How to Unlock Your Car Without a Locksmith
There are few things more frustrating than locking your keys in your car. This is usually the situation when you are in a hurry.
Luckily, a locksmith can help. However, the process is more complicated than simply cutting the key and programming it to your vehicle. First of all, you need be able prove ownership of the car to be able to do this.
Transponder Keys
Many modern car manufacturers have integrated transponder keys into their key system as a measure to prevent theft. These keys are helpful because they prevent anyone from copying your key without the use of specialized tools. The keys also come with a chip that transmits radio frequency signals to your immobilizer, ensuring that only keys with a valid license can start your vehicle. It is crucial to determine if your vehicle is compatible with transponders or not prior to making the decision. You can easily determine this by contacting a professional auto locksmith and asking them for the year, model, and make of your car.
A transponder car key is made up of a microchip which has an individual serial number that authenticates both the original and duplicate keys. It also transmits radio signals that activate only when the key is positioned close to the dashboard or is inserted into the ignition to start the car. The signal cannot be transmitted when the key is in a different position, and cannot be recognized by scanners.
It is important to understand that a transponder key can only be duplicated by a licensed auto-locksmith or your dealer in cars. If you try to copy the key yourself it will likely not work and may even damage the immobilizer system. Additionally, trying to start your vehicle using keys that are not transponder-compatible could lead to malfunction and permanent damage.
However, this does not mean that your car is more secure than a non-transponder car because car thieves have been recognized for their ability to circumvent even the most advanced security systems. Most car thieves are well-trained and equipped with the latest technology to steal cars regardless of whether they are equipped with transponder keys.
Lost Keys
They're small and light, making them easy to lose. They can also snap off in locks due to normal wear or if they are caught on something unexpectedly. This can make it difficult to start your vehicle and you may have to call in a specialist to take out the key.
Fortunately, locksmiths can usually unlock your car with no issue, and they'll typically perform the task at a lower cost than you think. The majority of auto locksmiths can take your key out of a lock for about $20, which is a lot less than you'd pay to replace the whole thing.
They can also make a new key for you, even if you do not have the original key on hand. This process can be more time-consuming due to the fact that they must program the system of the car using specialized equipment. They'll also need to know your VIN number or the key identification number, which you might find in your manual or get it from the manufacturer of your car.
If you're prone to losing items, you may decide to make a separate place for your keys, like the kitchen drawer or your coat pocket. This way, you won't have to worry about a lost key, and you'll have a simple method of keeping track of your possessions.
It's also a good idea to carry a mobile with a GPS app that can aid you in finding your way back home. This is particularly useful if your tendency is to get lost. It can also be helpful if you have run out of gas or break down. Another alternative is to consider pay-per-mile insurance for cars from companies like Metromile, which can save you a lot of money on your car insurance. You pay a fixed monthly rate plus a few pennies for each mile. This ensures that you are covered in the event of an emergency. Continued can compare quotes with other companies to determine which one is most suitable for you.
Locked Out
It's the worst feeling in the world to go back to your car at the end of a tiring, long day only to discover that your keys are in the car. You may feel helpless but there are ways to unlock your vehicle on your own before calling a locksmith. If you have the trunk lock or keypad, you can try them out first. If that fails then you can try trying to reach through the windows using a tool like the Slim Jim. You can also contact roadside assistance. Many automakers offer this service, as do third-party companies. These services might take longer to arrive, but they may be cheaper than locksmith.
When you do call a locksmith, make sure they're MLA-approved. This means they have been thoroughly vetted, checked and certified to be able for the job at hand. You can also read online reviews to see what others have said about the company. It is best to pick an area-based locksmith, if you can. They can offer advice on how to improve your security at home. They may, for instance, suggest installing locks that are more difficult to break or rekeying locks that are in use to work with the same key.
If you do lock your keys in your vehicle, the locksmith can rekey the lock so that it works with a different key or even with the original one that was lost. This is a less expensive option than replacing the lock and will save you time and money.
The best method to avoid this situation is to think ahead. If you are aware that you will likely lock your keys in your vehicle, you can leave a spare at a trusted family member or a friend. You can then get inside your car without waiting for a locksmith, or paying costly roadside assistance charges. You can also subscribe for a roadside service or an automaker app which offers on-demand assistance. They will then dispatch an expert within the hour to your location, and you can get back on your way.
Broken Keys
It can be quite frustrating when a lock's key is damaged by a lock. While there are some DIY tricks you can attempt, the best course of action is always to contact locksmith. They have the proper tools to complete the task and the expertise to swiftly take out a damaged key without further causing damage to the lock mechanism.
Most often, keys snap into the lock due to the fact that it hasn't been properly maintained. Injecting and removing keys frequently could weaken the structure of the key and cause it to wear down its ridges. Keys can also break if you use too excessive force to turn or unlock it. Utilizing a silicone-based lubricant on the lock's cylinder can help prevent this from happening again in the future.
If you are dealing with a damaged or broken key, it is important to remain calm. Yanking on a snagged key can cause it to get stuck further and also push the broken piece further into the lock. Instead try to gently jiggle the keys or twist it both ways. If the key is stuck, you can add a small amount of grease.
If the key is stuck inside the lock cylinder you can use needle nose pliers to reach inside and grab the broken piece. This technique requires some finesse and patience however it can be successful if the pliers are appropriately sized for the job. Do not use tweezers because they are too thick and can push the broken part 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 then push it out of the lock. This method is also more effective with lubricant and is easier to perform if the broken part of the key extends far enough to grasp with pliers.
If none of these methods work, you may try a pair of specialized key extractors. These are designed to look like a small drill and can be put into the cylinder of the lock where they grasp the key fragment and begin pulling it out. Again, this process is best performed in a secure area with a trusted neighbor!