How to Find Car Key Repairs Near Me
Repairing your car's key is among the best ways to ensure your vehicle safe. Many people aren't aware how to choose the best service provider.
Older keys that start cars are simple and cheap to replace, but modern key fobs require special equipment to program them to a specific vehicle. This can be costly and cumbersome.
Lost Keys
A few years ago, losing a car key wasn't much of an issue. Typically, you would just call roadside assistance or the local locksmith. Then, you'd purchase a new key, program it and have your problem solved. As cars have become more advanced in technology it's no longer as simple to lose a car keys as it once was. The process of replacing the lost car key is costly.
Make sure you have an extra. You won't need to pay a locksmith for making you a new key. You can also avoid calling roadside assistance, which could be costly.
If you don't have a spare key, then check the pockets of your clothes (including those of the pants or jacket you were wearing when you lost your keys). You should also check every place you normally place them, like inside your shoe or the bag you use to train in. Also, look in places that you would not think to check like under the seat or on the floor.
Post flyers around your neighborhood asking if anyone has found your car keys. This can help you find leads or at the very least give you peace-of-mind that your car keys weren't stolen. You can also use a website such as craigslist to post an abandoned and found list for your vehicle.
The cost to replace a lost car key depends on the model of car and key you have. The standard car key is the least expensive to replace. You can find a replacement from AutoZone or from locksmiths, or your dealer for only $25.
The more complex transponder key or smart key, on the other hand could be extremely expensive. The technician must first restore the cut of the key, then disassemble the key and match the transponder chip with your car. remote car key repairs could cost as much as $2,000 to replace the car key and its accompanying electronics.
Broken Keys
If your car key is damaged inside the lock, it could be a real nuisance. There are some things you can do to try and recover the broken key prior to making an appointment with a locksmith.
Spray the keyhole with lubricant to lessen friction. This will make it easier to take out broken pieces. You may also make use of a thin piece wire to help you grasp the protruding part so that you can pull it out. Also needle nose pliers can be used to retrieve broken keys. It is essential to use these tools so that you do not push the broken piece of key further into the lock.
Another trick that is widely used is to use superglue on the end of the key that sticks out of the lock. This isn't the best solution for the average person as it can be messy and ineffective. The glue can get into every nook and cranny the lock, making it more difficult to get the broken piece out.
In most cases you will require a locksmith to replace a broken key. Keep both pieces of the broken key, however, because this will allow the locksmith know how he can make a replacement. It is also much cheaper to have a locksmith make you a new key, without the original one, particularly in the case of an older car that doesn't need a chip.
It is also important to note that the key fob you have purchased has been damaged, you'll require replacement as well. It could be caused by physical damage or an internal component malfunctioning. It can also happen during regular use or after an upgrade to the battery. It's more expensive than a new one without the fob but is still an option if you can't afford to purchase new keys. But, you'll have to prove that you own the vehicle before the locksmith is able to give you a new key fob.
Lockouts
A car lockout is a common problem that can strike anyone. Getting locked out of your vehicle can be extremely frustrating and unsettling especially in the middle of the day or while trying to travel somewhere important. There are a few ways you can get back into your car after a lockout and avoid it repeating itself.
Lost Keys
The most common reason for being locked out of a car is the misplacing of keys. Prevention measures like keeping your car keys in the same place and using an alarm system that reminds you to take them with you whenever you leave your vehicle will reduce the chance of this happening.
Dead Batteries
In most situations, a simple solution like replacing the batteries in your car key fob will solve the issue. Be sure to inspect your key fob for signs of wear and tear and replace the battery promptly when needed.
Broken Ignition Cylinder
The ignition cylinder inside your vehicle can become worn out over time, and it can be difficult to remove the key. This is typically due to objects getting stuck in the ignition. This is prevented by checking the car regularly for signs and addressing any issues that may arise.
Burglars Tampering
Burglars are known to alter your locks to gain access to your vehicle and steal its contents. This can result in the locks becoming less effective over time, leading to a loss of functionality. It is possible to determine this by performing a simple test such as inserting the key into a mechanism other than the ignition.
If remote car key repair have an extra key close by it is possible to ask your family member or a friend to retrieve it and open the car door. This method is usually faster and less expensive than calling for roadside assistance. If you don't have an extra key, try not to use DIY methods that can damage your lock mechanism, like using a slim jim (which can be effective in skilled hands but could cause more problems if not used correctly). A roadside assistance membership will provide you with peace of mind, and can save you money by avoiding the need to contact a professional.
Door Locks
Sometimes, the locks on your door might become a little sticky. This happens due to a variety reasons that include weather changes as well as changes in the size of the door frame. The lock tumblers of the key can become blocked and may not be turning correctly. A little lubrication can help if this is the problem. Cover your key with graphite powder or a spray, and then place it into the keyhole in the lock. The graphite will help lubricate the tumblers, allowing them to rotate properly. This simple fix usually resolves the problem.
In some instances, the problem may be due to an issue with the alignment of the lock cylinder. To address this issue, first loosen the screws that secure the cylinder, but don't remove them entirely. Utilizing a screwdriver, 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 remains stuck or does not respond to lubrication, you may need to change it. Luckily, this isn't as complicated as it sounds. You'll need to buy the rekeying kit that matches the lock you have. The rekeying kit will usually comprise a variety of tools and various sizes of pins that you'll need remove from the cylinder. The pins will be replaced by new ones that are the same length to re-align your lock's keyway.
The procedure is more involved with key fobs since the device needs to be removed from its original location. The majority of manufacturers have made it easy to disassemble their devices without damaging them which is why you can repair or replace your key fob yourself when you follow the directions in the manual. You should be aware that the battery of a key fob will eventually die or it can get water damage. This could affect its performance. In these instances, it's a good idea to contact your auto insurance provider for roadside assistance--you may be able to have someone sent out to retrieve your key fob at the expense of the service provider.