How to Find Car Key Repairs Near Me
Repairing your car's key is one of the best ways to ensure your vehicle secure. Many people aren't aware how to pick the right service provider.
Older keys that can start cars are easy and cheap to replace, however modern keys require specialized equipment to program them to a specific vehicle. This can be costly and difficult process.
Lost Keys
In the past the time of car keys being lost, it was not a major issue. In most cases, you'd contact roadside assistance or the local locksmith. Then, you'd buy the new key to program it and get your problem solved. As cars evolved in terms of technology and more sophisticated, losing keys isn't as simple as it used to be. The process of replacing the lost car key is costly.
First ensure that you have a spare key on hand. This will save you from having to incur the expense of having a professional locksmith cut you a new one. It will also help you avoid calling for assistance at the roadside, which can add up.
If you don't have a spare key, then check the pockets of your clothing (including those of the jacket or pants you were wearing when you lost your keys). You should also check every place you normally put them, such as in your shoe or in the bag you use for your gym workouts. Also, check places you wouldn't think to check for them, like under the seat or on the floor.
You can also put up flyers around your neighborhood asking if anyone has found your car keys. This can help you find a lead or, at the very least ensure that your car keys weren't stolen. You can also make use of websites like Craigslist to put up a lost and found advertisement for your vehicle.
The cost of replacing the lost car key is based on the type of car and the key you have. The standard car key is the most affordable to replace. You can purchase a replacement at AutoZone or from locksmiths, or your dealer for only $25.
The more complicated transponder keys or smart keys, on the other hand they can be very expensive. They require a specialist to fix the cuts of the key and then take the key apart and match its transponder chip with your car. The cost of replacing a car's key with its electronic components can be as high as $2000 or more.
Broken Keys
If your car key is damaged inside the lock, it could be a major inconvenience. There are a few things you could do to try to retrieve your broken key before calling for locksmith.
Spray lubricant into the keyhole to reduce friction. This will make it easier to take out broken pieces. You can also make use of a thin piece wire to help you grip the protruding piece so that you can pull it out. Also, needle nose pliers can be employed to recover broken key pieces. When using these tools, it is important to be cautious to avoid pushing the broken piece of key into the lock.
Superglue is another trick that is popular. It is used to fix the key's end, which sticks out of the lock. This is not the best solution for the average person as it can be messy and ineffective. The glue can get into every crevice and crevice of the lock, making it even difficult to pull the broken piece out.
In the majority of instances, you'll need to call a locksmith to repair the damaged key. Keep both pieces of the damaged key, however, because this will help the locksmith understand how he can create a replacement. It's also less expensive to have the locksmith make a new key without the original key, particularly if you own an older vehicle that doesn't need chip.
It is also worth noting that if your key fob has been damaged, you will need to get it replaced in addition. This can be caused by physical damage or an internal component that is malfunctioning. It can also happen following regular use or battery replacement. It's more expensive than a new one without the fob, but it is an option if you are unable to afford to buy new keys. You'll need proof that you own the vehicle to be able to get the locksmith to create an replacement fob.
Lockouts
Anyone can experience a car lockout. It can be frustrating and inconvenient to lock yourself out of your vehicle, especially if it happens during the day or while you're trying get somewhere important. However, there are several ways to recover from a car lockout and prevent it from happening again.
Lost Keys
The most common reason for getting locked out of a vehicle is the misplacing of keys. Preventative measures such as keeping your keys to your car in the same location and using an alarm that reminds you to carry your keys with you when you leave your car can lower the risk.
Dead Batteries
In many instances, a simple fix such as replacing the batteries in your car key fob can solve the issue. Make sure to regularly inspect your key fob for signs of wear and tear, and replace the battery promptly if needed.
Broken Ignition Cylinder
The ignition cylinder inside your vehicle could wear out over time, and it can be difficult to remove the key. In most cases this is because of a foreign object getting stuck inside the ignition. In some cases, this can be prevented by regularly examining your vehicle for signs of wear and tear, and then addressing any issues promptly.
Burglars Tampering
Burglars frequently manipulate your locks to gain entry to your vehicle and steal the contents. This can result in the locks becoming less effective over time, which can lead to a loss of functionality. This is often detected through a simple test like inserting your key into other mechanisms than the ignition.
If you have an extra key close by, you can ask someone in your family or a close acquaintance to retrieve it and open the car door. This is usually faster than calling roadside assistance, and it's also less costly. If repair car keys don't have a spare, avoid DIY methods that could damage the mechanism of your lock. For instance, using slim-jim. A roadside assistance membership can provide you with peace of mind, and can save you money by not having to contact a professional.
Door Locks
Sometimes, your door lock can become a bit sticky. This is due to a variety of causes such as weather changes and changes in the size of the door frame. The lock tumblers on the key could become blocked and stop turning properly. If this happens it is possible to lubricate the key to help. Apply a coating of graphite powder or spray, and then insert it into the keyhole of the lock. The graphite will lubricate and allow the tumblers to turn correctly. This simple fix usually resolves the issue.
In some cases the issue may be due to an unbalanced lock cylinder. To address this issue, first loosen the screws that hold the cylinder, but don't remove them entirely. With a screwdriver, you can adjust the position of the cylinder to align its keyway with the keyhole on the door. After repositioning the cylinder tighten all screws.
If your lock cylinder still is stuck or doesn't respond to lubrication you may need to change it. Fortunately, it's not as complicated as it sounds. You'll need a rekeying kit that matches the lock. Rekeying kits usually contain a variety of tools as well as pins in different sizes that you will need to take off from your cylinder. Then, replace the pins with new ones of the same length, to align the lock's keyway.
The procedure is a bit more complex when it comes to key fobs, since the device must be removed from its original location. The majority of manufacturers have made it easy to disassemble their devices without causing damage, so you can repair or replace your key fob yourself by following the instructions in the manual. You should also be aware that the battery in a key fob can be depleted over time, or it might be damaged by water which could impact its performance. In these instances you should contact your auto insurance provider for assistance on the road. You may be able to have someone sent to retrieve your key fob at the expense of the service provider.
