many instances. This technique may require multiple attempts since the key has to be separated from the rest.
It is a little more difficult with a vehicle however, you can manage it. You'll need to choose an old car key that still works, or you can purchase the new blank car key with the transponder chip installed. You can then use it to remove the internals of the broken keyshell from the blank and replace them.
Locks with a problem
The locks on your car are not only there to ensure your safety while you're driving, they also safeguard your car from theft. However, in some cases, the locks break or become faulty and make it difficult to lock and unlock your vehicle. If this happens, it's crucial to have an expert locksmith take a look at the locks of your car and fix them.
If you're experiencing difficulty turning your keys, this could be a sign that there's dirt or rust inside the lock cylinder that is preventing it from connecting with the key. Try using a graphite spray or lubricant to remove any obstructions and let the lock engage with the key once more. You can also use a WD-40 container to spray the inside of the lock, and then insert a thin red straw into the nozzle to get the lubricant evenly distributed across the cylinder.
After you've lubricated the lock, it should be easier to insert and operate, however in the event that your key doesn't fit inside the cylinder, or gets stuck in the lock and fails to turn, it's likely to be due to a malfunctioning internal mechanism that requires to be replaced. If this happens it is recommended that an expert locksmith replace the entire lock cylinder.
Another issue that is common is when your car's power lock isn't working. This can be frustrating but it's also easy to fix and diagnose. If you own a manual lock, simply press the switch on the door handle to toggle it between "locked" and "unlocked." If your power lock is activated but the door doesn't open it is due to the electrical wiring that connects the lock to the car's battery. A locksmith with experience can diagnose and resolve this issue quickly.
To check if this is the problem You'll need to unlock your door and pull off the handle inside and panel. The exact procedure varies from car to car, but in general you'll need to locate and then remove all the bolts holding these parts in place. After you've removed them you can take off the handle plate on the door and then take the lock cylinder from the door.
Lockouts
A lot of us are at a risk of losing our car keys in the wrong way. It's a simple enough thing to do but can be extremely stressful. When you reach into your bag or pockets and you don't hear the satisfying jingle of the key chain, your heart sinks in to your stomach. It is important to keep the spare car key in a secure location such as the glovebox or the under the mat. This will prevent you from being hit with a large bill by a locksmith.
Before calling for roadside assistance, or an auto locksmith, you'll need to know a few things about the kind of remote car key replacement key you're missing. Certain keys for cars are advanced and can't be replaced with ease. If you own a smart key, it requires an specialized programming procedure that only a handful of locksmiths are equipped with.
Another issue is that at times the key fob may cease to function. This could be caused by replacing the battery or some other vehicle work. Usually, if you reset the key, it will be able to function properly.
If you're still unable to find your car key, a locksmith will need the vehicle identification number (VIN) to create new keys. This number can be found on the dashboard or engine bay of your vehicle. It is also on your insurance or registration paperwork.
Some people choose to contact their dealer of their brand for a replacement however, this option can be costly. Dealerships may not have the exact key in stock and you'll be required to pay for towing charges. Call a local locksmith who can provide you with an affordable price and the right equipment for your model. They'll be capable of providing you with a fast, reliable service that will help you get back on the road in a hurry. In addition, some auto locksmiths offer the option of a key replacement guarantee to provide security in the event of any mishaps during the repair process.