How to Deal With Broken Car Keys and Key Fobs
Car keys and key fobs are crucial to ensure your vehicle's security. They can prevent theft by requiring a specific key to start your car and to unlock it. They can also be programmed to integrate with your vehicle's security system.
The most reputable auto locksmiths have a specialized set of tools to open the locks in modern vehicles. They will rekey your lock and cut you a new key.
Keys Lost or Damaged
Losing your car keys could be a very stressful event. You might be tempted by your panic to call roadside assistance or a locksmith. However there are steps you can take to solve the issue faster.
First, try retracing your steps. You'll find it easier to locate lost items if recall where they were and what you were doing at the time. Close your eyes and think about the last time you held your car keys. What were you doing, what you were doing at the moment, who you were with, and how you felt. It's a trick called 'context reinstatement' and it can create miracles.
Then, you can check the local newspaper or call your police department to find out who has handed in a lost key. This is an easy and quick process which could lead to finding your missing keys sooner than expected.
Contact a locksmith in your area to make a copy in case you don't have a spare or cannot find your keys. You must be prepared for this call as the process could differ depending on the type of key as well as other aspects. The cheapest keys to replace are the traditional keys, but you may need to show proof of ownership to the locksmith before they will make you the replacement. Key fobs on the other on the other hand, are more costly and require a professional to reprogram or replace them, which could cost upwards of $300.
Consider purchasing a key tracker, or another security system to ensure that you don't lose your keys again in the future. These devices can be costly, but they can help you avoid many headaches in the long in the long. If you have an insurance policy, it is important to check whether they cover the cost of replacing lost or damaged keys, as well.
Broken Keys
Car keys are pretty important to us, and when they fail, it could be a real pain. Fortunately, most of the time, a damaged key can be fixed and saved. It depends on where and how the damage occurred. If the key was cut in half or has electronic damage inside it's most likely an issue that requires replacement. Most locksmiths have the tools necessary to replace your key.
If your key broke close to the top of the key, you may be able to fix it with pliers. If it broke in the middle, you'll need to contact a professional.
You should never try to forcefully turn a broken or damaged key. Doing this could cause further damage and possibly lock your steering wheel or even stop the engine. Get a locksmith's help before you do anything else, particularly when the key is damaged in the ignition or door.
A majority of locksmiths can design a new key on site and even program the immobilizer chip of your car if needed. It will cost more than purchasing a key from a dealer however, you'll save money in the end.
It is worth trying to remove a damaged key on your own before calling locksmith. The first step is to examine the situation to see if you can see the breaking point of the key. If not, try using pliers or tweezers to grasp the key fragment. If this doesn't work, you can use small hacksaw blades or other tools to wedge the key inside the ignition. If this still doesn't work, you might need an instrument to extract keys.
Another option is to super glue the two pieces of your damaged key to one another. This is an easy fix that may be enough to get back on the road. However, it's not recommended as an option for a long-term solution. The glue could weaken the plastic or eat away at it. Keep both the parts of the key so that a locksmith is able to make an exact copy and avoid further damage to your ignition.
You're locked out of your vehicle
It can be a bit frightening to be locked out of your car. However, there are steps you can take to get this issue resolved without calling a locksmith. Make sure you have a spare key. It should be kept in a safe location in a place where you can access it quickly in an emergency such as when you are with a family member or neighbor. It is also advisable to consider purchasing an older car that comes with security features that can prevent you from locking your keys inside the car.
Check to see if all doors are unlocked. This may seem obvious, but it is very easy to overlook when in the midst of a stressful situation. When you're stressed or anxious, your brain narrows down your attention to just one thing. This is why it's crucial to take several deep breaths and then walk around the entire vehicle to check every door for the car keys.
If you don't have an extra, you can use a wire coathanger. Straighten the end of the coat hanger out and use it to get into your vehicle. Be careful not to damage your vehicle, but this should be an easy and inexpensive method of getting back into your vehicle. You can buy an item specifically specially designed for this, however a coat hanger can be just as effective.
You could also make use of the slim Jim tool or an equivalent one to open the lock. These tools can be found at most automotive stores, but be careful not to cause damage to your vehicle. These tools are only used when there is no other option.
If you've tried all non-destructive ways to get your keys, but nothing is working, it's probably time to get a professional. Do not try to break your car window or employ any other violent method to gain access to your vehicle. This could result in expensive repairs and put your security in danger. Also, don't forget that locksmiths who are certified and licensed professionals, which means they are more likely to follow ethical standards. This is important because a locksmith who uses unethical tactics to enter your vehicle could not be held accountable for the damage they cause.
Broken Window Boarding
A window that is broken isn't only a nuisance; it can cause costly damage. It doesn't matter if the source is vandalism or a natural catastrophe, a damaged window must be immediately boarded up. This will stop further damage to your property as well as provide security against unauthorized entry. It also shields the building's interior from debris and rain, which can cause havoc. It is crucial to board up a business after a break-in, as it blocks thieves from entering until windows are repaired or replaced.
Before boarding up the window, it is essential to take any sharp glass pieces from the window. Wearing gloves is recommended. The next step is to determine the dimensions of the window frame using measuring tape. Start at one end the frame and extend the tape to the other side, making sure that the tape is straight to ensure accurate measurements. Then, car locksmith in milton keynes should note the width and height of the window to ensure the sheets of plywood are cut to the correct size.
If you have a steel window frame, you can attach the plywood directly to the frames to create an even more durable and secure option. However it's not a good solution for wooden windows. It's generally recommended to work with a professional to put up a board on broken windows. They have the expertise and tools to fast-track the security of your property while you get them repaired.
In the interim it is possible to cover the window with black plastic bags. This will shield the window from further damage and offer enough protection against extreme weather conditions. It will also prevent people from looking at your home when they pass by.
A damaged window could be dangerous and stressful, but you can be assured that with the help of a car locksmith, your home is secure until it is repaired. Contact Cathedral Locksmiths for expert advice on how to handle windows that have broken.