Five Automotive Key Repair Lessons Learned From Professionals

Automotive Key Repair Repairing your car keys is one of the things most people do not think about until their car keys are broken or they get locked out. Auto locksmiths are the most cost-effective, efficient and fastest solution. If you try to glue or tape the broken key back together can cause further damage to the lock and the cylinder for ignition. It is better to let a professional fix it right the first time. Broken Keys A broken key is one of the most frustrating and inconvenient car problems to deal with. Keys can break in locks due to a variety of reasons, such as applying too much pressure when turning the key or removing foreign objects inside the lock, and simply wear and wear and tear. A professional locksmith will be able to solve the issue, regardless of whether your key snapped in the lock or got stuck. It's important that you have the proper tools available before you try to remove a broken lock. You'll need to lubricate the lock to reduce friction and allow you to remove the key fragment. You can use WD-40 or a dry lubricant for lubricating the lock. We suggest using WD-40 as it doesn't leave a residue that will attract dirt and grime. You can make use of a pair of needle nose pliers or tweezers to grasp the protruding portion of the key and remove it from the lock. If car key and repair don't work, try a hook type key extractor. This tool is designed to fit inside the lock and attach to a broken key fragment which makes it much easier to remove. To use this tool, place it between the lock and the broken section of the key, and then twist it a few times to grab the fragment and then pull it out. Another alternative is to make use of a paper clip or bobby pin pry away the broken fragment. However, we strongly advise against using metallic items that could cause further damage to the lock or key itself. Additionally, attempting to wiggle the broken key back and forth as you pull it can cause further damage to the lock, or push the key fragment deeper into it. If you're unable to get the key out of the damaged lock using any of these tools, it is recommended to call an auto locksmith. A professional locksmith has access to a variety of tools and technology. This includes tools specially designed for automotive lock systems which can fix the issue without causing damage to the lock. Locked Out If you get locked out of your car the first thing you need to do is to remain calm. You don't want to risk having your car damaged while trying to open it, so it is important not to panic. Calling a roadside assistance or locksmith may be the best option in case you are really stuck. They have special tools to unlock your car and are typically covered by your car insurance. If your key won't turn inside the lock, it could be that it has become damaged or has an issue with the pin tumblers inside the cylinder. If you try to force it into the lock, it can cause more damage and you'll probably require the help of an expert to address this issue. Try to lubricate the lock by coating your key with powdered graphite or a graphite spray. This will act like a lubricant and can help unlock tumblers of locks. You can also use oil-based lubricants. Just be careful not to make use of WD-40 or other aerosol lubricants because they might attract more dirt and dust that could make the lock more difficult to unlock. You can also use a flexible, long coat hanger made of wire to fill the gap between the door and the frame. You can inflate it by putting air into the bladder, but be careful not to over-inflate it so that it becomes difficult to get through the gap. You can also use a tool with an inflatable cuff specifically designed specifically for this purpose. There are even car lockout kits with these types of tools. It is recommended to always keep a spare car key. You never know when you may require it, and you don't want to suffer the pain of being locked out of your own vehicle. You can always leave keys with a friend or family member or buy a smart lock in order to avoid this issue completely. It is linked to your smartphone, which means you will be able to locate it and unlock it when you need to. Key Fob Issues The key fob is a great convenience, but it's not indestructible. Like other electronic devices, it's subjected to many wear and tear from everyday use and the components. Fob buttons may be prone to slipping or not responding. If the internal circuitry is damaged, the fob may not be able to communicate with the receiver in your car. The good news is that a majority of key fobs are designed for durability and can be repaired. The most frequent problem is a dead fob battery. Lithium batteries last a long time but they eventually end up drained of energy. A simple replacement of the battery will restore the fob's ability to unlock your doors and start your engine. To prevent damage to your fob, it is important to select the correct size battery. Other problems may be more difficult to determine. A fob can be disconnected from a car's receiver, and this can be difficult to solve by yourself. Certain models require special reprogramming that's not mentioned in the owner's manual. A locksmith or dealer with experience in your vehicle's make and model can assist you in resolving the problem. It's possible that your fob isn't working with the car, which could be the result of software updates, new technology, or even just radio interference from nearby towers and devices. If your fob isn't functioning in some places try moving to a different location, or shutting off any wireless devices that may interfere with the signal. It is recommended to take your key fob to a dealer if you're not sure what's wrong, or if it has been physically damaged. They are experts in these types of tech issues and can replace a key fob for lower costs than replacing an entire vehicle. They can also assist with other fobs accessories, like sturdy cases and stylish keyschains, which protect your vehicle from theft, damage and signal interference. They can also organize and secure your keys with various key organizers and provide additional security to your car with key finder devices. Lost Keys Car keys can get lost at the most awkward moments. If you lose your keys while loading groceries into the trunk, for example you'll be left with a huge bag of food and no means of getting home. Many people keep an extra car key at home or in the office. Fortunately, this issue can be solved quickly with the help of an automotive locksmith. Be calm when you lose your vehicle key. It is important not to panic as this could make the situation worse. Try to think of all the possible places you might have put it and look in them before moving on to the next step. This is also a good time to check your junk drawer or filing cabinet if you have one. It's also recommended to keep an extra set of keys on hand in case you lose yours. This will save you the headache of calling a locksmith only to have to wait for them to arrive and replace your key. Make learn the facts here now to check your warranty prior to calling an auto locksmith or visiting the dealership. Certain car manufacturers have specific features that stop the keys from being replaced by anyone other than an authorized dealer. This may include a transponder chips that must be paired up with the electronic system of your vehicle. Another important factor to consider when it comes to replacing your car keys is the type of key you have. If you own a traditional key, you can typically call an automotive locksmith replace it for less than visiting a dealership. If you own a push-start or smart key that requires the use of a proximity sensor to function, only a dealership is able to handle this kind of work. It's a good idea to record the vehicle identification number (VIN) to determine if the key you have is a transponder, smart keys or standard key. It can be found on the dashboard of the driver's side or in your registration details. This will help you identify the type of key you need and who can assist you.