How to Deal With Broken Car Keys and Key Fobs
Key fobs and car keys play a vital role in keeping your car secure. They prevent theft by requiring a specific key to start your car and to unlock it. They can be programmed to work in conjunction with your car's safety system.
Auto locksmiths with a good reputation have a very specialised set of tools that can unlock the locks of modern cars. They will rekey your lock and make you an entirely new lock.
Keys damaged or lost
Losing your car key is a stressful and traumatic experience. You may be tempted by your panic to call roadside assistance or a locksmith. However, there are ways you can solve the issue faster.
First, try trying to trace your steps. It's easier to locate lost items if you remember where they were, and what you did at the time. Close your eyes and consider the moment you last held your car keys and what you were doing, where you were at that time, who you were with, and how you were experiencing. This technique is known as 'context reinstating' and can do wonders.
Then, you can check the local newspaper or call your police department to see who has handed in keys that were lost. This is an easy and quick procedure that could lead to you finding your missing keys sooner than you thought.
If you don't have an extra key or are unable to find your keys, contact an authorized locksmith in your area to create a new copy. You must be prepared for this call since the procedure could differ depending on the type of key you have and other aspects. Keys made of traditional design are the least expensive to replace, however you may need to prove ownership before the locksmith is able to create a replacement for you. Key fobs are more expensive and they require a professional to reprogram them or replace them. best auto locksmiths milton keynes can cost up to $300.
It's also a good idea to consider purchasing a key tracker or a different type of security system to avoid losing your keys in the future. These devices can be costly, but they can save you lots of stress in the long run. Review your insurance policy to determine if it covers the cost of replacing keys that are damaged or lost.
Broken Keys
Car keys are very important to us, and when they break it can be a real pain. Fortunately, most of the time a broken key can be fixed and saved. But, it all depends on the type of damage and the location where the break occurred. If the key was broken in two or has internal electronic damage it is likely to require replacing. Locksmiths are usually equipped with the tools required to replace your key.
If your key has broken near the top, you may be able to jimmy it back together with pliers. If it was broken in the middle, you'll need to contact a professional.
One thing you should not do is forcefully turn the broken key. This could cause further damage, and even lock your steering or stop the car's engine. Get a locksmith's help before you do anything else, particularly in the event that the key is damaged in the ignition or door.
A majority of locksmiths can design a new key on site and can even program the immobilizer chip for your vehicle, if required. It's more expensive than buying a key at dealerships however you'll save money in the end.
Before calling a locksmith, it's worth trying to take out the broken key by yourself. First, inspect the situation and see whether you can locate the break point of the key. If not, use tongs or pliers to grasp the piece. If that doesn't work, you could try using mini hacksaw blades and thin tools to wedge into the ignition. If this still doesn't work then you might require an extractor tool for keys.
Super glue can be used to join two pieces of a damaged key. This is an easy fix that could be enough to get back on the road. However it's not recommended as an ongoing solution. The glue may weaken the plastic or even eat away at it. Keep both pieces of the key so that a locksmith is able to make an exact copy of the key and prevent further damage to your ignition.
Locked Out of Your Car
It can be frightening to be trapped in your vehicle. There are ways to fix this issue without calling a locksmith. Make sure you have a spare key. It should be stored in a safe place in a place where you can access it quickly in a situation of need, like with a friend or neighbor. You may also want to consider buying an older car that comes with safety features that help prevent you from locking your keys in the car.
Make sure all doors are unlocked. This may seem simple, but it's very easy to overlook in a stressful situation. When you are anxious and stressed your brain narrows its focus to just that one thing. It is crucial to breathe deeply and then walk around your car to search for the keys.
If you don't have an extra key, you can try using a wire coat hanger. Straighten the end of the hanger and use it to enter your vehicle. Be careful not to scratch your vehicle, but this should be an easy and cost-effective way to get back into your car. You can also buy a tool made specifically for this purpose, but the coat hanger is likely to work just as well.
You can also employ a slim Jim tool or an equivalent one to open the lock. These tools can be purchased in most car dealerships however, be cautious not to damage your vehicle. These tools should only be used when there are no other options.
If you've tried every non-destructive ways to get your keys, but nothing is working, it's probably time to call a professional. Do not try to break your car 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. Don't forget that professional locksmiths are certified and licensed professionals that means they are more likely to adhere to ethical standards. This is crucial, as locksmiths who employ unethical methods to gain entry into your vehicle may not be held responsible for any damage.
Broken Window Boarding
A window that is broken isn't only a nuisance; it can lead to costly damage. If the reason is vandalism or natural disaster, a damaged window should be boarded up immediately. This will prevent further damage to your property and offer security against unauthorized entry. In addition, it shields the interior of the building from debris and rain that could cause havoc. It is particularly important to secure a business after a burglary, as it blocks thieves from entering until the windows are repaired or replaced.
Before boarding up the window, it is essential to take any sharp pieces of glass from the area. This is done wearing gloves. Then, you can measure the dimensions of the window frame with a measuring tool. Start at one end, and extend the measuring tape to the other side. Make sure that the tape is straight in order to get precise measurements. Next, note the width and height of the window to ensure that the sheets of plywood are cut to the proper size.
If you have window frames, you can put screws of plywood directly into them to offer an extra secure and sturdy solution. However, this isn't a suitable option for wooden windows. For this reason, it's often best to work with a professional to board up broken windows. They have the expertise and tools to swiftly and effectively secure your property until you can get them fixed.
In the interim you can cover the window with black plastic bags. This will protect the window from further damage as well as provide adequate protection against extreme weather conditions. In addition it will stop people from snooping into your home as they pass by.
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. To learn more about how to fix windows that are broken, contact Cathedral Locksmiths today for expert guidance and assistance.