Blog entry by Maritza Andronicus
When a car key snaps or gets stuck in the lock or ignition, an MLA approved locksmith is the best option for a fast and cost-effective solution. They can fix the damaged key or create a new one, based on the kind of damage.
A locksmith in an
auto key fob repair shop can replace the battery in your key
fob on-site when it's running out. They can also install a
Bluetooth tracker to help you find your keys.
Keys lost or stolen
It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys was not a big problem. You could call your local locksmith and make a replacement quickly and inexpensively. Key replacements for modern cars can take a lengthy time and cost hundreds of dollars.
It is always advisable to avoid the scenario where you lose your car keys in the first place. This can be prevented by having a spare key keeping it in a safe location, and taking measures such as locking your doors whenever you park on public property. Yet, many find themselves in the same situation. In some instances the situation is triggered by a burglary or another criminal action.
The type of vehicle you own and the extent to which damage has been done will determine whether you are able to submit an insurance claim. The good thing is that older mechanical keys can be copied by a locksmith, or at some hardware stores, and aren't costly to replace. Key fobs can be more expensive, but they might not exceed the insurance deductible.
If your car is newer, and it has an electronic key system, you'll have to contact the dealership. They'll need to verify your ID and provide documents proving ownership prior to ordering a new key from the manufacturer, which can take days to arrive. Once they have the key in hand, it's important that they electronically connect the key to your vehicle otherwise, you won't be in a position to start the engine.
It's also a good idea to have your cell phone and a GPS in hand in case you're in this situation, so you can call for help sooner rather than later. This will allow someone to help you get back into your car, and reduces the risk that a criminal might try to take it in return. You can set up an alert on the GEICO application that will send an SMS message to your family members and close friends, advising them of your location and that your vehicle was stolen.
Damaged or Broken Keys
Certain key breaks are inevitable, due to wear and tear, or other reasons. However you can minimize the chances of having a broken remote key fob repair by checking them regularly for signs of wear and damage and making preventive steps such as keeping a spare on hand and avoiding objects and tools that could weaken their integrity. If your key is prone to breakage or has been damaged by excessive force, you could benefit from having a new key created by a locksmith professional who also offers key duplicate services.
A broken key can get stuck in the lock or ignition. Although there are numerous DIY methods to remove keys from locks, it is important to realize that these methods offer only a temporary solution and can cause more damage to your vehicle if they are not properly implemented. Superglue or wires can be used to remove keys from ignitions that has been snapped in. This can bind all the pieces together, making it harder to remove.
To help you remove keys that are broken from the lock without causing damage, locksmiths employ special tools like a key extractor tool that features a specially-designed end made to hook onto the serrations on the broken key fragment and pull it out precisely. You can also apply a small amount oil that penetrates the lock to lessen friction. This will increase your chances of removing the key.
If you manage to hook the broken part of your key using the extractor tool, a straightened metal wire or paper clip could help you grip it and take it out. If you are unable to grasp the broken piece using the extractor tool, then you can use tweezers, needle-nose pliers or a straightened paper clip. However, it's best not to push the broken piece deeper into the lock, since this could result in more serious problems. You can also lubricate the damaged part of your key with graphite powder or a silicone-based spray to decrease friction and make it easier to insert and remove.
Electronic Keys
It is possible that the battery inside the key fob has gone out. It is possible to fix this issue by opening the keyfob, and replacing the batteries. This will require some basic soldering skills, but is not difficult.
Another possibility is that one of the buttons inside your key fob is worn out and is no longer 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 snapped off at the top, you might be able to jimmy it out of the ignition using needle-nosed pliers or a jigsaw blade that has downward-facing teeth. However, if it broke off near the base, the chances of removing it by yourself are nil.
It is essential to contact an expert immediately when your car keys break. This will help you avoid expensive repairs in the future. A locksmith or dealer can provide you with the right replacement parts for your vehicle, which will help to avoid further damage down the road.
Some people are afraid to call the dealership because they know that the spare keys will be pricey but it's worth it in the long run. keeping both pieces of your key can aid in the process of replacing it, since it will give the locksmith a better understanding of the original structure and allow them to make an exact duplicate. It is worthwhile to invest in a reputable locksmith to repair or replace your car key. They will accomplish the task at a lower cost than you think. You can also save money by using a key copy service to create a new manual key for you, instead of purchasing an entire new set. Generally, these services can take the programmable portion of your key and put it in a blank key shell for you.
Key Fobs
Today, most cars include remote key fob repairs fobs that allow drivers to lock or start their car without having to insert the key into the ignition. Certain key fobs permit you to park your car remotely. Fobs function by using their built-in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system, which means that the car's tag and the fob's signal are able to communicate with each one another to unlock or start the vehicle.
Unfortunately, these high-tech keys can be costly to replace in the event of a malfunction. In most cases, a person must visit their car dealer to get the fob replaced. This is because the car's computer needs to be programed to recognize a new fob. Dealerships usually have the software. If you want to save money, you can purchase a generic key fob online that will work with most cars and models. However, experts advise against this as it could leave you open to fraudsters and could cause the fob to not function in a way that is compatible with your specific vehicle.
There are many reasons why the key repair service fob doesn't function and the most common reason is an unresponsive or dead battery. Changing the battery is easy and affordable, and is typically something you can do yourself. Some dealerships offer replacement batteries, and hardware stores and big-box retailers also sell them. If you are unsure of how to replace the batteries on your fobs, check the owner's guide or YouTube for videos showing you how to do it. After you have removed the battery, make sure to wash all the surfaces and parts of the fob using Methyl Hydrate or Isopropyl Alcohol. You'll need to slightly bend the fingers of the metal to connect to the battery on the circuit board.
If a replacement battery doesn't solve the issue, it may be time to call a professional. A trained locksmith or technician at the dealership should be able repair or replace your fob. In some instances, it's better to simply purchase a new one particularly if you need to rely on your key fob to turn on or lock your car every day.