How to Find Car Key Repairs Near Me
Getting a car key repaired is one of the best ways to keep your vehicle safe. But, many don't know how to choose the right service provider.
Modern key fobs can be programmed using specific equipment. Older keys to start automobiles can be easily and affordably replaced. This can be costly and time-consuming.
Lost Keys
In the past the loss of a car key wasn't much of an issue. Typically, you would just call roadside assistance or the local locksmith. Then you'd get a new key, program it and have your problem solved. As automobiles have technologically advanced it's no longer as simple to lose a car key like it once was. The process of replacing a lost car key can be expensive.
Always have a spare. This will save you from having to go through the cost of having a professional locksmith cut you a new one. You can also avoid calling roadside assistance, which can be expensive.
If you don't have a spare key, try searching in your pockets (including pockets on the garments or jackets you were wearing at the time you lost your keys). Check all the places you normally keep them, such as in your shoes, or in the bag you carry for your gym workouts. Also look around in places that you wouldn't think to look for them, such as under the seat or on the floor.
Post flyers in your neighborhood asking if anyone has come across your car keys. This could help you find leads or at a minimum, give you peace-of-mind that your car keys weren't stolen. car key repairs can also use websites like Craigslist to put up a lost and found advertisement for your vehicle.
The cost of replacing a car key is contingent on the type of car you own and the type of key you've lost. The traditional car key is the cheapest to replace. You can find a replacement from AutoZone, from locksmiths, or even your dealer for only $25.
The more complex transponder keys or smart keys, however, can be extremely expensive. They require a specialist to fix the key's cuts first before taking the key apart and match its transponder chip to your vehicle. It can be as expensive as $2,000 to replace the car key as well as its accompanying electronics.
Broken Keys
If your car key is damaged inside the lock, it could be a major hassle. There are a few things you can do to try and recover your broken key before making an appointment with a locksmith.
Spray the keyhole with lubricant to lessen friction. This makes it easier to take out broken pieces. You can also employ a thin piece of wire to assist you in gripping the protruding part so that you can pull it out. You can also employ needle nose pliers in order to extract broken pieces of key. When using these tools, it is essential to exercise caution so as not to push the broken key even further into the lock.
Superglue is another popular trick. It is used to glue the key's end, which sticks out of the lock. This is not the best solution for the average person since it can be messy and ineffective. The glue could get in every crevice and crevice of the lock, making it even difficult to pull the broken piece out.
In most cases you will have to call a locksmith to repair a damaged key. Keep both pieces of the damaged key, however, as this will help the locksmith to better understand how he can create an alternative. It is also much cheaper to have a locksmith make you a brand new key without the original one, especially when it's an older vehicle that doesn't require a chip.
It is also necessary to replace your key fob if it has been damaged. It could be due to physical damage or an internal component that is not functioning properly. This can also happen with regular use or after a battery change. It will cost more than purchasing a new car key with no fob, however it's still a viable option if you're not able to to pay for a brand new key immediately. However, you will have to prove that you are the owner of the vehicle before the locksmith can make you a new key fob.
Lockouts
Everyone can experience car lockouts. It can be frustrating and uncomfortable to be locked out of your car particularly during the day or while you're trying get somewhere important. There are a variety of steps you can take to stop the possibility of a lockout in your car again and recover from the incident.
Lost Keys
The most frequent reason for getting locked out of your car is misplacing keys. Preventive measures such as keeping your keys in the same location and setting an alarm that reminds you to bring your keys with you when you leave your vehicle, can to reduce the risk.
Dead Batteries
In most instances, a simple fix like replacing the batteries in the key fob of your car will solve the issue. Make sure to regularly inspect your key fob for signs of wear and tear, and replace the battery quickly if needed.
Broken Ignition Cylinder
The ignition cylinder of your vehicle may wear out over time, and it may be difficult to remove the key. Most of the time it is the result of a foreign object getting stuck inside of the ignition. In some cases this could be avoided by regularly inspecting your car for signs of wear and tear, and addressing any issues promptly.
Burglars Tampering
Burglars frequently use your locks to gain entry into your vehicle and steal the contents. This can lead to the locks degrading over time, resulting in an inability to function. This is usually detected by a simple test for instance, inserting your keys into other mechanisms than the ignition.
If you have an extra key nearby, a friend or family member can easily retrieve it for you and unlock the door. This method is typically quicker and less costly than calling roadside help. If you do not have a spare, stay clear of DIY methods that may damage your lock mechanism. For instance, using a slim-jim. A roadside assistance membership will give you peace of mind and could save you money by not having to call for professional help.
Door Locks
Sometimes, the door lock may become a bit sticky. This happens due to a variety of causes that include weather changes as well as changes in the size of the door frame. If this happens the lock's tumblers get blocked with debris and can't turn properly. Lubrication may help if this is the problem. Then, you can insert the key into the keyhole of the lock after coating it with graphite powder or spray. The graphite will lubricate the tumblers and allow them turn properly. This simple fix usually resolves the issue.
In other instances it could be due to a misalignment of lock cylinder. To address this issue, first loosen the screws holding the cylinder slightly--don't remove them completely. With a screwdriver and a small adjustment to align the keyhole of the door to the keyway of the cylinder. After shifting then tighten the screws.
If your lock's cylinder sticks or does not respond to lubrication you may have to replace it. It's not as difficult as it sounds. You'll need to purchase the rekeying kit that matches the lock you have. Rekeying kits typically contain a variety of tools and pins of different sizes that you need to take off from your cylinder. The pins will be replaced with new ones that are the same size to re-align the keyway of your lock.
The process is a little more involved with key fobs since the device needs to be removed from its original location. Most manufacturers have made it simple to disassemble their devices without damaging them which is why you can repair or replace your key fob by yourself by following the instructions in the manual. You should also be aware that the battery in the key fob could die over time, or it could be damaged by water that could affect its functionality. In these instances it is a good idea to contact your insurance company to get roadside assistance. You might be able to arrange for someone to be sent out to retrieve your key fob at the cost of the service provider.