Car Key Repair Service
Car keys can break at the most inconvenient times, whether you're putting groceries in your trunk or relaxing after an exhausting day. In most cases, you're forced call roadside assistance or visit the dealership to get replacement keys.
A locksmith is the best choice for a fast and affordable replacement key. Here are some suggestions to make the process easier:
Assessing Damage
If your car keys are damaged, it's important to get a professional in touch with you right immediately. Depending on the type of key, these professionals may be locksmiths, automotive specialists or even the dealership itself. They should have the proper tools and equipment to repair or replace the key without causing damage to your car or causing security issues.
It is essential to first determine the issue. This will enable the expert to decide on the best approach to repair the key. For instance, if your key is broken off inside the cylinder of the ignition lock it could be a serious issue that requires professional attention. It's best to leave this issue to experts. Try turning your key forward and back can cause more damage.
Another issue that requires urgent attention is a damaged key fob. This requires a more complex repair procedure, since it will most likely need to be reprogrammed. This step is crucial to ensure that the key is programmed for your particular vehicle, and must be done by a professional. This usually involves presenting identification and your vehicle's VIN number.
Sometimes, there's no visible sign that your car key is broken. The teeth made of metal on the key can wear away over time, causing it to not fit properly in the ignition. This issue could be caused by the chip isn't transmitting the correct code to the immobilizer.
It's important to periodically inspect your keys to see if there are signs of wear and tear such as scratches or loose buttons. Regularly lubricating your keys can assist in preventing this from occurring. Keep your keys clear of magnets and other objects that could interfere with the electronic components. The presence of your key fob in direct sunlight or subjecting it to extreme temperatures can also be harmful.
The dropping of your keys can cause serious damage. This is particularly true if it strikes hard surfaces like roads or sidewalks. It's best to use a sturdy key chain or pouch, and to avoid putting your keys on a key ring with other things.
Keep Both Pieces
Extreme temperatures can damage electronic components of car keys. This is prevented by keeping your key with you at all times or storing it in a secure location when not in use. Make sure that the spare key is powered by a battery. To do this, set a reminder on your calendar or phone to change the battery each two years.
While it is tempting to glue or tape the broken pieces back together, this can cause further damage. If a piece of your key is damaged in the ignition, it may become lodged and require more expensive and complicated repair services.
A locksmith can reseal the broken key with little damage from the lock, and can create a new key fob in the event of need. A locksmith can program the chip on your replacement key to work with your car's security features. This will avoid going to the dealership.
If key repair service in need of speed, it could be easier to buy a new key at a hardware shop. It's crucial to remember that these keys often contain transponder chips that require a special machine to reprogram them. These machines can be expensive and are only available through a dealer.
In addition, you may not be able to locate keys that match the key fob of your car or ignition lock. This could cause further problems with your vehicle, and it could make it difficult to drive it in a safe manner.
You can avoid this by setting a reminder for locksmiths to make you a spare key as soon as possible. They can also make a duplicate so you are ready in the event of an emergency. This will save you a lot of stress and money in the long run. If you don't have the time nor the money to pay locksmiths to create an entirely new key You can lubricate your fob using dry film lubricant.
Avoiding DIY Fixes
Car keys are stuffed with delicate electronic components that are better suited to an easier life. They can still take plenty of abuse when it comes to wear and tear. The rubbers that keep switches in place will eventually stretch and become weaker, making them susceptible to being damaged. This is especially true in the event that the key is knocked or dropped into something hard. In such cases it is essential to fix the key in the shortest time possible.
A common issue is a key that does not fit into the ignition. If the teeth of the key are not cleaned regularly, dirt can build up. This could cause the pins to become misaligned over time, which makes it more difficult for them to slide into the ignition. This issue can be prevented by cleaning the keys regularly using a sanitiser.
Another easy way to make the process easier is to apply lubricant. However, this is merely an interim measure, and not a long-term solution. As keys repair passes the key could be damaged by the lubricant, or by the moisture it holds inside of it.
Try using a mallet made of rubber if the key is bent or it will not go into the lock. This can be accomplished by placing the key on flat surfaces and hitting it with a mallet from the top. It is not recommended to over-stretch it or you could permanently damage it.
You can also use a screwdriver if you have any plastic pieces that have been ripped off from the key. It can be a difficult procedure, but if you're willing to risk damaging the key, it could be worth the effort. It's also an excellent idea to have an extra key cut in the event that something similar occurs.
If you are 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 a dealer to have the key encoded. It's expensive however it is the only method to make your car move.
How to Get Help from a Locksmith
The most inconvenient of times could be when you've lost your car keys. You're filling your trunk with groceries at the gas station or heading home after a long day when you realize that you've forgotten your keys in the car. Locksmith services are accessible quickly and easily even in an emergency.
A professional and licensed locksmith can help you with a variety of problems. They can repair or create a new car key without causing damage to your car's security system. They can also replace a lost key or fob when needed.
They'll be equipped with the tools and techniques needed to open your car without damaging it. They'll employ specialized equipment to code the chip on the transponder key to ensure that it is recognized by your vehicle. This will allow you to leave the vehicle without being stuck.
You can program your own key if you don't have an transponder. A car key programming guide will assist you. But, this isn't recommended because there is a significant risk of corrupting the data stored in the module. You may not have the necessary equipment or know-how about your car's safety system to do it right.
Another option is to go to an auto parts store that offers key-cutting and programmable keys. This can be a cheaper option based on your location and the car model. Always verify the store's credentials as well as reviews from customers prior to you make your purchase.
Your locksmith might be able to provide you with a valet-key in addition to the standard key duplicate. These are used by valet attendants to open and start your car when it is in a parking spot. These are not intended to open your trunk or the glovebox but they can be used to perform simple car maintenance such as topping off oil and assessing tire pressure.
It's not something you want to experience but it can happen at any time. It is best to be prepared by keeping keys in a secure location and using an auto locksmith that is specialized in emergency services and also consider pay-per mile car insurance from Metromile. This affordable coverage allows drivers the opportunity to save on monthly fixed cost and per-mile costs.