How to Deal With Broken Car Keys and Key Fobs
Keys for your car and key fobs are essential for keeping your vehicle safe. They stop theft by requiring that a special key be used to open and unlock the vehicle. They can also be programmed to work with your vehicle's security system.
Reputable auto locksmiths have a set of tools that are able to unlock locks on modern vehicles. They will rekey the lock and make you another one.
Keys Lost or Damaged
The loss of your car keys is a stressful and traumatic experience. It is tempting to panic and call emergency assistance or a locksmith however there are a few actions you can take to resolve the situation much more quickly.
Follow your steps. It's easier to find lost items if you recall where they were and what you did at the time. Close your eyes and think about the last time you had your car keys and what you were doing, where you were at the time, who you were with, and what you were experiencing. This technique is known as 'context reinstating' and it can do wonders.
Check the local news or call your police department to see if someone has reported a lost key. This is a quick and easy step that can lead to your missing keys appearing earlier than you'd like.
If you don't have an extra key or are unable to find your keys, contact an authorized locksmith in your area to create an original duplicate. It is important to be prepared when you make this call, since the process may differ based on the type of key you have and other aspects. Traditional keys are the cheapest to replace, but you might need to provide proof of ownership before the locksmith can provide a replacement. Key fobs, on the other on the other hand, are more costly and require an expert to reprogram or replace them, which can cost up to $300.
It's also recommended to think about purchasing a key tracker or another form of security system to avoid losing your keys in the future. These products are expensive but they can ease a great deal of stress. If you have an insurance policy, it is important to check whether they cover the cost of replacing damaged or lost keys, too.
Broken Keys
Car keys are pretty important to us, and when they break it can be a real hassle. Most of the time the broken car key can be fixed. But, it all depends on the nature of damage and the location where the break occurred. If the key was cut in half or has electronic damage inside it's probably a case for replacement. Locksmiths are usually equipped with the tools necessary to replace your key.
If your key broke at the top of the key, you may be able to jig it back together by using pliers. But if it broke off in the middle, your chances is a lot more difficult and you'll have to call an expert.
It is not advisable to turn a broken key with force. Trying to do this can cause further damage and possibly lock your steering wheel or stop the engine. Call a locksmith before doing anything else, especially in the event that the key is damaged in the ignition or door.
Locksmiths usually can make a key on-site and also program the immobilizer chip if necessary. It's more expensive than purchasing a new key from the dealership however it's a lot faster and could save you money in the end.
Before calling a locksmith, it's worthwhile to try to remove the broken key by yourself. First, inspect the situation and see whether you can spot the break point of the key. If not you can try using pliers and tweezers to grasp the fragment of the key. If this fails you can try using small hacksaw blades or other tools to wedge the key inside the ignition. If this doesn't work, you might need an extractor tool for keys.
Another option is to glue the two pieces of your damaged key together. This is a quick fix and might be enough to get you back on the road, but it's not recommended for long term use. It's possible that the glue may break through the plastic and weaken it further. Keep both the parts of the key so that a locksmith is able to make an exact copy of the key and prevent further damage to your ignition.
Locked Out of Your Car
Being locked out of your vehicle can be a terrifying experience. However, there are steps you can take to solve this problem without calling a locksmith. First, make sure you have a spare key. It should be kept safe, where you can find it in an emergency. Consider getting a vehicle with safety features to prevent you from locking your keys in your car.
Verify that the doors are locked. This seems obvious, but it is extremely easy to overlook in the midst of a stressful situation. When you're stressed or worried your brain is able to narrow your focus to a single thing. That is why it's important to take several deep breaths and then walk through the entire car to look at every door for keys to the car.
If you don't have a spare key, consider using a coat hanger made of wire. Straighten out the coat hanger's rim and use it to gain entry into your vehicle. Be careful not to scratch your vehicle, but this should be an easy and inexpensive way to get back into your car. You can also buy an item specifically designed for this purpose, however the coat hanger should work just as well.
Another option is to utilize an incredibly slim Jim or similar tool to unlock the lock. These tools can be found in most car dealerships, but be careful not to cause damage to your vehicle. It is recommended to only use these types of tools when there are no other options available.
If TheKeyLab tried all non-destructive methods to gain access to your keys, but nothing is working is it time to call a professional. Do not try to break your car's window or use any other forceful method to gain access to your vehicle. This could result in expensive repairs and put your security in danger. Don't forget that locksmiths who are certified and licensed professionals, which means they are more likely to follow ethical standards. This is crucial because a locksmith who uses unprofessional methods to gain entry into your vehicle is not held accountable for the damage they cause.
Broken Window Boarding
A broken window can cause expensive damage. Whether the reason is vandalism or natural disaster, a damaged window must be boarded up immediately. This will prevent further damage to your property and offer security against any unauthorized entry. It also protects the interior from the elements of rain and debris which can cause havoc. After a burglary, it is crucial to secure the business. This will keep thieves from entering the building until windows are repaired or changed.
Before boarding up the window, it is essential to remove any sharp glass pieces from the area. Wearing gloves is recommended. The next step is to determine the dimensions of the window frame using the measuring tape. Start at one end, and extend the measuring tape to the other side. Make sure the tape is straight to obtain 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 metal window frames, you can fix plywood directly into them to provide a stronger and more secure solution. However this isn't the best option for wooden windows. It's best to hire an expert to put up damaged windows. They have the expertise and tools to swiftly and effectively secure your property until you can get them fixed.
In the interim it is possible to protect the window by covering it with black plastic bags. This will both protect the broken window from further damage as well as provide sufficient protection from harsh weather conditions. In addition it will stop people from snooping into your home while they pass by.
A broken window can be dangerous and stressful, but you can rest easy knowing that with the help of a car locksmith, your home will be safe until it is repaired. Contact Cathedral Locksmiths for expert advice on how to fix the issue of a damaged window.