How to Unlock Your Car Without a Locksmith
There are few things more frustrating than locking your keys in the car. This is usually the situation when you are in a hurry.
Fortunately, a locksmith can assist. The process is more complicated than simply cutting a brand new key and programming it into your vehicle. For starters, you have be able prove ownership of the car in order to do this.
Transponder Keys
Many modern car manufacturers have implemented transponder keys into their key system as a way to stop theft. These keys are useful as they stop anyone from copying your keys without the right tools. Furthermore, automotive door lock repair come with tiny chips that transmit radio frequency signals to the immobilizer to ensure that only the authorized key will be able to start your vehicle. It is important to know if your vehicle is compatible with transponders or not prior to making a decision. You can easily check by contacting a professional auto locksmith and asking them about the year model, make, and model of your car.
A transponder car keys consists of a microchip with an individual serial number that authenticates both the original and duplicate keys. It also transmits low level radio signals which are activated only when the key is positioned near the dashboard or in the ignition to start the car. The signal is not transmitted when the key is in another position, and is not detected by scanners.
If you own a transponder car key, it's important to note that it can only be copied by a licensed auto locksmith or your dealer in the car. If you attempt to duplicate the key yourself, it's unlikely to work and may even damage the immobilizer system. A car key that is not transponder-compatible can also cause malfunctions and permanent damage.
This does not mean that your vehicle will be more secure than a car without a transponder key. Car thieves have been known find ways to bypass even the most sophisticated security system. The majority of car thieves are trained and are equipped with the most advanced technology to steal cars regardless of whether they are equipped with transponder keys.
Lost Keys
Car keys are small and light and therefore are a very easy item to lose. They also can break in locks due a natural wear or when they get caught on something unexpectedly. This can make it difficult to start your vehicle and you may need to call in a specialist to remove the key.
Locksmiths can typically unlock your car without problem, and they'll usually perform the task for less than you might think. The majority of auto locksmiths will take the key from the lock for less than $20. This is much less expensive than replacing the entire lock.
You can also get a new model made, even if the original is not available. This is a longer process because they need to program the car's system using specialized equipment. They'll also need your VIN number or the key identification number, which you might have in your manual or you can get from the car's manufacturer.
It's a good idea keep an extra car key in case you accidentally lose it If you're at risk of losing things, you might think about making an area for your keys in a safe place like a drawer in the kitchen or a coat pocket. This way, you won't be worried about losing your keys and you'll have a simple way to track your belongings.
You should also have your phone with a GPS application to help you locate your home. This can be particularly useful if you're prone to getting lost, and it could also be useful when you have a breakdown or run out of gas. Pay-per-mile insurance is another option. Companies like Metromile provide this kind of insurance and can save you money. You only pay a low monthly fixed rate plus a few cents per mile, meaning you'll always be covered in any emergency. Compare quotes from different providers to find the best deal for you.
Locked out
It's one of the most dreadful emotions in the world: returning to your car after a long day only to discover that your keys locked inside. While it can feel like you're helpless but there are a few things you can try to unlock your car yourself before calling locksmith. First, try the door keypad or the trunk lock, should you have one. If neither of these works, try reaching through the window or using a device like a Slim Jim (provided you have a spare key somewhere nearby). Another option is calling roadside assistance. Many automakers offer this service and so do third-party businesses. These services can take a bit longer to arrive but are cheaper than an experienced locksmith.
When you do call a locksmith, be sure they're MLA-approved. This means they have been thoroughly vetted, checked and certified as being competent for the task at hand. You can also read reviews online to see what people think about the company. If possible, it's best to go with an experienced locksmith in your area, as they will be able to offer suggestions on improving your home security. For instance, they may recommend installing locks that are harder to break or rekey the locks that are already in use to work with a new key.
If you lock your keys in your vehicle, a locksmith can rekey it so that the lock can work with a new key or the original one. This is less expensive than replacing the lock, and will save you time and money.
Plan ahead to avoid this problem. If you know that you are likely to lock your keys inside your car, leave a spare key with a trusted family member or friend. Then, you can get inside your vehicle without waiting for a locksmith or paying high roadside assistance charges. You can also enroll in a roadside service or an automaker app that offers help on demand. Then, they'll send a technician to your location within a half hour or so, and you can be on your way.
Broken Keys
If a key gets broken inside a lock it can be extremely frustrating. There are a few DIY tricks that you can try but the best way to proceed is call a locksmith. They have the proper tools to complete the task and the expertise to swiftly take out a damaged key without causing further damage to the lock mechanism.
A key can snap within the lock due to was not properly maintained. The repeated removal and inserting of keys can weaken the key's structure and cause it to wear down its ridges. Additionally, using too much force when turning or unlocking could cause keys to break. Use a silicone-based grease on the lock's cylinder to prevent this in the future.
The most important thing to keep in mind when dealing with a broken key is to stay calm and not get overwhelmed. A quick jiggling of a broken key can cause it to become stuck further and cause the broken piece to slide further into the lock. Instead try gently jiggling or twisting the key in both directions. If the key is stuck, add a little grease.
In the event that the key is buried inside the lock cylinder you can use needle-nosed pliers to reach inside and grab the broken piece. This method requires some skill and patience, but it is possible to succeed if the tools are sized appropriately to perform the task. Avoid using tweezers for this function, as they can easily be too large and end up pushing the broken section of the key further into the lock.
Another method to DIY is to employ a paperclip to hold the broken part of the key and leverage it out of the lock. This method is best when lubricant is utilized and is more effective to accomplish if the damaged part of the key is pushed enough to be able to be held by pliers.
If neither of these methods are working, you could look into a set of specialized key extractors. They're designed to look as a small drill and can be placed inside the cylinder of the lock which is where they grab the key fragment and begin to pull it out. Again, this process is best performed in a secure area with a neighbor you trust!