How to Deal With Broken Car Keys and Key Fobs
Car keys and key fobs play a crucial role in protecting your car. They prevent theft by requiring a specific key be used to start and unlock the car. They can be programmed to work in conjunction with your car's security system.
Auto locksmiths with a good reputation have a very specialised set of tools to open the locks in modern automobiles. They will rekey the lock and cut you a fresh key.
Lost or Damaged Keys
Losing your car keys can be a stressful experience. You may be tempted to panic and contact roadside assistance or a locksmith, but there are some steps you can take to solve the issue more quickly.
Retrace your steps. It's often easier to find your lost items if you are able to pinpoint exactly where they were and what you were doing at the time. Close your eyes and think about the moment you last had your car keys and what you were doing and where you were at that time, who you were with, and how you were feeling. It's a technique called "context reinstatement' and it can perform miracles.
Check the local news or call your police department to see whether anyone has reported a lost key. car locksmiths milton keynes is a simple and quick step that could result in you finding your keys earlier than expected.
Contact a locksmith in your area to create a copy if you do not have a spare or cannot locate your keys. It is crucial to be prepared when making this phone call, because the procedure can differ based on your key type and other variables. Traditional keys are the cheapest to replace, however you may have to prove ownership before a locksmith can provide a replacement. Key fobs, on other hand, are more expensive and require a professional to reprogram or replace them, which could cost upwards of $300.
You should consider purchasing a key tracker, or another security system, to avoid losing your keys again in the future. These devices are expensive but they can ease an enormous amount of stress. If you have an insurance policy, it's worth checking to see whether they will cover the cost of replacing lost or damaged keys, as well.
Broken Keys
We value our keys to our cars a lot, so when they break they can cause major inconvenience. In most cases the broken car key can be fixed. However, it depends on the type of damage and the location where the break occurred. If the key has been snapped in two or has an electronic issue inside, it is likely to require replacement. Locksmiths are usually equipped with the tools necessary to replace your key.
If your key has just broken near the top, you might be able to jimmy it back together with some pliers. However, if it split in the middle, your luck will be a lot worse and you'll need to call a professional.
One thing you should not do is forcefully turn the broken 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, especially for broken keys in the ignition or door.
Locksmiths are usually able to make keys on-site and program the immobilizer chip if necessary. It's more expensive than simply buying a new key from a dealer, but it's much faster and will save you money in the end.
Before calling a locksmith, it's also worth trying to take out the broken key yourself. The first step is to examine the situation to see if you can see the breaking point of the key. If not, you can use tongs or pliers to capture the piece. If that doesn't work, you can use tiny hacksaw blades or tools to wedge the key inside the ignition. If this doesn't work, you might need an extraction tool for keys.
Another option is to super glue the two pieces of your broken key together. This is an easy fix that may be enough to get you back on the road. However, it's not recommended as an option for a long-term solution. It's possible that the glue may break through the plastic and weaken it further. By keeping both parts of your key will enable a locksmith to make an exact copy for you and avoid further damage to your ignition.
You're locked out of your car
It can be scary to find yourself locked out of your car. There are ways to get this issue resolved without needing to call a locksmith. First, ensure that you have an extra key. It should be kept somewhere secure, and where you can quickly find it in the event of an emergency. It is also advisable to consider purchasing a newer car with security features that prevent you from locking your keys inside the car.
Check to see if the doors are locked. It might seem obvious but in a stressful atmosphere, it's easy to forget. When you are stressed and anxious your brain narrows its attention to a single thing. This is why it's crucial to take some deep breaths before you walk around the entire vehicle to check every door for the car keys.
If you don't have a spare, you can make use of a coat hanger made of wire. Straighten the end of the hanger and use it to enter your vehicle. This is a fast cost, simple and inexpensive method to get into your car. You can also buy a tool made specifically for this purpose, however the coat hanger should be just as effective.
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 careful not to cause damage to your vehicle. These tools are only used when there is no other option.
If you have tried all the non-destructive methods to gain access to your car keys, but you're not getting results, it's time to call for help from a professional. Don't try to break the window or employ any other forceful method to gain entry into your vehicle, as they could cause expensive repairs and could put your security at risk. Don't forget that professional locksmiths are certified and licensed professionals This means that they are more likely to adhere to ethical standards. This is important, because locksmiths who employ unethical methods to gain access to your vehicle is not liable for any damage.
Broken Window Boarding
A window that is broken isn't only an inconvenience, it could cause costly damage. It doesn't matter if the reason is vandalism or natural storm, a damaged or damaged window must be immediately boarded up. This will stop further damage to your property and offer security against unauthorized entry. Additionally, it shields the interior of a building from rain and debris that could cause havoc. Following a break-in, it's important to board up the business. This will keep thieves from entering the building until windows are fixed or replaced.
Remove any sharp glass pieces from the area before you take the window off of the board. This must be done while wearing gloves. Next, take a measurement of the frame's dimensions using a measuring instrument. Start at one end of the frame and extend the tape to the opposite side, making sure the tape is straight for precise measurements. Next, note the size and width of the window to ensure that the sheets of plywood are cut to the proper size.
If you own a metal window frame, you can screw the plywood directly into the frames to create an even stronger and more secure solution. This is not a great option for wooden windows. It is recommended to hire an expert to put up damaged windows. They have the expertise and tools to swiftly and effectively secure your property until you are able to fix them.
In the meantime you can cover the window with black plastic bags. This will both protect the broken window from further damage as well as provide sufficient protection against extreme weather conditions. It will also stop people from looking into your home when they go by.
A broken window could be dangerous and stressful, but you can be assured that with the help of a car locksmith, your home will be safe until it's repaired. Contact Cathedral Locksmiths for expert advice on how to handle windows that have broken.