How to Deal With Broken Car Keys and Key Fobs
Keys for your car and key fobs are crucial for keeping your vehicle safe. They prevent theft by requiring a special key to start the car as well as to unlock it. They can also be programmed to integrate with your vehicle's security system.
Auto locksmiths who are reputable have a specific set of tools to unlock locks on modern vehicles. They will rekey your lock and create an entirely new lock.
Keys damaged or lost
Losing your car keys is a stressful and traumatic experience. It is tempting to panic and call emergency assistance or a locksmith, but there are some ways you can go about it to solve the issue more quickly.
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 had your car keys and what you were doing when you last had them, where you were the time, with whom you were with, and how you were experiencing. This trick is called 'context reinstating' and can do wonders.
Then, look up the local news or contact your local police department to inquire who has handed in a lost key. This is an easy and quick procedure that could lead to you finding your missing keys sooner than you expected.
If you don't have a spare key or can't locate your keys, you can contact an authorized locksmith in your area to create an original duplicate. It is important to be prepared for this call as the process will differ based on the type of key and other aspects. The most affordable keys to replace are traditional keys, but you may require proof of ownership to the locksmith before they can give you a replacement. Key fobs are more expensive, and require a professional to reprogram them or replace them. It could cost up to $300.
It's also an excellent idea to think about buying a key tracker or a different type of security system to avoid losing your keys in the future. These products can be expensive, but they can help you avoid a lot of stress in the long term. 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, so when they break, it can be a major inconvenience. Fortunately, the majority times, a damaged key can be fixed and saved. It depends on where and how the damage took place. If the key was cut in half, or has electronic damage inside, it's likely to be a replacement case. Most locksmiths have the tools necessary to replace your key.
If your key is broken near the top, you might be able to put it back together with pliers. If it was broken in the middle, your chances is much worse and you'll have to call a professional.
One thing you should not do is turn the broken key. Trying to do this can cause further damage and possibly lock your steering wheel or even stop the engine. Get a locksmith's help before doing anything else, especially if the key is broken in the ignition or door.
The majority of locksmiths can create keys on the spot and can even programme the immobilizer chip to your vehicle, if required. It's more expensive than buying a new key from a dealer, but it's much faster and can 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 and determine if you can see the breaking point of the key. If not then try using pliers or tweezers to grasp the broken piece of key. If that doesn't work you can try using small hacksaw blades or thin tools to insert into the ignition. If this fails, you might require a key extraction tool.
Super glue can be used to join two pieces of a broken key. This is a quick fix that could be enough to get you back on the road, however it's not recommended for long term use. The glue could weaken the plastic or even eat away at it. Keep both pieces of the key so that a locksmith can create an exact copy of the key and prevent further damage to your ignition.
You're locked out of your vehicle
Being locked out of your car could be a scary experience. There are ways to resolve this issue without needing to call a locksmith. Make sure you have an extra key. It should be kept secure, so that you can find it in case of emergency. You should consider buying a car with security features to stop you from locking the keys inside your car.
Make sure the doors are locked. It might seem obvious but in a stressful atmosphere, it's easy to forget. When you're stressed or anxious, your brain narrows down your attention to just one thing. This is why it's essential to take some deep breaths and walk around the entire car to look at every door for keys to your car.
If you don't have a spare key, consider using a coat hanger made of wire. Straighten the end of the coat hanger and use it to get into your vehicle. This is a quick cost, simple and inexpensive method to gain entry into your vehicle. You can also purchase a tool made specifically for this purpose, however the coat hanger should work just as well.
You can also make use of the slim Jim tool or an equivalent one to open the lock. These tools are available in most car dealerships However, you must be careful not to damage your vehicle. It is recommended that you only use these types of tools when there are no other options available.
If you've tried every methods of non-destructive access to your keys, but nothing seems to work, it's probably time to call a professional. Don't try to break the window or employ any other forceful methods to gain access into your vehicle, since they could cause expensive repairs and could put your safety at risk. Don't forget that locksmiths who are licensed and certified professionals, so they are more likely to adhere to ethical standards. This is crucial since a locksmith who uses unprofessional methods to gain entry into your vehicle is not held accountable for the damage they cause.
Broken Window Boarding
A broken window can cause costly damage. A window that is damaged should be boarded as soon as possible, regardless of whether it was caused by vandalism or natural disaster. This will stop further damage to your property and offer security against unauthorized entry. It also protects the interior from debris and rain which can cause havoc. After a burglary, it is crucial to secure the business. This will prevent thieves from entering the building until windows are replaced or repaired.
Take any glass pieces that are sharp from the area before you put up the window. It is recommended to wear gloves. The next step is to measure the dimensions of the window frame using the measuring tape. Start at one end the frame and then extend the tape to the other side, making sure that the tape is straight to ensure accurate measurements. Then, measure the width and height to ensure the plywood sheets are cut correctly.
If you own a metal window frame, you could attach the plywood directly to the frames to create an even stronger and more secure solution. This isn't a good option for wooden windows. It's best to hire an expert to put up damaged windows. They have the equipment and know-how to swiftly and effectively secure your property until you can fix them.
In the meantime, a simple and quick solution is to cover the window with black bin bags. This will shield the window from further damage and provide sufficient protection from harsh weather conditions. Additionally more information will stop people from peeping into your home as they walk through.
A broken window can be dangerous and stressful, but you can rest easy knowing that with the help of a car locksmith, your home will be secure until it is repaired. Contact Cathedral Locksmiths for expert advice on how to deal with the issue of a damaged window.