How to Minimize Damage to Your Car's Locks
It is best to call an experienced locksmith if you've locked your keys in your vehicle or if you notice that a key has been damaged. They can fix it quickly and reduce the damage to your vehicle.
You may be tempted to use an old coat hanger or a slim jim to open your car however, this could cause damage to the components inside your door, or even break your window. A professional will employ various tools to unlock your car.
Lost Keys
It's difficult to describe how frustrating it can be to lose your car keys or to lock them in your vehicle. It can make the most basic of tasks more complicated, and it's always worse when it happens in an emergency situation. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid this happening and there are professionals who can help if it does occur.
If you have lost your keys the first thing to do is contact roadside assistance. This may be covered under your insurance policy. A locksmith will usually assist you at no cost if you don't have insurance. They can make you a new key to the lock you have in place or replace the locks if you think that someone has gained access to your lock.
If you contact an locksmith, you'll need to provide them with details about your vehicle and yourself. This includes the VIN number and your personal identification number. This will enable the locksmith to determine if you are the legitimate owner of the car and ensure that they're not making duplicate keys for anyone else.
Some modern vehicles come with locks that don't require the traditional key. It is often called a "keyless ignition system." These systems use a key fob that can unlock the car and start it up without the need for physical contact with the key. Locksmiths will have to program this type of key.
If you don't use the right tool, it could be dangerous. These tools could damage the internal components of the door or even break the glass. Instead, you should call an expert locksmith who is trained in these types of vehicles.
They will have all the tools and training required to open the lock on your car. They are also able to reprogram your remote's keyless device in the event of need. This is a much cheaper alternative than replacing the lock on your car, and it can be significantly faster.
Locked out
It is a hassle to be locked out of your house or vehicle. This is especially true when it happens when you're supposed be somewhere or accomplish something. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this from happening or to get back into your home quickly if it does occur. It is an ideal idea to keep a spare key in the possession of someone you trust, or keep it in a location that is easily accessible. If, however, you don't have access to the spare key or can't find your keys, it is best to contact a locksmith as soon as you can.
Auto locksmiths are experts at opening car locks and in helping those who have locked their keys inside their car to get back in it. Auto locksmiths can employ a variety of methods for opening doors to cars. The method they use will depend on the vehicle type. For instance, older cars that have cylinder locks can typically be opened using a bump key or picks for locks. Newer vehicles with keyless remotes, however, require special tools such as VATS passcode scanners to unlock.
In order to get into your vehicle, an automotive locksmith may also have to turn off the anti-theft device known as an immobilizer. This feature is intended to prevent your vehicle from starting in the event of theft but it may also fail and block you from entering the vehicle despite having valid keys. If this happens, your locksmith can easily fix the issue and have 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 in case you're stuck out of it, however this is not advised because it could cause damage and could also violate the warranty of the manufacturer on the vehicle. If you wish to claim the warranty on your vehicle, you'll need to go through a locksmith and make an official application for a Writ of Re-Entry with the Justice Court in your area.
Damaged Locks
Locksmiths may need to repair or replace your car's damaged locks. Attempting to unlock your car with methods like putting a metal hanger into the lock or using a credit card could result in further damage and emergency locksmith car possibly cause a broken window. This can be very costly, and you may not be able to cover the cost of repair.
Many people assume that an unlocked lock is a sure indication of a criminal however the issue could be much less complicated. Most of the time, a lock or ignition is simply not aligned, which means the tumblers and pins that secure your vehicle aren't working properly. This is typically due to wear and tears and can be fixed with regular cleaning and oiling. However, there are times when parts may become displaced or damaged by environmental factors like extreme cold and heat, which can be hard on metals.
An auto locksmith can use advanced tools to make sure that your car locks work as they should. They will have the training and hands-on experience to get into your vehicle without causing damage or drilling the lock completely and re-install it, which is a more difficult process. This will save you money in the long run, and ensure that your vehicle is safe on the road.
Locksmiths can also rekey the lock to accept only the correct keys. This will make it more difficult for thieves access your vehicle. This will safeguard your vehicle and ensure that it is only driven by authorized individuals.
It's worth mentioning that most trustworthy locksmiths will perform their work according to a warranty. If your locks aren't severely damaged, the locksmith can replace them at no cost and will also cover any other costs associated with the work. In certain instances, they might choose to include an "worst case scenario" clause in their contract, which will exempt the locksmith from any responsibility for unavoidable damages to your vehicle during the locksmithing process.
Broken Keys
It's not ideal for anyone, regardless of whether you're a business owner or a homeowner, if your key breaks inside the lock. There are ways to minimize the damage and restore security without the need to pay the cost of a locksmith.
To begin, determine how deep your key fragment is embedded within the lock cylinder. This will help you select the best tool to remove it. Pick a tool with hooks to grab the broken pieces, then pull them off.
Magnets can be used to replace broken keys. However this technique can cause more harm than good. It can damage your ignition system, making your vehicle unusable. It can also push damaged fragments further into the lock.
Another method used by some people is to apply super glue to the edge of the broken key. This is a risky method as the glue may get on other parts of the lock, and prevent it from functioning.
If the key fragment doesn't go to the full extent of the lock cylinder, you could make use of a flathead screwdriver pry it out. You can then lubricate the key fragment with graphite or spray lubricant to keep it from sticking further and make it easier for you to remove.
If the other methods don't work then you could try using the small blade of a saw. You must be very careful and precise to avoid damaging the lock's and cylinder. Insert the blade of the small saw carefully into the lock, ensuring it is aligned with the teeth on the broken piece of the key. Then, secure the saw blade onto the broken fragment and take it out.
If none of the above tips work, you should call a locksmith. They'll have the equipment and knowledge to quickly and safely remove your broken key from the cylinder, without damaging the vehicle. While you wait, make sure to practice proper key maintenance and thoughtful handling to avoid breaking in the first place.