How to Find Car Key Repairs Near Me
Repairing a car key is one of the best ways to keep your vehicle safe. But, many don't know how to choose the best service provider.
Keys from the past that start cars are simple and inexpensive to replace however, modern keys require special equipment to program them to a specific vehicle. This process can be expensive and inconvenient.
Lost Keys
In the past the time of car keys being lost, it was not a big deal. In the past, you could call roadside assistance or a local locksmith. Then, you'd buy an entirely new key, program it and have your issue resolved. As automobiles have technologically advanced it's no longer as simple to lose a car key like it once was. The cost of replacing a lost key for cars can be costly.
First of all ensure you have a spare key available. This will save you from having to go through the cost of hiring a professional locksmith to cut you a brand new one. It will also help you avoid the need to call for roadside assistance, which can add up.
If you don't have a spare key, try looking through your pockets (including the pockets on your garments or jackets you were wearing when you lost the keys). You should also check every place you typically put them, such as in your shoe or in a bag you're using for your workouts. Also, look in places you might not think of checking, such as under the seat and on the floor.
Post flyers around your neighborhood asking if anyone has come across your car keys. This may help you get a lead or at least, it will give you peace of knowing that your car keys weren't stolen. You can also make a lost-and-found listing for your vehicle on a website such as Craigslist.
The cost of replacing the lost car key is based on the type of car and the key you have. The traditional car key is the cheapest to replace. You can get a replacement at AutoZone or from locksmiths, or even your dealer for only $25.
The more complex transponder keys or smart key, on the other hand is expensive. The technician first has to repair the cut on the key, and then disassemble the key, and match the transponder chip to the car. The cost of replacing a car key with its electronic components can be as high as at least $2,000.
Broken Keys
When your car key breaks in the lock, it can be a real nuisance. There are a few things you could do to try and recover your key that is broken before calling a locksmith.
Spray the keyhole with lubricant in order to lessen friction. This makes it easier to take out broken pieces. You could also make use of a thin piece wire to help you grasp the protruding bit to take it out. You can also make use of needle nose pliers to retrieve broken pieces of key. When using these tools, it is crucial to exercise caution so as not to push the broken key further into the lock.
Another popular trick is to apply superglue at the end of the key that is sticking out of the lock. This is not a good solution for the average person as it is an unclean and ineffective method of solving the issue. The glue may get into all the crevices and crevices of the lock, making it more difficult to remove the broken piece.
In most cases, you'll have to call an locksmith to repair a damaged key. Keep the broken key, however, as this will help the locksmith know how he can make a replacement. It's also cheaper to have the locksmith make a new one without the original, especially if you have an older car which doesn't require a chip.
You may also have to replace your key fob in the event that it's damaged. It could be due to physical damage or an internal component that is failing. It can also happen following regular use or after a battery replacement. This will be more expensive than getting a new car key without the fob, however it is still a good option if you're not able to afford to pay for the new key immediately. But, you'll be required to prove you own the car before the locksmith is able to give you a new key fob.
Lockouts
Everyone can experience a car lockout. It can be a hassle and inconvenient to be locked out of your vehicle, especially if it happens in the middle of the day or when you're trying get somewhere important. There are a few ways you can get back into your car after a lockout and avoid it happening again.
Lost Keys
The most common reason for getting locked out of a vehicle is losing keys. Preventative measures such as keeping your keys to your car in the same location and using an alarm that reminds you to take them with you whenever you leave your car can lower the risk.
Dead Batteries
In many instances, a simple fix like replacing the batteries in your car key fob can solve this 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
Over time the ignition cylinder of your vehicle could wear out and it can be difficult to get rid of. This is usually due to an object becoming stuck in the ignition. In some instances this could be avoided by regularly inspecting your car for signs of wear and tear and having any issues addressed promptly.
Burglars Tampering
The majority of burglars use your locks to gain access into your vehicle and steal the contents. This can lead to the locks degrading over time, which can lead to a loss of functionality. This can often be diagnosed through a simple test such as inserting your key into other mechanisms than the ignition.
If you have a spare key that is nearby, a friend or family member can retrieve it for you and open the door. This is typically faster and less expensive than calling roadside help. If you don't have a spare key, try not to employ DIY techniques which could harm your lock mechanism, such as using the slim jim (which can be effective in skilled hands but could cause more problems if used incorrectly). Investing in a roadside assistance membership will give you peace of mind and help you avoid the cost of calling for professional help.
Door Locks
Sometimes, the locks on your door may become a bit sticky. This is due to a variety of reasons that include weather changes as well as changes in the dimensions of the door frame. In this case, the key's lock tumblers get blocked with debris and may not turn correctly. If this is the case it is possible to lubricate the key to help. Apply my latest blog post of powdered graphite or a graphite spray, then insert it into the keyhole in the lock. The graphite will lubricate the tumblers, allowing them to rotate properly. This simple, quick fix often enough to fix the issue.
In other instances, the problem may be due to a misalignment of lock cylinder. To correct this take the screws off that hold the cylinder in place. But do not remove them completely. Using a screwdriver, carefully adjust the cylinder's position to align its keyway with the keyhole on the door. After repositioning the cylinder tighten all screws.
If repair key in your lock is stuck or isn't responding to lubrication, you might need to replace it. It's not as difficult as it seems. You'll need a rekeying kit that matches the lock. The rekeying kits will usually include a variety of tools and pins of various sizes that you have to remove from your cylinder. The pins will be replaced by new ones that are the same length to align your lock's keyway.
The procedure is a bit more involved when it comes to key fobs, since the device must be disassembled. Many manufacturers have made it simple to disassemble their devices without causing any damage which is why you can repair or replace your key fob yourself if you follow instructions in the manual. It is important to be aware that a keyfob's battery can die over time or it can suffer water damage. This can affect its performance. In these instances, it is a good idea to contact your auto insurance provider for assistance on the road. You may be able to get someone sent out to recover your key fob at the cost of the service provider.