Car Key Repair Service
The most inconvenient moments are when your car keys get lost when you're loading groceries into the trunk or just taking a break after a long day at work. Often, you're forced to call roadside assistance or go to the dealership to get replacement keys.
Locksmiths are the best option for fast and affordable replacement of a key. Here are some suggestions to make the process more efficient:
Assessing the extent of damage
When car keys get damaged, it's crucial to get a professional in touch with you right immediately. Based on the type of key, these professionals could be locksmiths or automotive specialists. They might even be dealerships. They must have the right tools and equipment to repair or replace the key without damaging your vehicle or causing security problems.
First, it's important to determine the extent of the damage and determine the cause of the issue. This will allow the professional to decide on the best method for fixing the key. For instance, if your key is broken off inside the ignition lock cylinder it could be a serious issue and will require expert attention. It is recommended to leave this issue to the experts. Try turning your key back and forth could cause further damage.
Another issue that is common and requires immediate attention is a broken key fob. A damaged key fob will require a more complex repair, since it could require reprogramming. This is necessary to ensure that the key is programmed for your specific vehicle, and it can only be completed by professionals. This usually involves presenting identification and your vehicle's VIN number.
Sometimes there's no visible indication that your car key is damaged. The teeth made of metal on the key can wear away over time and cause it to not fit properly in the ignition. This issue can also be caused by a chip that's not transmitting the correct code to the immobilizer system.
It is important to check your keys regularly for signs of wear, for example scratches or loose buttons. This can be prevented by regularly lubricating your keys. Keep your keys away from magnets and other objects that could cause interference to the electronic components. It could be dangerous to expose your key fob to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight.
Then, dropping your keys could cause significant damage. This is especially true when the key falls on a hard surface, like a sidewalk or road. Do not carry your keys in the key ring along with other items. Instead, use a sturdy pouch or key chain.
Keep Both Pieces
Extreme temperatures can damage electronic components in car keys. This is prevented by keeping your keys with you at all times or keeping it in a safe place when not being used. Make sure your spare key is powered by a battery. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar for every two years to change the batteries.
While it is tempting to tape or glue the broken pieces back together, it can cause further damage. If a part of your key is broken inside the ignition, for instance it could get stuck in the lock and require a more costly and complex repair service.
A locksmith can remove a broken key with minimal damage to the lock and create a brand new key fob in the event of need. They can also program the chip inside the replacement key to ensure that it works properly with your car's security features, saving you going to the dealership.
If you're in the midst of a rush, it might be simpler to purchase a new key at the hardware store. But, it's important to keep in mind that keys typically contain transponder chips that require a specific machine to reprogram them. These machines can be costly and are only available through a dealer.
In addition, you may not be able to locate a key that matches your car's key fob or ignition lock. This could cause additional problems for your vehicle and make it difficult to drive safely.
To prevent this from happening, set a reminder to get a professional locksmith to make you a spare key right away. They can also make duplicate keys for you, so that you're prepared in case of an emergency. This will save you a lot of stress and cost in the long run. If you don't have the time nor the money to pay a locksmith to make you an entirely new key, you can apply lubrication to your fob with dry film lubricant.
Avoiding DIY Fixes
The keys to your car are loaded with electronics that are more appropriate for a simple lifestyle. That said, they can still take a beating when it comes to wear and tear. The rubbers that hold the switches in place are stretched and weaken and leave them susceptible to damage. This is especially true when the key gets dropped or knocked into something hard. In these instances, it's important to have the key repaired as quickly as you can.
A common problem is a key that won't fit into the ignition. If the teeth of the key aren't cleaned frequently, dirt will build up. This could cause the pins to be misaligned over time, making it more difficult to slide into the ignition. The best method to avoid this problem is to clean the key with a sanitiser on a regular basis.
Using a lubricant to help the key fit into the ignition is a second option that can make the process much more comfortable. This is a temporary solution and not a permanent solution. Over time, the key may be damaged by the lubricant, or by the moisture it holds within it.
Try using a mallet made from rubber in the event that the key is bent or if it is unable to fit into the lock. You can do this by placing the key flat on the surface and gently pounding it from the top. Be cautious not to bend it too far or you could end up damaging it.
You could also use a screwdriver if you have any plastic pieces that have broken from the key. This is a difficult process, but it may be worth the effort if you are willing to risk damaging the entire key. It's a good idea to have a spare key made to be prepared in the event of a need.
If you're having trouble getting your car started and the anti-theft light is on, it's likely that the key was reset. In this instance you'll need to go to an authorized locksmith or dealer to have the key encoded. This can be expensive however it is the only method to get your car moving again.
Get Help from a Locksmith
Car key emergencies occur at the most inconvenient times. You're filling your trunk with groceries at the gas station or returning home after an exhausting day, only to realize that you've forgotten your keys in the car. Luckily, locksmith services can be found easily and quickly, even when you're in the middle of an emergency.
A licensed and skilled locksmith can help you with a range of problems. They can create a new key or repair your current one without causing damage to the car's security system. They can also replace the lost key or fob if necessary.
They'll be equipped with the tools and techniques necessary to unlock your vehicle without causing any damage. If you own transponder keys they'll make use of the specific equipment needed to code the chip in the key in a way that your vehicle will recognize it. This allows you to drive away from being stranded.
You can program your own key if don't have a transponder. A car key programming guide can help you. However, this isn't advised due to the significant risk of corrupting the data stored within the module. electronic car key repair near me may not have the right tools or knowledge about your car's safety system to complete the task correctly.
Another alternative is to visit an auto parts shop that provides key-cutting and programmable keys. Based on the location and your car's model, this could be a more cost-effective option. It is recommended to verify the store's credentials as much as reviews from customers prior to you go.
In addition to a traditional key copy, your locksmith might be able to provide you with the valet key. These are used by valet attendants to open and start your vehicle while it's sitting in a garage. They're not designed to open your trunk or glovebox but they can be used to perform simple car maintenance such as topping off oil or checking tire pressure.
It's not something you want to go through however, it could occur at any time. It is best to be prepared by keeping a spare key in a safe place and employing an auto locksmith who has a specialization in emergency services and also consider pay-per mile car insurance from Metromile. This affordable coverage lets drivers save on their fixed monthly and per-mile costs.