Car Key Repair Service
Car keys get lost at the most inconvenient moments, whether you're putting groceries in your trunk or just sitting down to relax after a long day. In most cases, you're forced call roadside assistance or visit the dealership for replacements.
A locksmith is the best option for a cost-effective and quick replacement keys. Here are some tips to help make the process more smooth:
Assessing the Damage
If keys to your car are damaged, it's important to get a professional in touch with you right immediately. Based on the kind of key, these professionals could be automotive specialists, locksmiths or even the dealership itself. They must be equipped with the appropriate tools and equipment to repair or replace the key without causing damage to your vehicle or causing security issues.
It is crucial to determine the extent of the damage and figure out the cause of the issue. This will allow the expert to choose the best method of fixing the key. If your key is damaged within the ignition lock, it can be a serious issue that requires professional attention. Turning the key back and forth can cause further damage, and that's why it's recommended to let a professional deal with these issues.
A damaged key fob is a common problem that requires immediate attention. This will require a more complicated repair procedure, as it is likely to need to be reprogrammed. This step is essential to ensure that the key is programmed to your specific vehicle, and it must be done by professionals. This usually requires you to show your identification and the VIN number of your car.
Sometimes there's no obvious sign that your car key is damaged. However, the key's steel teeth may wear out over time, causing it to be unable to fit in the ignition. This issue can be caused by a chip not sending the correct code to the immobilizer system.
It is important to regularly check your keys to see if there are signs of wear and tear, such as buttons that are smashed or damaged. Regularly lubricating your keys can assist in preventing this from happening. It is also essential to keep your keys away from magnetic objects and other objects that can interfere with their electronic components. It's hazardous to expose your key fob to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight.
Finally, dropping your key could cause significant damage. This is particularly true if the key hits an unprotected surface, like roads or sidewalks. Do not carry your keys in the same key ring as other items. Instead, use a sturdy pouch or key chain.
Keep Both Pieces
Car keys contain sensitive electronic components that could be damaged by extreme temperatures. This can be avoided by keeping your key on you at all times, or placing it in a secure place when not being used. Make sure that your spare key is powered by a battery. To accomplish this, set an alarm on your calendar or phone to replace the battery every two years.
It may be tempting, but it can cause more damage to tape or glue damaged pieces together. If a part of your key gets damaged in the ignition, for instance, it can become lodged in the lock and require a more costly and complex repair service.
A locksmith can take the damaged key from the lock with minimal damage, and even design a new car key fob for you, if you require. They can also program the chip into your new key to ensure that it works properly with your car's security features, avoiding a trip to the dealership.
If you're in need of speed, it could be more convenient to purchase a new key at the hardware store. It is important to keep it in mind that these keys contain transponder chips that require a specific machine to reprogram. These machines are only available at a dealership and are very expensive.
Additionally, you might not be able find 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.
You can prevent this from happening by putting a reminder in place for locksmiths to create an additional key as quickly as they can. They can also make duplicate keys for you, so you're ready in the event of an emergency. You'll save money as well as stress by doing this. If you're unable to spare the time or money of having a locksmith visit you to make a brand new car key, you should consider the possibility of lubricating your fob using dry film lubricant or three-in-1 oil to prevent it from freezing during cold weather.
Avoiding DIY Fixes
Car keys are packed with delicate electronic components that are better suited to an easier life. vehicle key repairs can still withstand plenty of abuse, but they are more prone to wear and tear. Eventually, the rubbers that hold the switches in place stretch and become weaker, leaving them vulnerable to being damaged. This is especially true when the key is dropped or knocked into something hard. In such instances it is essential to repair the key as soon as possible.
The most frequent issue is a key that won't fit into the ignition. If the teeth of the key aren't cleaned regularly, dirt can build up. Over time, this can cause the pins of the key to misalign. This makes it difficult for them to slide in the ignition. This problem can be avoided by regularly cleaning the key by using a sanitiser.
Another easy way to speed up the process is to apply lubricant. This is a temporary fix and not a permanent solution. As time passes, the key may be damaged by the lubricant, or by the moisture it holds inside of it.
Try using a mallet made from rubber in the event that the key is bent, or if it will not go into the lock. You can do this by placing the key flat on a piece of paper and then gently pounding it from the top. Be careful not to bend it too much or you risk permanently damaging it.
You can also use a screwdriver to remove any pieces of plastic that have broken off from the key. This can be a tricky procedure, but it could be worth the effort if you are willing to risk damaging the entire key. It's a good idea to keep a spare key in place to be prepared in the event of a need.
If you're having trouble getting your car to start and the anti-theft light is on it's likely that the key has been reset. If this is the case, you'll need to visit a locksmith or dealer to have the key encoded. It's expensive however it is the only way to make your vehicle move again.
How to Contact the Locksmith
Car key emergencies occur at the most inconvenient moments. You're loading up your trunk with groceries at the gas station or returning home after a long day when you realize you left your keys in the car. The good news is that locksmith services are available easily and quickly even if you're in the middle of an emergency.
A skilled and licensed locksmith can assist you with a range of issues. They can repair or create a new car key without causing damage to your vehicle's security system. If needed, they can replace a key or fob that's been lost.
They will be equipped with the tools and techniques needed to unlock your vehicle without causing any damage. They'll use special equipment to encode the chip in the transponder key to ensure that it is recognized by your vehicle. This will allow you to drive away from being stuck.
If you don't own a transponder key you can program your key yourself using an auto key programming guide. It's not advised due to the high chance of destroying the information stored in the module. In addition, you may not have the appropriate tools or know-how of the security system in your car to carry out the task correctly.
Another alternative is to visit an auto parts shop that provides key-cutting and programmable keys. Depending on the location and your car model, this can be a cheaper option. It is recommended to verify the credentials of the shop as well as customer reviews before you go.
The locksmith you visit may be able to provide you with a valet-key addition to the traditional key duplicate. These are utilized by valet attendants to open and start your car when it's sitting in a garage. They're not designed to open your trunk or glove box, but they can be used for basic car maintenance tasks like topping up your oil and checking the air pressure of your tires.
Nobody wants to be left without a vehicle, but it's a reality that could happen at any time. Metromile provides insurance that pays per mile for drivers. This coverage is affordable and allows drivers to save on their fixed monthly and per-mile expenses.