Broken Car Key Repair Near Me
A locksmith who is MLA-approved can provide a quick, affordable solution if your car key snaps into the lock or becomes stuck. They can repair the broken key or create a new one, based on the nature of damage.
If the battery in your key fob is depleted and you need an auto locksmith, they can replace it on the spot. They can also install Bluetooth trackers to help you locate your keys.
Lost or Stolen Keys
A few years ago, losing your car keys or having it stolen wasn't an issue. You could call your local locksmith and make a replacement quickly and inexpensively. With the modern cars and keys, however it can be a long process and can cost several hundred dollars.
It is best to avoid the situation where you lose your car keys altogether. You can avoid this by keeping an extra car key in a safe place and taking steps like locking your doors while parking on public property. Yet, many find themselves in this situation. In some instances the problem is caused by a crime, such as a burglary, or a criminal incident.
If you are able to file an insurance claim after losing your car key will depend on the type of vehicle you own and the extent of the damage. It is important to know that you can still find old-fashioned mechanical keys from a locksmith, or even at some hardware stores. They are also not expensive to replace. Key fobs may be more expensive, but they could not be more expensive than your insurance's deductible.
If your car is older and it comes with an electronic key system, you'll need to call the dealership. The dealership will need to verify your ID and prove ownership before ordering an alternative key from the manufacturer. This could take a few days. Once they have the key in hand it is essential that they electronically link it with your vehicle otherwise you won't be able to start the engine.
It is also important to have your phone and GPS ready so that you can reach for assistance as soon as possible. It will be much easier for someone else to help you get in your vehicle, and it will decrease the chances of a criminal attempting to steal it in return. You can set up an alert via the GEICO app that will send a text message to your family and close friends, advising them of your location and the fact that your vehicle was stolen.
Keys that are damaged or broken
While some kinds of key breakage are inevitable due to wear and tear, or general use, you can minimize the likelihood that you will end up with a broken car key by regularly checking your keys for signs of excessive wear or damage, and by taking precautions like having a spare key available and keeping them away from tools and other objects that could affect their strength. If your key has been weakened by excessive force or is simply prone to break, you could benefit from having it replaced with a brand new one by an experienced locksmith service that can also provide locksmith services and key duplication.
A damaged key could get stuck in the lock or ignition. Although there are numerous DIY methods to remove a key from a lock, it is important to understand that these techniques offer only a temporary solution and can cause further damage to your vehicle if not properly implemented. For example, using superglue or wires to remove a key that has been inserted into the ignition could connect the pieces and make them even more difficult to remove.
A locksmith can use specific tools to help remove the broken key without causing further damage. For instance an extractor for keys that is designed with an end that is specifically designed to attach to and remove the broken key fragment precisely. You can also apply a small amount of penetrating oil to the lock in order to lessen friction. This can improve the chances of removing the key.
If you manage to secure the broken piece of your key using the extractor tool, a straightened wire or paper clip could aid you in gripping it to remove it. If you are unable to hold the broken piece using the extractor tool, then you can make use of pliers that have needle-nosed tweezers or a straightened paper clip. However, it's recommended not to push the broken part deeper into the lock because this could lead to more serious issues. You can also lubricate the damaged portion of your key with graphite powder or a silicone spray to reduce friction and make it easier to insert and pull out.
Electronic Keys
If your key fob isn't working, it may be because the battery has run out. It is possible to fix this issue by opening the keyfob and replacing the batteries. This will require some basic knowledge of soldering, but is not difficult.
Another possibility is that one of the buttons on your key fob is worn out and isn't connecting to 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 near the top of the ignition, you might be able to pry the key out by using a jigsaw that has teeth facing downward. If car key repair near me snapped nearer to the bottom of the key, you have the least chance of removing it on your own.
No matter the reason for your broken car key it is essential to get in touch with an expert as quickly as you can to avoid further damage and potential costly repairs down the line. A locksmith or a dealership will be able to provide you with the right replacement parts for your car that will help avoid further damage later on.
Some people fear calling the dealership, knowing that their spare keys will cost a lot, but it is well worth it in the long run. Keeping both pieces of your key can help in the replacement process, since it will give the locksmith a better understanding of the original design and will allow them to create an exact duplicate. A reputable locksmith will be able to repair or replace your car key at a lower cost than you think, so it is an investment worth it in the long term. You can also save money by using a key-copy service to create a brand new manual set for your needs, instead of buying an entire new set. Typically these services will remove the programmable component of your key and put it in a blank shell for you to use.
Key Fobs
The majority of cars today come with key fobs that permit drivers to lock and start the vehicle without having to insert the key in the ignition. Some key fobs allow you to park your car remotely. Fobs are controlled by their built-in Radio Frequency identification system, which allows the fob as well as the car tag to communicate with each other.
These high-tech keys can be costly to replace if they fail. In many cases, a driver must visit their car dealer to have the fob replaced. The computer in the car needs to be programmed so that it can recognize a new key fob. A dealership typically has the required programming software. If you're looking to save money, try purchasing a generic fob that can be used for all makes and models of cars on the internet. Experts advise against this as it could expose you to scammers, and the fob may not work with your vehicle.
There are many reasons the key fob doesn't function however the most frequent one is the battery is dead or not functioning properly. It's easy to replace the battery yourself. Some dealerships offer replacement batteries, and big-box retailers and hardware stores have them as well. If you're not sure how to replace the battery in your fob, consult the owner's manual or search YouTube for videos that show you how. After you have removed the battery, make sure to wash all the surfaces and parts of the fob with Methyl Hydrate or Isopropyl Alcohol. You'll also want to bend up slightly the small fingers of metal on the circuit board that come into contact with the battery.
If a new battery isn't enough to fix the problem then it's time to contact a professional. A qualified locksmith or technician from a dealership should be able repair or replace the fob. It's sometimes better to just buy a new key fob, particularly if it is the only way to lock or unlock your car.