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If a car key breaks or becomes stuck in the lock or ignition An MLA certified locksmith is the best option for a fast and cost-effective solution. They can fix the broken key or create a new one, based on the type of damage.
If your key fob's battery gets depleted the auto locksmith can replace it right on the spot. They can also install a Bluetooth tracker to assist you locate your keys.
Keys that were stolen or lost are not found
A few years ago, misplacing your car key or having it stolen wasn't an issue. Contact your local locksmith to get a replacement quickly and at a reasonable cost. Key replacements for modern automobiles can take a long time and cost several hundred dollars.
It is best to avoid a situation in which you lose your car keys completely. This can be avoided by having a spare key keeping it in a safe location, and taking measures like locking your doors when you park on public property. Yet, many remain in this scenario. In some instances it's due to an unintentional burglary or other crime.
The type of vehicle you have and the extent to which the damage has occurred will determine whether or not you can make an insurance claim. The good news is that the old-fashioned mechanical keys can still be duplicated by a locksmith or at some hardware stores, and they aren't costly to replace. Key fobs are more expensive but they're not likely to exceed the deductible on your insurance.
If your car is more recent, and it has an electronic key system, you'll likely need to contact the dealership. The dealership will require verification of your identity and proof of ownership prior to purchasing a replacement key from the manufacturer. This can take several days. It's vital that they connect the key to your vehicle electronically once they have it. If not you won't be able to start the car.
You should also have your GPS and phone ready so that you can call for help as quickly as possible. It will be easier for someone else to help you get to your car and it will decrease the chances of a criminal attempting to steal your car. You can even set up an emergency alert through the GEICO mobile application, which will send a message to your family and friends telling them where you are and your car was taken.
Damaged or Broken Keys
While some kinds of key breaks are inevitable due to age, wear and tear, or general use, you can lessen the possibility that you'll end up with a broken car key by checking your keys for signs of wear or damage, and taking preventive measures like having a spare key and keeping them away from tools and other objects that can cause damage to their integrity. If your key is susceptible to breakage or weakened by force, you may gain from having a brand new one made by a professional locksmith who also provides key duplication services.
In certain instances the broken key can get stuck inside the lock or ignition. There are a variety of DIY techniques for removing keys from locks. However, repair key offer a temporary solution, and could cause damage to the vehicle if not properly implemented. Superglue or wires can be used to remove the ignition key that has been snapped into. This could tie all the pieces together, making it harder to remove.
A locksmith can utilize specific tools to help remove the damaged key without causing any further damage. For example, a key extractor that is designed with a specially-designed end that can attach to and remove the key fragment that is broken precisely. Alternately, you can apply a small amount of penetrating oil to the lock to reduce friction and increase the chances of successful extraction.
If you manage to secure the broken part of your key using the extractor tool, a straightened metal wire or paper clip can aid you in gripping it to take it out. If you have no luck using these methods, you could try pliers with needle-nose tips or tweezers for a stronger grip, although it is best to avoid pushing the damaged piece further into the lock as this could result in more serious problems. You could also try lubricating the broken portion of your key with graphite powder or silicone-based spray to reduce friction and make it easier to insert and remove.
Electronic Keys
It's possible that the battery inside your key fob has run out. Luckily, you can usually fix this problem yourself by opening the key fob and replacing the battery. You will need to have some basic soldering skills to complete this task however, it's not difficult to do.
Another possibility is that one of the buttons inside your key fob is worn out and isn't in contact with 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 may be able to get the key out using a jigsaw, with the teeth that face downwards. If it was broken closer to the bottom of the key, you have a slim to no chance of getting it out on your own.
Regardless of the reason for the broken car key It is crucial to seek out an expert as soon as you can to avoid further damage and potential costly repairs later on. A locksmith or dealer will be able to provide you with appropriate replacement parts for your vehicle that will stop further damage.
Some people dread calling the dealership, knowing that their spare keys are likely to be expensive, but it is well worth it in the long run. Keep both keys to assist in the replacement process. This will enable the locksmith to create an accurate copy. It is worth investing in a reliable locksmith to repair or replace the car key. They can perform the task for less than you think. You can also save money by using a key copy service to create a new manual key for you instead of buying a new set. Generally the services will remove the programmable component of your key and put it in a blank key shell for you.
Key Fobs
Today, the majority of cars are equipped with key fobs. These allow drivers to lock or start the car without having to insert the key in the ignition. Some even let you park the car without having to physically. Fobs are controlled by their integrated Radio Frequency Identification system, which allows the fob and the car tag to communicate with each other.
Unfortunately, these high-tech keys can be expensive to replace if they break. In many cases, users must visit their car dealer in order to replace the fob. The computer in the car must be programmed so that it can recognize a new fob for the key. A dealership typically has the necessary programming software. If you want to save some money, you can purchase an online key fob that will work with most cars and models. Experts advise against this since it could expose you to fraudsters, and the device might not work with your car.
There are many reasons for a key fob's device to stop working the most common reason is an unresponsive battery. It's simple and inexpensive, and it's typically something you can do yourself. Some car dealers sell replacement batteries, and hardware stores and big-box retailers have them as well. If you're not sure how to replace the battery in your fob, read the owner's manual or search YouTube for videos that will show you how. After you've removed the battery, clean the surfaces and parts of the fob with Isopropyl Alcohol or Methylhydrate. You'll need to bend the metal fingers that connect to the battery on the circuit board.
If a new battery isn't enough to fix the problem it could be the time to consult a professional. A qualified locksmith or a technician at a car dealership should be able to repair or replace your key fob. It's often better to purchase a new key fob, particularly in the case that it's the only way to lock or unlock your vehicle.