Blog entry by Latoya Mulga
Broken Car Key Repair Near Me
If a car's key snaps or is 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 cut a brand new one, based on the nature of damage.
An auto locksmith can change the battery of your key fob on the spot if it runs out. They can also install a Bluetooth tracker to help you find your keys.
Keys Lost or Stolen
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing or losing your car key was not a big issue. Call your local locksmith to have a replacement made quickly and cheaply. With today's more sophisticated automobiles and keys, however replacing a key could take a long time and cost you hundreds of dollars.
It's best to avoid situations in which you lose your keys. This can be avoided by having a spare key, keeping it in a secure location, and taking precautions like locking your doors when you park on public property. Yet, many are in the same situation. In some cases it's because of the result of a burglary or a different crime.
The type of vehicle you have and the extent to which damage has been done will determine if 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 they aren't expensive to replace. Key fobs might be more expensive, but they could not be more expensive than your insurance deductable.
You'll need to contact the dealership if your car is older and has an electronic key. They'll need to verify your ID and have documents of ownership before ordering a new key from the manufacturer which could take a few days to arrive. It is essential that they connect the key to your vehicle electronically after they have it. In the event that they don't, you won't be allowed to start your car.
It's also a good idea to have your cell phone and a GPS in hand when you're in this position and you can reach out for help faster rather than later. This will help someone to help you get back into your car, and also reduces the possibility that a criminal might try to steal it from you in return. You can even set up an emergency alarm via the GEICO mobile app, which will send a text message to your family and friends telling them where you are and that your car has been taken.
Keys that are damaged or broken
Some key breakages are inevitable, due to aging, general wear and tear, or other factors. However you can minimize the chance of having a key that is broken by checking them regularly for signs of excessive wear and damage, and taking preventive measures such as keeping a spare in your possession and avoid tools and objects that could weaken their integrity. If your key has been damaged by excessive force or simply prone to break, you may be able to benefit from replacing it with a new one. This can be done by a professional locksmith service that also offers key duplication and locksmith services.
In some cases keys that are damaged get stuck inside the lock or ignition. Although there are a variety of DIY ways to remove keys from locks however, it is important to recognize that these methods are only temporary solutions and may cause more damage to your vehicle if they are not properly executed. Superglue or wires can be used to remove the ignition key that has been snagged in. This could bind all the pieces together, making it harder to take off.
To help you remove keys that are broken from the lock without causing damage, locksmiths employ special tools like key extractor tools that has a specially designed end made to hook onto the serrations of the broken key fragment and pull it out precisely. Alternatively, you can apply a small amount of penetrating oils on the lock to decrease friction and increase the chances of successful extraction.
If you are able to grasp the broken piece of your key with the extractor tool, a straightened metal paper clip or wire can assist you in gripping it and take it out. If you have no luck using these methods, you could try tweezers or needle-nose pliers for more grip, however it is best to avoid pushing the broken piece further into the lock as this can cause more serious issues. You can lubricate your broken key with graphite, or silicone spray to reduce friction. This will allow you to insert the key and then remove it.
Electronic Keys
If your key fob repair service fob ceases to function it could be due to the battery running out. Luckily, you can solve this issue yourself by opening the key fob and replacing the battery. This will require some basic knowledge of soldering but isn't too difficult.
One other possibility is that the button inside your key fob has worn out and is no longer making contact with the circuit. 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 been ripped off at the top, you may be able to get it out of the ignition by using needle-nosed pliers or a jigsaw blade with downward-facing teeth. If it snapped off further from the base, your chances of removing it on your own are slim to none.
No matter the reason for your car key breaking, it is important to contact an expert as quickly as possible to avoid more damage and expensive repairs later on. A locksmith or a dealership can provide you with the right replacement parts for your car that will help prevent additional damage later on.
Some people are afraid to call the dealership because they know that the spare keys will be pricey, but it is well worth it in the long run. Keep both keys to aid in the replacement process. This will allow the locksmith to make a more accurate duplicate. It is worthwhile to invest in a reliable locksmith to repair or replace your car key. They can do it 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 purchasing a new set. Generally these services will take the programmable portion of your key and put it inside a blank key shell for you.
Key Fobs
Today, the majority of cars are equipped with key fobs, which allow drivers to lock or start the vehicle without having to insert the key in the ignition. Some key fobs allow you to park your car on the internet. Fobs work via their integrated Radio Frequency Identification system, where to repair car key remote the car's tag as well as the fob's signal communicate with each other to allow the fob to unlock or start the vehicle.
These high-tech keys can be costly to replace if they fail. In most instances, drivers must visit their car dealer to have the fob replaced. The car's computer has to be programmed to recognize a new fob for the key. Dealerships usually have the required programming software. However, if you're looking to save money, you can look into purchasing a generic fob that can be used for all makes and models of cars online. But experts recommend against doing this because it can expose you to fraudsters and cause the fob not to function correctly with your specific car.
While there are many reasons for a key fob's to stop working the most common reason is the battery is dead. It's easy to replace the battery yourself. Some dealerships offer replacement batteries, and hardware stores and big-box retailers also carry them. If you're unsure what to do to replace the battery in your fob, read the owner's manual or search YouTube for videos that show how to repair broken car key to do it. After removing your battery, clean the surface and parts of your fob with Isopropyl Alcohol or Methylhydrate. You'll need to bend the metal fingers that contact the battery on the circuit board.
If a new battery isn't enough to solve the issue, it may be time to contact a professional. A certified locksmith or technician at a dealership will be able to fix or replace your key fob. It is sometimes more beneficial to buy a new key fob, especially if it is the only way you can lock or unlock your car.