Blog entry by Loren Hinojosa
How to Minimize Damage to Your Car's Locks
If you lock your keys in your vehicle or a key becomes damaged, it's recommended to contact a professional locksmith. They will fix it quickly and minimize the damage to your car.
You may be tempted to use an old coat hanger to unlock your vehicle, but this could damage the door's components or break your window. A professional will employ a variety of tools to open your local car locksmiths.
Lost Keys
It's almost impossible to overstate the inconvenience of losing your keys to your car or locking them in your mobile car locksmith. Even the simplest tasks may become more difficult and in the event of an emergency it is even worse. Fortunately, there are ways you can avoid this occurring and there are professionals who can help if it does occur.
If you lose your keys, the first thing you need to do is contact roadside assistance. This could be covered under your insurance policy. If it is not, a locksmith will generally be provided at little or no cost. You can purchase an entirely new key for your lock or have the locks replaced in the event that you suspect someone has entered your home.
You will need to give a locksmith some information about you and your vehicle. This will include your VIN number as well as your personal identification number. This will enable locksmiths to confirm that you are the owner of the vehicle, and ensure they're not creating duplicate keys for anyone else.
Certain modern vehicles come with locks that don't require the traditional key. This is often referred to as a "keyless ignition system." These systems make use of a key fob that can unlock the car and start it up without physical contact with the key. This kind of key also needs to be programmed by locksmith.
If you don't use the correct device, it could be dangerous. This is because these items can cause damage to the components inside the door or break the glass window. Instead, you should contact a locksmith that specializes in these kinds of vehicles.
They'll have the tools and knowledge required to open your car locksmith service's locks. They will also know how to modify your keyless remote, in the event of a need. This is a much cheaper alternative than replacing the lock on your car and it can be done faster.
Locked out
It is frustrating to be locked out of your home or vehicle. This is especially true if it happens at a time when you're supposed be somewhere or need to complete something. There are ways to stop this happening, or to get back into your house in the event of. It is recommended to keep one spare key in the possession of someone you trust, or keep it in a place that is easily accessible. However, if you are unable to access to a spare key or cannot find your keys, it is best to seek out a locksmith as quickly as you can.
When it concerns cars, auto locksmiths are experts at opening locks and helping people get back into their vehicles after having accidentally locked their keys inside of them. Auto locksmiths have various methods of opening car lovksmith doors. The method they employ will depend on the vehicle type. Older vehicles that have cylinder locks can be opened by using a bump-key or lock picks. However, modern vehicles that are equipped with keyless remotes require special tools like VATS passcode detectors to unlock.
To gain entry to your vehicle, an auto locksmith may also be required to turn off the anti-theft device called an immobilizer. This feature is designed to stop your vehicle from starting if it is stolen, but can sometimes malfunction and prevent you from entering the vehicle despite having valid key. If this happens, your locksmith can easily repair the issue and get you back in the shortest amount of time.
You might be tempted to attempt using things around the house to gain entry into your vehicle if you are stuck out of it, however this isn't recommended since it could result in damage and may even violate the manufacturer's warranty on the vehicle. If you want to claim your warranty, you must seek out a locksmith, who will then make an official application to the Justice Court of your area for a Writ of Re-Entry.
Damaged Locks
If the locks on your car are damaged, they'll need to be fixed or replaced by a locksmith in your area. If you try to unlock your vehicle by forcing a metal hook into the lock, or using credit card with a plastic cover or a credit card, it could cause more damage and may result in a cracked or broken window. This could be extremely costly and you may not have the funds to pay for the repair.
Many people assume that an unlocked lock is a sign of a criminal However the issue could be much less complicated. In the majority of cases the lock or ignition are out of alignment. This means that the tumblers and pins that lock your vehicle aren't working correctly. This is typically caused by wear and tear and can be prevented by regular oiling and cleaning. These parts can also be damaged by environmental factors like extreme temperatures or cold.
An auto car locksmith locksmith will be able to utilize the latest tools to ensure that your car locks are functioning exactly as they ought to. They will have the education and hands-on experience needed to get into your vehicle without causing further damage or drilling the lock completely in a more difficult procedure. This will save you money and ensure your vehicle is secure.
A majority of locksmiths will be able to reset your lock to ensure it only accepts the correct key, which will make it harder for thieves to gain access into your vehicle. This will protect your vehicle and ensure that only authorized individuals are allowed to drive it.
It's worth mentioning that most reputable Locksmiths car will carry out their work according to the terms of their warranty. The locksmith will repair your locks at no cost to you unless they are badly damaged. They will also pay for any related costs. However, in some instances they may decide to write a "worst case scenario" clause in their contract, which will protect them from any liability for accidental damage to your vehicle during the locksmithing process.
Broken Keys
Whether you're a homeowner or a business owner it's not good when your key is damaged inside the lock. There are steps you can take to minimize the damage and restore your security without the cost of a locksmith.
Start by figuring out the depth to which the key fragment is encased inside the lock cylinder. This will allow you to choose the appropriate tool to get it out. Make sure to choose an item with hooks to better latch onto the broken pieces and pull them free.
Some people use magnets to remove their keys that are damaged, but this method can do more harm than good. It could cause damage to the ignition system, making your car unusable. It could also push broken fragments further into the lock.
There are those who have attempted to repair the broken key by applying super glue to the tips. However, this can be extremely dangerous as it is possible to get glue on other parts of the lock's cylinder and hinder its functioning.
If the key fragment hasn't been stuck into the lock cylinder in the complete way you can pull it out using a flathead. You can then lubricate your key fragment with graphite or spray lubricant to prevent it from sticking further and allow you to remove.
You can also try a small saw blade in the case that other methods fail. You must be very careful and precise to avoid damaging the lock's cylinder. Insert the blade of the small saw carefully into the lock, ensuring it is aligned with the teeth on the broken fragment of the key. Then, you can hook the saw blade onto the broken fragment and take it out.
If the aforementioned tips don't work, it's time to contact a locksmith. They'll have the right tools and expertise needed to remove quickly and safely your broken key without further damaging the cylinder or causing more damage to the vehicle. While you wait, make sure to practice proper key maintenance and thoughtful handling to avoid breakage in the first place.