It's The Perfect Time To Broaden Your Key Car Repair Options What to Do When Your Car Keys Are Damaged

It's not common to lose or damage car keys. In many instances these instances, they are handled by a locksmith for cars.


Adjusting buttons can bring back functionality to key fobs that have been jostled. If replacing the battery does not help, the fob may require replacement completely.

Dead Key Fob Battery

Even though the old jingling car keys are long gone, the fact remains that a lot of cars still have key fobs. They can be very useful, but when their batteries fail, they can become problematic. That's why they need to be kept fully charged at all times. This can be a challenging task, and a dead battery on your key fob can cause you to be stranded.

There are ways to get out of this situation. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle there could be a mechanical lock in the fob. Certain models also have an emergency button that can be used to start the engine. This is a last resort and usually only meant to help you get to your destination, but may work in certain cases.

If you're unable start the car using this method, the next best thing is to raise your vehicle front end off of the ground with the help of jumper cables. Hook the red cable up to the large terminal on the starter and the black cable to any nearby ground. This will give the fob battery enough power to get your vehicle started or at the very least bring you home or to a mechanic.

Another alternative is to take the fob's key to an Interstate All Battery Center location to purchase a replacement battery. To change the battery you'll require a small flathead screwscrewdriver or butter knivescrew as well as other pry tools. Be careful not to apply too much pressure on the case, as it could break open and scatter fob components all over your living space.

Once you've opened the box, wedge your tool around the fasteners in the same way you peeling an orange or apple and begin separating the two halves. Do not pull the circuit boards or antennas, which contain the electrical current that keeps your key fob programmed. If you do, you will have to visit your dealership or an auto repair shop to get it programmed again.

Locked keys in the trunk

Sometimes, it's easy to lock your keys in your trunk, particularly if you're in a hurry or distracted. Many people keep spare keys in their wallets or at their homes. In this situation you can contact an emergency roadside assistance or locksmiths to take your keys. They will be able to open the trunk without damaging your vehicle and may even be able fix any broken locks which caused this issue.

Depending on the situation If you are in a pinch, you can ask someone else to bring you a spare key or call the dealership and request a new key for you. Of course, a better option is to keep a spare key in your wallet or home to keep it in case you need to keep your keys locked in the trunk again.

If you don't have a spare key, then you could try to open the trunk by overriding the locking mechanism. This involves the shorting of a fuse that controls trunk release. This can be a complicated process and requires you to follow the safety guidelines. Check the owner's manual for directions on how to do this. This method is not recommended if don't have much automotive experience.

If standard locksmith techniques aren't successful, you can try to make use of household tools like a screwdriver or a metal rod. A spatula, or any other kitchen tools can be used to force the trunk open or create space. Sadly, some vehicles come with advanced security features that prevent these techniques from working. A specialist will be required to open your trunk. These specialists can also perform an jiggle or rekeying process to disable the locking mechanism or to drill the trunk lock actuator and make a hole in the door. These techniques are expensive, so you should keep an emergency key available or call your dealer to arrange an reconkeying. In the ideal scenario, this will help you avoid any issues in the future.

Damaged Ignition

It may seem simple to turn the ignition key, but there are many steps and parts that must cooperate to get the car started. If one part fails, or if a single step doesn't happen correctly, it could result in you being without power or control when you're driving down the road. Being The Key Lab of the signs that indicate your ignition is having trouble can help you avoid larger issues, and find the best solutions.

A mobile mechanic can check the ignition system for damage if it's becoming more difficult to turn. Utilizing automotive lock picks they can usually take off the ignition cylinder to free it from any slight destruction which could be the cause of the problem. The issue can be solved by reprogramming either the ignition or the key on the spot. This will allow you to drive away with the full functionality of your vehicle intact.

Another sign that you may need an ignition repair is when your vehicle starts stalling while you're driving. It could be dangerous for other drivers when your engine stops while you're driving. You may also be at risk of an accident. Broken ignition switches, ignition cylinders and other components can create these kinds of issues So fixing them promptly is crucial.

You may have to replace the entire ignition switch in the event that you have more than one blocked switch. In such cases an auto mechanic will usually be in a position to complete an ignition replacement on the instantaneously. They'll be able to do this by disassembling the steering column and removing the old ignition assembly before installing the new one, making it easier to insert the key and start operating your car. This kind of replacement could save your time and money compared to a completely new car, and will be much quicker than waiting for an automotive shop to open at a time that works for you.

Damaged Locks

There are many common reasons why your car's lock could be damaged. Some of these issues can be resolved by replacing the key fob battery, while others require a more thorough repair to fix the mechanical parts or electronic locking system.

Weather Damage

Extreme temperatures, sun exposure and even dust can be a major issue for locking systems. These environmental conditions can lead to corrosion, discoloration and wear over time. This can result in a lock that is no longer functioning. To stop this from happening, routine inspections must be conducted so that any issues can be corrected prior to their deterioration.

If you're having difficulty to insert or turn the key into the lock on your door, it could be a sign that the mechanism is stuck. This could be due to grime or dirt accumulation. You can solve this problem by using a moist cotton swab, q-tip or cotton swab and spraying graphite or silicone spray on the lock.

Another reason your door locks may be stuck is because the pins in the cylinder are not aligned. The problem can be corrected by taking the lock off and then manually aligning the cylinder with the keyhole on the door. After the cylinder has been repositioned it must be secured with the correct screws.

Finally, a common problem is that the key itself is damaged in some way. This could be due to excessive force when turning the key or the key was cut incorrectly. If you suspect that this is the problem try using a spare key and check if there are no problems. In the end, the best approach to fix any issue is to talk to an expert locksmith. They will conduct a thorough diagnosis to determine the root of the problem. They'll then use special tools to remove any debris from the lock mechanism. They will replace the broken pieces with new ones to restore the functionality. A locksmith can also give suggestions to safeguard your car lock from further damage. This can include weather resistant covers or shields that help protect the lock from the harsh elements.