How to Deal With Broken Car Keys and Key Fobs
Keys for your car and key fobs are essential to ensure your vehicle's security. They help prevent theft by requiring a unique key to start the car as well as to unlock it. They can also be programmed to work with your vehicle's security system.
Auto locksmiths with a good reputation have a specialized set of tools to open the locks in modern automobiles. They will rekey your lock and cut you a fresh key.
Keys Lost or Damaged
Losing your car keys is a stressful and traumatic experience. You may be enticed by the panic to call roadside assistance, or a locksmith. But, there are ways you can get the problem resolved faster.
First, try retracing your steps. You'll find it easier to locate lost items if remember where they were and what you did at the time. Close your eyes and reflect on the moment you last held your car keys and what you were doing, where you were at the time, with whom you were with, and how you were experiencing. It's a technique called "context reinstatement' and it's able to create miracles.
Go to the local news or contact your local police department next to see if someone has reported a lost key. This is an easy and quick process that could lead to you finding your missing keys sooner than expected.
Contact a locksmith in your area to make a copy if you don't have a spare or cannot find your keys. You must be prepared to make this call since the procedure could differ depending on the type of key and other aspects. The cheapest keys to replace are traditional keys, however you may need to show proof of ownership to the locksmith before they will provide you with the replacement. Key fobs, on other hand, are more expensive and require a professional to reprogram or replace them, which could cost up to $300.
Think about buying a key tracker or other security device, to avoid losing your keys in the future. These products are expensive however they can help you avoid an enormous amount of stress. Examine your insurance policy to see if it covers the cost of replacing keys that are damaged or lost.
Broken Keys
Car keys are extremely important to us, and when they fail, it could be a real hassle. Fortunately, most times, a damaged key can be repaired and saved. However, it depends on the nature of damage and the place where the break occurred. If the key has been broken in two or has internal electronic damage it is likely to need replacement. Fortunately, locksmiths have access to the tools to replace the key for you.
If your key is broken at the top, you may be able to put it back together with pliers. However, if it split in the middle, your luck is much worse and you'll need to contact an expert.
The last thing you want to do is turn the broken key. Doing this could cause further damage and possibly make your steering wheel unusable or even stop the engine. Call a locksmith before you do anything else, especially in the event that the key is damaged in the ignition or door.
Locksmiths can usually make keys on-site and also program the immobilizer chip if necessary. It's more expensive than purchasing a key from a dealer, but you'll save money in the end.
Before calling locksmiths, it's worth trying to take out the broken key yourself. First, inspect the situation and determine whether you can locate the breaking point of the key. If not, you can use tongs or pliers to capture the broken piece. If that doesn't work then you can try using small hacksaw blades and small tools to wedge into the ignition. If this doesn't work, you may need a key extraction tool.
Another option is to super glue the two pieces of your broken key to one another. This is a simple fix and might be enough to get you back on the road, but it's not recommended for long-term use. find more info can weaken the plastic or even eat away at it. Keep both parts of the key so that a locksmith can make an exact copy and prevent further damage to your ignition.
You're locked out of your vehicle
It can be frightening to find yourself locked out of your car. But, there are ways to get this issue resolved without calling a locksmith. First, make sure that you have an extra key. It should be stored somewhere secure, and where you can quickly find it in the event of an emergency. You may also want to consider buying an older car that comes with security features that can keep you from locking your keys in the car.
Examine all doors to see whether they are locked. It may seem obvious, but in a stressful situation, it is easy to forget. When you're anxious or stressed your brain narrows your focus to a single thing. It is important to take some deep breaths and then stroll around your car looking for the keys.
If you don't own a spare, you can make use of a wire coathanger. Straighten the end of the coat hanger out and use it to gain entry into your vehicle. Be careful not to harm your vehicle, but this should be an easy and cost-effective way to get back into your vehicle. You can also buy a tool made specifically for this purpose, however the coat hanger will work just as well.
You could also employ a slim Jim tool or an equivalent one to open the lock. These tools are readily available in most automotive stores. Be cautious not to cause damage to your vehicle. It is recommended to only use these tools when no other options are available.
If you've tried every non-destructive methods to gain access to your keys, but nothing is working then it's time to get an expert. Don't try to break your car's window or use any other forceful method to gain access to your vehicle. This could lead to costly repairs and put your safety in danger. Also, don't forget that locksmiths who are certified and licensed professionals, so they are more likely to follow ethical standards. This is essential since a locksmith who uses illegal methods to gain access to your vehicle is not held accountable for the damages they cause.
Broken Window Boarding
A damaged window can result in costly damage. It doesn't matter if the source is vandalism or a natural disaster, a damaged window must be immediately boarded up. This will prevent further damage to your property and offer protection against unauthorised entry. It also protects the building's interior from debris and rain that can cause chaos. After a break-in it is important to board up the business. This will stop thieves from gaining entry to the building until windows are fixed or replaced.
Before closing the window, it is essential to remove any sharp glass pieces from the area. This is done wearing gloves. Next, take a measurement of the window frame dimensions with a measuring tool. Start at one end, and extend the measuring tape to the other side. Be sure that the tape is straight to get accurate measurements. Then, take note of the dimensions of the window to ensure that the plywood sheets are cut to the appropriate size.
If you have metal window frames, you can screw plywood directly into them to provide a stronger and more secure solution. However this isn't the best solution for wooden windows. It is recommended to hire an expert to board up damaged windows. They have the knowledge and tools to fast-track the security of your property while you have them repaired.
In the interim you can protect the window by covering it with black plastic bags. This will shield the window from further damage as well as provide enough protection against extreme weather conditions. It will also prevent people from looking at your home as they walk by.
A broken window can be a risky and stressful however, you can rest easy knowing that with the assistance of a vehicle locksmith, your home is secure until it's repaired. To find out more about how to deal with a broken window, contact Cathedral Locksmiths today for expert advice and assistance.