Car Key Repair Service
Car keys can break at the most inconvenient moments, whether you're loading groceries into your trunk or simply sitting down to relax after a long day. Most of the time, you'll have to call roadside assistance or visit the dealership for replacements.
It's important to keep in mind that a locksmith is your best bet for quick and affordable key replacement. Here are some suggestions to make the process more efficient:
Assessing Damage
It is important to contact a professional as soon as possible if your car key is damaged. Depending on the type of key, these experts could be locksmiths, automotive specialists 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 creating security issues.
It is crucial to first evaluate the damage. This will allow the professional to decide on the best approach to repair the key. For example, if your key is damaged inside the cylinder of the ignition lock, this can be a serious problem and will require expert attention. Turning the key back and forth could cause further damage, and this is why it's recommended to let a professional deal with these issues.
Another common issue that needs urgent attention is a damaged key fob. A damaged key fob will require a more intricate repair, as it may need to be reprogrammed. This step is crucial to ensure that the key is programmed for your specific vehicle, and it can only be completed by an expert. This usually requires you to show your identification and the VIN number of your car.
Sometimes, there is no visible sign of a damaged car key. The teeth made of metal on the key can wear away over time and cause it to not fit in the ignition. This issue could be caused by the chip isn't sending the correct code to the immobilizer.
You should check your keys periodically for signs of wear, like scratch marks or buttons that are not in good condition. This can be avoided by regularly lubricating your keys. It is also essential to keep your keys away from magnets and other items that could interfere with their electronic components. It could be harmful to expose your key fob to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight.
The dropping of your keys can cause serious damage. This is particularly true if it falls on hard surfaces, like roads or sidewalks. Avoid carrying your keys in a key ring with other things. Instead, use an appropriate pouch or key chain.
Keep both pieces
Extreme temperatures can cause damage to electronic components in car keys. You can avoid this from happening by carrying your key with you or placing it in a safe place when not being used. Make sure that your spare key is powered by a battery. Set a reminder on your calendar or phone every two years to change the batteries.
While it may be tempting to tape or glue the broken pieces back together, doing so can cause further damage. If a component of your key fails in the ignition, it can become lodged and require more costly and complex repair procedures.
A locksmith can take the broken key from the lock with little damage, and even design a brand new car key fob for you if required. A locksmith can program the chip on your new key to work with your car's security features. This will avoid going to the dealership.
If you're on the run, it might be more convenient to simply buy an additional key from the hardware store. It is important to keep in mind that these keys have a transponder chip that requires a specific machine to reprogram. These machines can be expensive and are only available through a dealership.
You may also not be able find keys that match the ignition lock on your vehicle or key fob. This could cause additional problems for your vehicle and make it difficult to drive safely.
To avoid this, you should make a note to get a professional locksmith to make you a new spare key as soon as possible. They can also create a duplicate so you are prepared in the event of an emergency. You will save money and stress by doing this. If you're unable to spend the time or expense of having a locksmith visit you to make a new car key, think about lubricating your fob with dry film lubricant or three-in-1 oil to keep it from freezing in cold weather.
Avoiding DIY Fixes
Car keys are stuffed with delicate electronics that are better designed for a more relaxed life. However, they can be a bit rough when they experience wear and tear. In time, the rubbers that hold the switches in place will stretch and weaken, making them susceptible to damage. This is true in particular if the key is thrown or knocked into something sharp. In such instances, it is important to fix the key in the shortest time possible.
A key that isn't able to go into the ignition is a typical problem. This is usually due to dirt that collects on the keys teeth when they're not kept clean. This could cause the pins to become misaligned as time passes, making it more difficult to slide into the ignition. This problem can be avoided by cleaning the keys regularly with a sanitiser.
Using a lubricant to help the key fit into the ignition is another easy solution that can make the process easier. However, this is only a stopgap measure and is not a long-term solution. As time passes, the lubricant may cause damage to the key or trap moisture within.
If the key is bent, or if it won't go through the lock Try using a mallet made of rubber to straighten it. This can be done by placing the key flat on a surface and gently pounding from the top. Be cautious not to bend it too far or you could end up damaging it.
You can also use a screwdriver if you have any plastic pieces that have been ripped off from the key. It's not an easy procedure, but if you're willing to risk damaging the key, it could be worth the effort. keys repair 's also recommended to have an extra key cut in case something like this occurs.
If you're having difficulty getting your car to start, and the anti-theft light is on it is likely that the key has been reset. If this is the case, you will need to visit a locksmith or dealer to have the key encoded. It could be expensive however it is the only method to make your car move.
Getting Help from a Locksmith
Car key emergencies happen at the most awkward moments. You're filling your trunk with groceries at the gas station or returning home from an exhausting day, only to realize you left keys in your car. Locksmith services are accessible quickly and easily even in an emergency.
A professional and licensed locksmith can help you with a range of issues. They can create a new key or repair your current one without causing damage to the car's security system. If required, they will replace a key or fob that was lost.
They will be equipped with the tools and techniques needed to open your car without causing any damage. If you have a transponder key, they'll use the specialized equipment to encode the chip inside the key so that the vehicle can recognize it. This allows you to leave the vehicle without being stuck.
If you don't own a transponder key you can program your key yourself using an auto key programming guide. This isn't recommended as there is a chance of damaging the data stored within the module. You may not have the necessary tools or information about your car's safety system to complete the task correctly.
Visit an auto parts shop that offers key-cutting services and keys that are programmable. Based on the location and vehicle's model, this may be a cheaper option. You should always check out the store's credentials as much as reviews from customers prior to you go.
In addition to a conventional key copy, your local locksmith may also give you keys for valet. Valet attendants make use of these keys to open and start cars while they are stationary. They are not designed to open your trunk or the glovebox however, they can be used to carry out basic car maintenance tasks like topping off oil and checking the pressure of your tires.
Nobody wants to be stuck without a vehicle however, it's a possibility that can happen at any moment. Metromile offers pay-per-mile insurance for drivers. This coverage is affordable and gives drivers the opportunity to save money on fixed monthly costs and per-mile charges.