How to Deal With Broken Car Keys and Key Fobs
Key fobs and car keys are essential to protecting your car. They prevent theft by requiring a specific key be used to open and unlock the car. They can be programmed to work in conjunction with your car's security system.
Auto locksmiths that are reputable have a specific set of tools that are able to unlock the locks of modern automobiles. They will rekey the lock and cut you a new key.
Keys Lost or Damaged
Losing keys to your car can be a stressful experience. It is tempting to panic and call locksmith or roadside assistance however there are a few steps you can take that can help you resolve the situation much more quickly.
First, try trying to trace your steps. It will be easier to locate lost items if you remember where they were, and what you did at the time. Close your eyes and think about the moment you last had your car keys - what you were doing when you last had them, where you were the time, with whom you were with, and how you were experiencing. It's a trick called 'context reinstatement' and it's able to create miracles.
Then, you can check the local newspaper or call your police department to see if anyone has turned in keys they lost. This is an easy and quick process that could lead to you getting your keys back sooner than expected.
Contact a locksmith in your area to create copies if you do not have a spare or cannot find your keys. It is important to be prepared to make this call because the process may vary depending on the type of key and other factors. Traditional keys are the cheapest to replace, however, you may need to prove ownership before the locksmith is able to create a replacement for you. Key fobs can be more expensive and they require a professional to reprogram them or replace them. It could cost up to $300.
It's also a good idea to consider buying a key tracker or a different type of security system to avoid losing your keys in the future. These are costly however they can help you avoid an enormous amount of stress. Check your insurance policy to see whether it covers replacing keys that are lost or damaged.
Broken Keys
We value our keys to our cars a lot and when they fail they can cause major inconvenience. The majority of the time, a broken car key can be fixed. It's dependent on the location and how the damage occurred. If the key has been split in two, or has internal electronic damage it is likely to require replacement. Fortunately, locksmiths have access to the necessary tools to replace the key for you.
If your key is broken at the top, you may be able to jimmy it back together with some pliers. If it was broken in the middle, you'll have to contact an expert.
It is not advisable to 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. Always contact a local locksmith before doing anything else, specifically for keys that are broken in the ignition or door.
Locksmiths are usually able to create a key on the spot and program the immobilizer chip when needed. It's more expensive than purchasing a key from dealerships however you'll save money in the end.
It's worth attempting to remove a broken key by yourself before calling a locksmith. The first step is to examine the situation to see if you can see the break point of the key. If not, you can use tongs or pliers to capture the broken piece. If that fails you could try using small hacksaw blades and thin tools to insert into the ignition. If this fails, you might require a key extraction tool.
Super glue can be used to join the two pieces of a broken key. This is a simple fix that may be enough to get you back on the road, however it's not recommended for long term use. It's possible that the glue will eat through the plastic or weaken it even more. Keep both the parts of the key so that a locksmith can make an exact copy and prevent further damage to your ignition.
Locked Out of Your Car
Being locked out of your car could be a terrifying experience. There are ways to solve this issue without contacting an locksmith. Make sure you have an extra key. It should be kept in a safe location that you can locate it quickly in a situation of need such as when you are with a family member or neighbor. Think about buying a car that has safety features to prevent you from locking your keys in your car.
Check to see if the doors are locked. It may seem obvious, but in a stressful environment it's easy to forget. When you're anxious or stressed your brain is able to narrow your focus on just one thing. This is why it's crucial to take a few deep breaths and walk around the entire vehicle to check every door for keys to the car.
If you don't own an extra, you can make use of a wire coathanger. Straighten out the coat hanger's rim and use it to enter your vehicle. Be careful not to damage your vehicle however, this is an easy and cost-effective way to get back into your car. g28carkeys can also purchase a tool made specifically for this purpose, however the coat hanger is likely to 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 however, be cautious not to cause damage to your vehicle. It is also advised to only use these kinds of tools when there are no other options available.
If you've tried every non-destructive method to get your car keys but nothing is working, it's time to call for help from a professional. Don't try to break the window or any other method that is forceful to gain entry into your vehicle, since they could result in costly repairs and potentially put your life at risk. Don't forget that professional locksmiths are licensed and certified professionals, and therefore are more likely to follow ethical standards. This is important because a locksmith who uses unethical tactics to enter your vehicle could not be accountable for the harm they cause.
Broken Window Boarding
A broken window can cause costly damage. Whether the source is vandalism or a natural catastrophe, a damaged window needs to be secured immediately. This prevents further damage to the property as well as providing security from unauthorized entry. Additionally, it shields the interior of the building from rain and debris that could cause havoc. After a burglary, it is essential to secure the business. This will keep thieves from entering the building until windows are repaired or changed.
Remove any sharp glass pieces from the area prior to put up the window. This should be done while wearing gloves. Next, measure the window frame dimensions with a measuring tool. Start at one end the frame and then extend the tape to the opposite side, ensuring that the tape is straight to ensure accurate measurements. Then, take note of the dimensions of the window to ensure the sheets of plywood are cut to the proper size.
If you have window frames, you can fix plywood directly into them to provide a stronger and more secure solution. This is not a great option for wooden windows. It's best to hire an expert to put up damaged windows. They have the tools and experience to quickly and efficiently secure your property until you are able to fix them.
In the meantime an easy and quick solution is to cover the window with black bin bags. This will shield the window from further damage as well as offer enough protection against extreme weather conditions. Additionally it will keep visitors from peeking into your home when they walk through.
A broken window could be stressful and even dangerous, but with the assistance of a locksmith in emergency, you can rest assured that your home is secure until it can be repaired. Contact Cathedral Locksmiths for expert advice on how to fix the issue of a damaged window.