How to Deal With Broken Car Keys and Key Fobs
Car keys and key fobs are vital to ensure your vehicle's security. They help prevent theft by requiring a special key to start your car and to unlock it. They can be programmed to work with your car's safety system.
Auto locksmiths that are reputable have a set of tools that are able to open locks on modern cars. They will rekey your lock and then make an entirely new lock.
Keys damaged or lost
Losing your car keys can be a stressful experience. You might be tempted by your panic to call roadside assistance or a locksmith. However there are ways to solve the issue faster.
Retrace your steps. It's usually easier to locate your lost items when you know exactly where they were and what you were doing at the time. Close your eyes and reflect on the last time you had your car keys - what you were doing when you last had them, where you were the time, with whom you were with, and what you were experiencing. This trick is called 'context reinstating' and can work wonders.
Find the local newspaper or call your police department next to see if someone has reported lost keys. This is a fast and easy process that could lead to your missing keys being found earlier than you might expect.
Contact a locksmith in your area to make copies of your keys if you do not have a spare or cannot locate your keys. It is important to be prepared when you make this call, since the process can vary depending on the type of your key and other variables. The most affordable keys to replace are standard keys, but you may require proof of ownership to the locksmith before they can provide you with the replacement. Key fobs on the other hand, are more expensive and require an expert to reprogram or replace them, which can cost upwards of $300.
It's also a good idea to consider buying a key tracker, or another form of security system to avoid losing your keys in the future. These items can be expensive, but they can save you many headaches in the long run. Examine your insurance policy to determine if it covers replacing keys that are damaged or lost.
Broken Keys
We value our car keys very much and when they fail they can cause major inconvenience. In most cases, a broken car key can be repaired. It's all about where and how the damage occurred. If the key was cut in half or has an electronic issue inside, it's likely a case for replacement. Fortunately, locksmiths have access to the tools to replace the key for you.
If your key broke near the top of the key, you may be able to jig it back together using pliers. If it broke in the middle, you'll have to call a professional.
You should never try to forcefully turn a broken or damaged key. This could cause further damage, and could even stop your steering wheel or the engine of your vehicle. Always call a locksmith before doing anything else, especially for keys that are broken in the door or ignition.
The majority of locksmiths can create an original key on-site and can also program the immobilizer chip of your vehicle if required. This will be more expensive than purchasing a new key from the dealership, but it's much faster and will save you money in the long run.
It is worth trying to remove a damaged key by yourself prior to calling a locksmith. The first step is to look at the situation to see whether the break point is apparent. If not, use tongs or pliers to grasp the piece. If that fails, you might try using mini hacksaw blades and thin tools to insert into the ignition. If this still doesn't work then you might require an extractor tool for keys.
Another option is to super glue the two pieces of your broken key to one another. This is a simple fix and might be enough to get you back on the road, however it's not recommended for long-term use. The glue could weaken the plastic or cause damage to it. Keep both pieces of the key so that a locksmith can make an exact copy and prevent further damage to your ignition.
You're locked out of your car
Being locked out of your vehicle can be a scary experience. There are steps you can take to get this issue resolved without needing to call a locksmith. First, make sure you have a spare key. It should be stored somewhere safe, where you can easily access it in case of emergency. It is also advisable to consider purchasing a newer car with security features that can to prevent you from locking your keys inside the car.
Examine all doors to see whether they are locked. It may seem obvious, but it is extremely easy to overlook in a stressful situation. When you are stressed and worried, your brain narrows your attention to a single thing. It is important to take a deep breath and then stroll around your vehicle to look for the keys.
If you don't have a spare, you can make use of a wire coathanger. Straighten out the coat hanger's end and use it to get into your vehicle. Be careful not to harm your vehicle however, this is a quick and cheap way to get back into your car. You can also buy a tool made specifically for this purpose, but the coat hanger will work just as well.
You could also use the slim Jim tool or an equivalent one to open the lock. These tools are readily available in most automotive stores. Be cautious not to harm your vehicle. These tools are only used when there is no other option.
If you've tried all the non-destructive methods to get your car keys, but you're not getting results, it's time to call for help from a professional. Don't try to break the window or employ any other forceful method to gain entry into your vehicle, as they could lead to costly repairs and put your security at risk. Also, don't forget that professional locksmiths are certified and licensed professionals, so they are more likely to adhere to ethical standards. This is crucial, as locksmiths who use illegal methods to enter your car is not liable for any damage.
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A damaged window isn't just an inconvenience; it could lead to costly damage. A damaged window should be sandblasted immediately, regardless of whether it was caused by vandalism or a natural disaster. This helps prevent further damage to the property and offers protection from unauthorised entry. It also shields the building's interior from rain and debris which can cause havoc. After a burglary, it is essential to secure the business. This will keep thieves from gaining entry to the building until windows are replaced or repaired.
Before closing the window, it is essential to remove any sharp pieces of glass from the area. It is recommended to wear gloves. The next step is to determine the dimensions of the window frame using the measuring tape. Begin at one end of the frame, and extend the tape to the other side, ensuring that the tape is straight for accurate measurements. Then, take note of the width and height of the window to ensure the sheets of plywood are cut to the correct size.
If you have windows made of metal frames, you can fix plywood directly into them to provide a stronger and more secure solution. However it's not a good option for wood windows. It is recommended to hire an expert to board up damaged windows. They have the expertise and tools to swiftly secure your home while you get them repaired.
In the meantime an easy and quick alternative is to cover the window with black bin bags. This will shield the broken window from further damage and provide adequate protection against extreme weather conditions. It will also prevent people from looking into your home when they go by.
Having a broken window could be stressful and even dangerous, but with the assistance of an emergency car locksmith, you can rest assured that your property is safe until it can be repaired. Contact Cathedral Locksmiths for expert advice on how to handle windows that have broken.