How to Find Car Key Repairs Near Me
Repairing a car key is among the best ways to keep your vehicle secure. Many people do not know how to pick the right service provider.
Older keys that allow cars to start are easy and cheap to replace, but modern key fobs require specialized equipment to program them to a specific vehicle. This can be costly and time-consuming.
Lost Keys
In the past, losing your car key was not a huge issue. In the past, you could contact roadside assistance or a local locksmith. You would then get a new key, program it and then solve the issue. But as cars have evolved in terms of technology and sophisticated, losing a key isn't as simple as it used to be. And remote key fob repair near me to replace the lost car key is costly.
Make sure you have an extra. This will save you from having to incur the cost of having a professional locksmith cut you a brand new one. You will also be able to avoid calling roadside assistance which can be expensive.
If you don't have an extra key, check the pockets of your clothing (including those of the pants or jacket you were wearing when you lost your keys). Look in all the places you normally keep them, such as in your shoes or the bag you carry for your workouts. Also look around in places that you wouldn't think to look such as under your seat or on the floor.
Post flyers around your neighborhood asking if anyone has come across your car keys. This may help you get an answer, or at the very least, it can give you peace of mind knowing that your car keys were not stolen. You can also put up a lost-and-found ad for your vehicle on a site like Craigslist.
The cost of replacing the car key that was lost is contingent on the kind of car and key you have. The traditional car key is the cheapest to replace. You can get a replacement at AutoZone, from locksmiths, or even your dealer for only $25.
The more complex transponder keys or smart key however could be extremely expensive. They require a technician to repair the cuts of the key, then take the key apart and match its transponder chip to your car. It could cost as much as $2,000 to replace the car key as well as its accompanying electronic components.
Broken Keys
If your car key is damaged inside the lock, it could be a real nuisance. There are a few things you can do to try and recover your key that is broken before calling locksmith.
Spray lubricant into the keyhole to reduce friction. This makes it easier to take out broken pieces. You can also use a thin wire to hold the protruding part so you can pull it. Alternatively needle nose pliers could be used to retrieve broken key pieces. When using these tools, it is important to exercise caution so as to not push the broken key even further into the lock.
Another popular trick is to use superglue on the end of the key that sticks out of the lock. But, this isn't a good solution for the average person as it could be an unclean and ineffective method of solving the issue. The glue can be able to get into the nooks and crannies of the lock, making it difficult to get rid of the broken piece.
In most cases you will have to call an locksmith to repair or replace a damaged key. You should keep both pieces of the key however, as they will help the locksmith better understand how to make a replacement. It's also less expensive to let the locksmith make a new key without the original, especially if you have an older car that doesn't need chip.
You will also need to replace your key fob in the event that it has been damaged. This can be caused by physical damage or an internal component that is malfunctioning. It could also happen following regular use or after a battery replacement. This is more expensive than buying a brand new car key without the fob, however it's still an acceptable option if you aren't able to afford the new key right away. You'll need proof that you own the car in order for the locksmith to issue you an replacement fob.
Lockouts
A car lockout is a typical issue that can occur to anyone. It can be a hassle and inconvenient to be locked out of your vehicle, especially if it happens in the middle of the day or when you're trying to get somewhere important. There are a variety of steps you can take to avoid the possibility of a lockout in your car again and get back into the situation.
Lost Keys
The most common reason for getting locked out of a car is misplacing keys. Taking preventative measures such as keeping your keys in one location and using an alarm to remind you to carry your keys with you when leaving your vehicle, will help reduce this risk.
Dead Batteries
This issue can be resolved by replacing the batteries in your car key fob. Be sure to inspect your key fob for signs of wear and tear and replace the battery as soon as you notice signs of wear, if needed.
Broken Ignition Cylinder
The ignition cylinder inside your vehicle may wear out over time, and it can be difficult to remove the key. Most of the time it is the result of a foreign object getting stuck in the ignition. In some instances, this can be prevented by regularly examining your vehicle for signs of wear and tear and addressing any issues promptly.
Burglars Tampering
Burglars are known to alter your locks to gain access to your vehicle and take the contents. In time, this could cause the locks to deteriorate, leading to a lack of function. You can diagnose this by conducting an easy test like inserting the key into a different mechanism than the ignition.
If you have an extra key close by it is possible to ask someone in your family or a close friend to retrieve it and then open the car door. This method is typically quicker and less expensive than calling for roadside assistance. If you do not have a spare, stay clear of DIY methods that may damage the mechanism of your lock. For instance, you could use slim-jim. A roadside assistance membership will give you peace of mind and could save you money by avoiding the need to seek professional assistance.
Door Locks
Sometimes, your door locks may become a bit sticky. This can be due to many reasons, such as changes in weather conditions and the dimensions of your door frame. The lock tumblers on the key can become blocked and not turn correctly. A little lubrication can help when this is the cause. Then, you can insert the key into the lock keyhole after coating it with graphite powder or spray. The graphite will be lubricating the tumblers and allow them to turn properly. This simple, quick fix is usually enough to solve the problem.
In certain cases, the problem could be caused by a misalignment in the lock cylinder. To correct this, first loosen the screws holding the cylinder, but don't remove them entirely. Utilizing a screwdriver, adjust the cylinder's position to align its keyway with the keyhole on the door. After repositioning then tighten the screws.
If the lock cylinder in your lock is stuck or isn't responding to lubrication, you might need to replace it. It's not as complicated as you may think. You'll need the rekeying kit that matches your lock. The rekeying kit will usually comprise a variety of tools and various sizes of pins that you'll need to remove from the cylinder. Then, replace the pins with new ones of the same length to re-align the lock's keyway.
The procedure is more complex when it comes to key fobs, since the device has to be disassembled. However, the majority of manufacturers have made it easy to disassemble the device without damaging it and, therefore, it is possible to repair or replace the key fob yourself by following the directions in the manual. You should also be aware that the battery inside the key fob could be depleted over time, or may experience water damage which could impact its function. In these instances, you should contact your insurance company for roadside assistance. You may be able to request someone to retrieve your key fob at the expense of the service provider.