Blog entry by Steven Lenihan
When a car key breaks or becomes stuck in the ignition or lock an MLA-approved locksmith is the best option for a quick and affordable solution. They can either repair the damaged key, or cut a brand-new one, based on the extent of damage.
A locksmith in an auto shop can replace the battery in your key fob on the spot when it's running out. They can also install Bluetooth trackers to help locate your keys.
Keys lost or stolen
Not too long ago, misplacing your car keys or having it stolen wasn't an issue. Contact your local locksmith and make a replacement fast and cheaply. With today's more sophisticated automobiles and advanced keys, getting a replacement is a lengthy process and cost you hundreds of dollars.
It's best to avoid situations in which you lose your keys. You can avoid this by keeping your spare car keys in a secure location and taking steps like locking your doors while parking on public property. However, a lot of people remain in this position. In some cases it's because of a burglary or another criminal act.
The type of vehicle you own and the extent to which the damage has occurred will determine whether you are able to submit an insurance claim. The good news is that old-style mechanical keys can still be duplicated by a locksmith or at some hardware stores, and they aren't expensive to replace. Key fobs might be more expensive, but may not exceed your insurance's deductible.
If
your car is more recent, and it has an electronic key system,
you'll have to contact the dealership. They'll have to verify
your ID and have proof of ownership papers before making a
purchase of an additional key from the manufacturer, which can
take days to arrive. Once they have the key it's crucial to
electronically connect the key to your vehicle otherwise you
won't be able to start the engine.
It's important to have your phone and a GPS ready when you're in this location and you can reach out for help earlier rather than later. This will make it easier for someone to help you get back to your car, and reduces the risk that someone will try to steal it from you in return. You can create an alert using the GEICO application that will send a text message to your family and close friends, advising them of your location and the fact that your vehicle key repairs has been stolen.
Keys damaged or Broken Keys
Certain key breaks are inevitable, due to age, general wear and tear, or other factors. However, you can reduce the chance of having a damaged key by examining them regularly for signs of excessive wear and damage and taking preventive measures such as keeping a spare in your possession and avoid using tools and objects that could weaken their integrity. If your key is prone to breaking or has been damaged by excessive force, you could benefit from having a new key created by a professional locksmith who also provides key duplicate services.
A broken key can become stuck in the lock or ignition. While there are many DIY methods to remove a key from a lock however, it is important to recognize that these methods only provide a temporary solution and may cause more damage to your vehicle if they are not properly executed. For instance, using superglue or wires to remove a key that has snapped into the ignition can bind the pieces together and make them even more difficult to extract.
Locksmiths can make use of special tools to assist you remove the damaged key without causing any further damage. For instance an extractor for keys that is designed with a specially designed end to hook onto and pull out the broken piece of key precisely. Alternatively, you can apply a small amount of penetrating oil to the lock to lessen friction and increase your chances of successful extraction.
If you're unable to grasp the broken piece using the extractor, you could use a straightened wire or metal paper clip. If you are not successful with these tools, you can try using pliers that have needle-nosed tweezers to get better grip, but it is best to avoid pushing the damaged piece further into the lock, as this could cause more serious problems. You could also try lubricating the broken part of your key with graphite powder or a silicone spray to reduce friction and make it easier to insert and remove.
Electronic Keys
If your key fob stops working it could be due to the battery running out. Luckily, you can usually solve this issue yourself by opening the key fob and replacing the battery. This will require some basic soldering knowledge however, it isn't difficult.
Another possibility is that one of the buttons on your key fob has worn out and isn't in contact with the circuit board. In this case, you can try placing tiny pieces of aluminum foil inside the worn-out buttons to pad them and restore their electricity-conducting abilities.
If the key fob repair has snapped off near the top, you may be able to jimmy it out of the ignition using needle-nosed pliers or a jigsaw with downward-facing teeth. If it snapped nearer to the bottom of the key, there is a slim to no chance of getting it out by yourself.
Whatever the reason behind the broken car key, it is important to contact an expert as quickly as you can to avoid more damage and expensive repairs down the line. A locksmith or a dealership will be able to provide you with appropriate replacement parts for your mobile car key repair that will stop further damage.
Some people fear calling the dealership, knowing that their spare keys are likely to be pricey, but it is well worth it in the end. Keep both keys to aid in the replacement process. This will enable the locksmith to make a more accurate duplicate. It is worthwhile to invest in a good locksmith to repair or replace your car key. They will perform the task for less than you think. You can also save money by using a key-copy service to create a brand new manual set for you instead of buying an entire new set. Typically, these services can remove the programmable component of your key and put it in a blank key shell for you to use.
Key Fobs
The majority of cars today are equipped with key fobs, which permit drivers to lock or start the vehicle without having to insert the key in the ignition. Certain key fobs permit you to park your car on the internet. Fobs are controlled by their integrated Radio Frequency identification system which allows the fob as well as the car tag to communicate with one another.
These high-tech keys can be costly to replace when they break. In most instances, drivers must visit their car dealer to get the fob replaced. The car's computer has to be programmed so that it can recognize the new key fob. Dealerships usually have the software. If you want to save some money you can buy an online key fob that will work for most automobile models and brands. However, experts advise against doing this since it could expose you to fraudsters and cause the fob to not work in a way that is compatible with your specific vehicle.
There are many reasons why a key fob stops working however the most frequent reason is an unresponsive or dead battery. It's simple and cost-effective, and it's often something you can do yourself. Hardware stores and big-box retailers sell batteries that can be replaced. Some car dealers sell them. If you're unsure how to replace the batteries in your fobs, check the owner's guide or YouTube for videos showing you how to do it. After you've removed the battery take a moment to scrub all the parts and surfaces of the fob with Methyl Hydrate or Isopropyl Alcohol. You'll need to bend the fingers of the metal that connect to the battery on the circuit board.
If a new battery isn't enough to fix the problem, it may be the time to consult a professional. A licensed locksmith or technician at a dealership is likely to be able repair or replace your key fob. It's sometimes better to just buy a new key fob, particularly when it's the only way you can lock or unlock your car.