What to Do When Your Car Keys Are Damaged

It's not uncommon to lose or damage keys to your car. In most cases these situations, the problem are handled by a locksmith for cars.

Key fobs are often jostled around, so adjusting buttons can help them function properly again. If the replacement of the battery does not work, you could need to replace the fob.

Dead Key Fob Battery

Even though it may seem that keys that jingle are long gone, many cars still use key fobs. These fobs are useful, but should their batteries go out they could cause problems. It is crucial to keep them fully charged at all times. This can be a difficult task, and a dead battery in your key fob could cause you to be stranded.

The good news is that there are solutions to get out of this situation. Based on the model and brand there's usually an electronic key on the fob that can be used to open the door. Certain models come with an additional key that can be used to start the car. This is a last resort and usually only meant to get you to your destination, but can be useful in certain circumstances.

If you're not able to get your car started using this method, then the best option is to lift the front of your car off the ground using a set of jumper cables. Connect the red cable to a large terminal of the starter, and the black cable to any nearby ground. This will give your fob battery enough power to start your car remote key repair shop near Me or bring you home or to an expert mechanic.

You can also bring the key fob to an Interstate All Battery Center to get an entirely new battery. You'll need to have a small flathead screwdriver or butter knife or another pry tool to access the inside of the fob and open it to change the battery. Do not apply too much force to the case or it will pop open and scatter parts of the fob throughout your living space.

After opening the case, use the pry tool to wedge around the fasteners as you would with an apple or an orange, and then start separating the halves. Be careful not to pull on the antennas or circuit boards that contain the electricity that keeps the key fob connected to your vehicle. You'll need to take it to your dealer or auto repair shop in the event that you damage the antennas or circuit boards.

Keys locked in the Trunk

Sometimes, it's easy to lock your keys inside your trunk, especially when you're in a rush or distracted. Many people keep spare keys in their wallets or at home. In this case you can contact an emergency car key repair roadside assistance or locksmiths to get your keys. They can open the trunk without damaging your vehicle and could even fix any damaged locks that caused the problem.

You can also call the dealership and ask them to create a key for you. It is best to keep a spare key in your wallet or at home to make use of it in the event that your keys are locked inside the trunk.

If you don't have a spare key then you may attempt to unlock the trunk by overriding the locking mechanism. This involves shorting the fuse that controls the trunk release. This procedure can be complicated, and it's important to adhere to safety guidelines. You can find instructions for your specific vehicle by going to the owner's manual. This method is not recommended for people who don't have significant automotive experience.

If the traditional locksmith methods aren't working, you can try to use household items such as a screwdriver or rods made of metal. Kitchen tools, such as a spatula can also be helpful for creating space or prying the trunk open. Sadly, some vehicles are equipped with advanced security features that stop these methods from working. A specialist will be required to open your trunk. These specialists can also perform the jiggle or rekeying method to disable the locking mechanism, or they might have to drill the actuator of the trunk lock and create a hole in the door. These procedures are costly and you should have an emergency key available or ask your dealer for a reconkeying. Ideally, this will help you avoid any problems in the future.

Damaged Ignition

The process of turning on the ignition in your car may seem like a simple task however it requires several steps and a variety of parts that need to be in sync to allow the car to start. If one component is damaged, or one step isn't executed correctly, it could cause you to lose power or control when you're driving along the road. Being aware of the signs that indicate your ignition is not working properly can help you avoid larger issues, and find the right solutions.

If your ignition is beginning to become harder and harder to turn It's a good idea to have a mobile mechanic check the system for damage. They can take out the cylinder of ignition using automotive lock picks to repair any damage that might have caused the issue. They can also fix this issue by reprogramming the key or the ignition itself in the moment and ensuring that you're able to drive off safely with your vehicle's full functionality in place.

Another sign that you may need to repair your ignition is when your car starts to stop while you're driving. If your engine is shut off while you're driving it could be dangerous to other drivers and put you at risk for accidents on the road. Worn ignition switches, ignition cylinders, and other parts can cause these types of problems, so getting them fixed quickly is vital.

Sometimes, you might have a little more trouble than an ignition switch that is jammed and require a complete replacement instead. In such cases, a mobile mechanic will usually be in a position to complete an ignition replacement on the on the spot. The mechanic can accomplish this by removing your steering column, removing the old part and putting in the new one. This makes it easier for you to insert the key car repair into the ignition and start your vehicle. This kind of replacement could save you time and money over buying a brand new car and will be a lot quicker than waiting for an auto shop to open at a time that is convenient for you.

Damaged Locks

There are a variety of reasons why your car's lock could be damaged. Some of these issues can be solved by simple swapping of the battery for the key fob, while others require a more meticulous repair to fix the mechanical components or electronic locking system.

Weather Damage

Extreme temperatures, exposure to sunlight and dust are all major problems for lock systems. These environmental conditions can lead to discoloration, corrosion, and wear over time. This can lead to a lock that is no longer functioning. Routine inspections are required to prevent this.

If you are having difficulty making the key turn in your door lock, this could be a sign that the mechanism has jammed. It is most likely due to grime and dirt accumulation that can be cured by a few simple do-it-yourself methods such as using a damp q-tip or cotton swab. Spray the lock with a graphite or silicone spray.

The pins in the cylinder could also be misaligned. The problem can be corrected by removing the lock and re-aligning the cylinder manually with the keyhole on the door. Once the cylinder is aligned it must be secured with the appropriate screws.

The final issue is that the actual key is damaged in some way. This can be due to excessive force being used in turning the key or when it was cut incorrectly. If you suspect this is the case, try using an alternate key to determine whether it functions without problems. In the end, the best approach to address any damage is to consult with a professional locksmith. They will conduct an exhaustive examination to determine the root cause of the problem. They will then use specially designed tools and remove any debris from the lock mechanism. They will then replace the damaged parts with new ones to restore full function. A locksmith can also give recommendations to protect your car key fob repair service lock from future damage. This can include weatherproof covers or shields that help protect the lock from harsh elements in the environment.