How to Deal With Broken Car Keys and Key Fobs
Key fobs and car keys play a crucial role in making sure your car is secure. They prevent theft by requiring a specific key be used to open and unlock the vehicle. They can also be programmed to work with your vehicle'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 brand new key.
Keys Lost or Damaged
Losing your car keys is a stressful and traumatic experience. You may be tempted to panic and call emergency assistance or a locksmith, but there are some steps you can take that can help you solve the issue more quickly.
First, try to retrace your steps. It's generally easier to locate your lost items if you can remember exactly where they were and what you were doing at the time. Close your eyes and consider the moment you last had your car keys - what you were doing and where you were at the time, with whom you were with, and what you were feeling. This trick is called 'context reinstating' and it can do wonders.
Then, look up the local news or contact your police department to find out whether anyone has handed in keys they lost. This is a quick and simple step that could result in your keys turning up sooner than you'd like.
Contact a locksmith in your area to make copies of your keys if you do not have a spare or can't locate your keys. It is important to be prepared for this call since the procedure could differ depending on the type of key and other aspects. The cheapest keys to replace are standard keys, however you may need to show proof of ownership to the locksmith before they can make you an exchange. Key fobs can be more expensive and require a specialist to reprogram or replace them. This could cost you up to $300.
You should consider buying a key tracker or other security system, to avoid losing your keys again in the future. These products are expensive but they can ease an enormous amount of stress. If you have an insurance policy, it's worth checking whether they will cover the cost of replacing lost or damaged keys, too.
Broken Keys
We value our car keys very much and when they fail it can be a major inconvenience. Fortunately, most times, a damaged key can be fixed and saved. However, it all depends on the nature of damage and where the break occurred. If the key was split in two, or has internal electronic damage it is likely to require replacing. Luckily, most locksmiths have the tools to replace the key for you.
If your key is cracked near the top, you may be able to put it back together 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.
Never forcefully turn a broken key. This could cause further damage, and may even lock your steering or stop the engine of your vehicle. Get a locksmith's help before you do anything else, especially when the key is damaged in the ignition or door.
The majority of locksmiths can create a new key on site and can also programme the immobilizer chip to your car if needed. It's more expensive than buying a key from dealerships, but you'll save money in the end.
Before calling a locksmith, it's also worth trying to remove the broken key yourself. The first step is to inspect the situation to determine whether the break point is apparent. If not then try using pliers or tweezers to grasp the fragment of the key. If that doesn't work, you might try using mini hacksaw blades and thin tools to wedge the key into the ignition. If this fails, you might need an extraction tool for keys.
Another option is to super glue the two pieces of your damaged key to each other. This is a quick 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 may be able to eat away at the plastic or weaken it even more. The two parts of your key together will enable a locksmith to make an exact copy of your key and prevent additional damage to your ignition.
Locked Out of Your Car
Being locked out of your car could be a frightening experience. But, there are ways to get this issue resolved without calling a locksmith. First, ensure that you have a spare key. This should be somewhere safe that you can locate it quickly in an emergency such as when you are with a family member or a neighbor. auto locksmiths milton keynes is also advisable to consider purchasing a newer car with safety features that help to prevent you from locking your keys inside the car.
Check all doors to see if any are unlocked. This may seem obvious, but it is very easy to overlook when in an anxious situation. If you're anxious and stressed, your brain narrows your focus to just that one thing. That is why it's important to take some deep breaths before you walk around the entire car to check every door for keys to the car.
If you don't have a spare, you could make use of a coat hanger made of wire. Straighten the hanger's ends and use it to enter your vehicle. This is a fast, cheap and easy way to get into your vehicle. You can also buy a tool made specifically for this purpose, but the coat hanger should be just as effective.
You could also make use of a slim Jim tool or an equivalent one to open the lock. These tools can be found at most automotive stores However, you must be careful not to cause damage to your vehicle. These tools should only be used if there are no other options.
If you've tried all non-destructive ways to get your keys, but nothing seems to work, it's probably time to call a professional. Don't attempt to break your car window or employ any other forceful method to gain access to your vehicle. This could result in expensive repairs and put your life in danger. Also, don't forget that professional locksmiths are licensed and certified professionals, and therefore are more likely to adhere to ethical standards. This is essential because a locksmith who uses unethical tactics to enter your vehicle could not be held accountable for the damages they cause.
Broken Window Boarding
A damaged window isn't just an inconvenience, it could lead to costly damage. If the cause is vandalism or natural storm, a damaged or damaged window must be secured immediately. This will help prevent further damage to your property and provide protection against unauthorised entry. It also protects the building's interior from debris and rain, which can cause havoc. It is especially important to board up a business following a burglary, since it prevents thieves from entering until windows are repaired or replaced.
Remove any glass pieces that are sharp from the area prior to board up the window. This must be done while wearing gloves. Then, you can measure the window frame dimensions using a measuring instrument. Begin at one end of the frame and extend the tape to the other side, making sure that the tape is straight for accurate measurements. Then, measure the width and height to ensure the plywood sheets are cut correctly.
If you have metal window frames, you can fix plywood directly into them to provide security and strength solution. However this isn't the best solution for wooden windows. It is best to employ an expert to secure damaged windows. They have the equipment and know-how to quickly and efficiently secure your property until you can fix them.
In the meantime, you can cover the window with black plastic bags. This will shield the window from further damage and provide enough protection against extreme weather conditions. It will also stop people from looking into your home as they walk by.
A broken window could be dangerous and stressful however, you can rest assured that with the assistance of a vehicle locksmith, your property is secure until it is repaired. Contact Cathedral Locksmiths for expert advice on how to deal with a broken window.