15 Things You Didn't Know About Car Key Repair Service Car Key Repair Service

Car keys break at the most inconvenient moments, whether you're putting groceries in your trunk or relaxing after a long day. It's common to have to call roadside assistance or visit the dealership for a replacement.

It's important to keep in your mind that a locksmith is your best bet for quick and inexpensive key replacement. Here are some suggestions to help make the process more smooth:

Assessing the damage

It is essential to contact an expert as soon as you can when your car key is damaged. Depending on the kind of key, these professionals could be locksmiths, automotive specialists or even the dealership itself. They should be equipped with the appropriate tools and equipment to replace or repair the key without damaging your vehicle or causing security problems.


It's important to first assess the damage. This will enable the expert to decide on the best approach to repair the key. If your key is broken within the ignition lock, it can be a serious issue that requires professional attention. It is recommended to leave the problem to the experts. If car keys repairs near me try to turn your key back and forth can cause further damage.

Another issue that is common and requires urgent attention is a damaged key fob. This requires a more complex repair procedure, as it will likely need to be reprogrammed. This is essential to ensure that your key is specifically programmed for your vehicle. It can only be accomplished by an expert. This usually involves presenting your identity and the VIN number of your vehicle.

Sometimes there is no visible sign of a broken car key. However, the key's steel teeth can become worn out over time, causing it to not fit properly in the ignition. This issue can also be caused by a chip not transmitting the correct code to the immobilizer system.

You should check your keys periodically for signs of wear, such as scratches or buttons that are loose. Regular lubrication can aid in preventing this from occurring. It's also important to protect your keys from magnetic objects and other objects that can interfere with their electronic components. Leaving your key fob in direct sunlight or exposing it to extreme temperatures can also cause harm.

A key that is dropped can cause serious damage. This is especially true if it strikes hard surfaces like roads or sidewalks. Do not carry your keys in the key ring along with other items. Instead, use an appropriate pouch or key chain.

Keep Both Pieces

Extreme temperatures can cause damage to electronic components in car keys. This is prevented by keeping your key on your person at all times or storing it in a secure place when not being used. Make sure that the spare key is powered by a battery. Set a reminder in your phone or calendar for every two years to replace the batteries.

It may be tempting, but it could cause more damage to glue or tape broken pieces together. If a piece of your key breaks in the ignition, it could get stuck and require expensive and complex repair services.

A locksmith can reseal damaged keys with minimal damage to the lock and also create a new key fob in the event of need. They can also program the chip into your new key to ensure it functions in a way that is compatible with your vehicle's security features, which will save you going to the dealership.

If you're on the run you may find it easier to purchase keys replacements from an hardware store. It's crucial to remember that these keys usually contain transponder chips that require a special machine to reprogram them. These machines can be costly and are only available through a dealership.

In addition, you may not be able to find keys that match the key fob of your car or ignition lock. This could lead to more issues with your vehicle, and it can be difficult to drive it in a safe manner.

You can avoid this by setting a reminder to locksmiths to create an extra key as quickly as possible. They can also make a duplicate so you are ready in the event of an emergency. This will spare you a lot of stress and cost in the long run. If you don't have the time or money to hire locksmiths to create new keys, you can apply lubrication to your fob with dry film lubricant.

Avoiding DIY Fixes

Car keys are packed with delicate electronics that are at surviving a simpler life. However, they can still take a beating when it comes to wear and tear. The rubbers that keep switches in place will eventually shrink and weaken, leaving them vulnerable to damage. This is particularly true if the key is knocked or dropped into something sharp. In these instances it is crucial to get the key repaired as quickly as you can.

A common issue is a key that won't fit into the ignition. If the teeth of the key aren't cleaned regularly, dirt can build up. As car key repair cost , this can cause the pins of the key to become misaligned. This makes it difficult for them to slide in the ignition. The best method to avoid this issue is to wash the key with a sanitizer on a regular basis.

Another option to make the process easier is to apply fluid lubricant. However, this is only an interim measure, and not a long-term fix. As time passes the key could be damaged by the lubricant or even by the moisture that it traps inside of it.

If the key is bent or if it won't go all the way into the lock, try using a mallet made of rubber to straighten it. This can be accomplished by placing the key on flat surfaces and pounding it gently from the top. You don't want to over-stretch it or you could permanently damage it.

You could also use a screwdriver if you have any plastic pieces that are broken off from the key. It can be a difficult procedure, but if you're willing to risk damaging your key, it could be worth the effort. It's a good idea to keep a spare key in place to be prepared in the event of a need.

If you are having trouble getting your car to start, and the anti-theft light is illuminated it's likely that the key has been reset. If this is the case, you'll require a visit to an auto locksmith or dealer to have the key coded. It's expensive however, it's the only way to make your vehicle move again.

How to Get Help from an Locksmith

Car key emergencies happen at the most inconvenient moments. You might be filling your car at the gas station with groceries or driving home from a long day at work when you realize that you've left your keys in the car. Locksmith services are readily available and easily even in an emergency.

A licensed and skilled locksmith can help you with a variety of problems. They can design a new key or repair your current one without causing damage to the car's security system. They can also replace the lost key or fob if necessary.

They'll have non-destructive car opening techniques and the tools required for your specific vehicle. They'll employ special equipment to encode the chip of the transponder key to ensure that it is recognized by your vehicle. This will allow you leave the vehicle without being in a bind.

You can program your own key if you don't have an transponder. A car key programming guide will assist you. This is not recommended since there is a possibility of damaging the data in the module. You might not have the right tools or information about the safety system in your car to do it right.

Visit an auto parts store that offers key-cutting services and keys that are programmable. Based on the location and your car's model, this could be a cheaper option. Always verify the store's credentials as well as customer reviews before you make your purchase.

The locksmith you visit may be able to provide you with a valet key in addition to the standard key copy. Valet attendants use these keys to unlock and start cars while they are stationary. They are not intended to open your trunk or glovebox, but could be used for simple car maintenance such as topping off oil and assessing tire pressure.

It's not a good idea to be stuck without a vehicle but it's a fact that can happen at any time. It is best to be prepared by keeping an extra key in a secure location and employing an auto locksmith who specializes in emergency service and also consider pay-per mile car insurance from Metromile. This insurance is affordable and lets drivers save money on their fixed monthly and per-mile charges.