How to Unlock Your Car Without a Locksmith
Few things are more frustrating than locking your keys in your car. This often happens when you have somewhere to go.
A locksmith can be of assistance. The process is more complex than simply cutting a new key and programming it into your vehicle. First of all, you need be able to prove the ownership of the vehicle for this procedure.
Transponder Keys
To prevent theft, many modern car makers have incorporated transponder keys as part of their key system. The advantage of these is that they stop people from duplicating your key without the help of specialized tools. Moreover, the keys have an embedded chip that sends radio frequency signals to the immobilizer in order to make sure that only the authorized key will be able to start your car. However, it is essential to know if your vehicle has a transponder key or not, so that you can make the right decision. You can easily determine this by contacting a professional automotive locksmith and asking about the year model, make, and model of your car.
A transponder car key is made up of a microchip that has a unique digital serial number that authenticates both the original and duplicate keys. It also transmits radio signals that are activated only when the key is close to the dashboard or inserted into the ignition to start the car. The signal is not transmitted when the key is in another position and cannot be recognized by scanners or radio transmitters.
If you have a transponder car key It is important to remember that it can only be copied by a licensed auto locksmith or by your car dealer. If you try to duplicate the key yourself the immobilizer could be damaged and not function. Additionally, trying to start your vehicle using a non-transponder key could also result in malfunction and permanent damage.
This does not mean, however, that your vehicle will be more secure than one that does not have transponder keys. Car thieves have been known find ways to evade even the most sophisticated security system. The majority of car thieves are trained and equipped with the most advanced technology to steal cars, regardless of whether they have transponder keys.
Lost Keys
Car keys are small and light they are very easy item to lose. They can also break in locks due a natural wear or if they are caught on something unexpectedly. This could cause difficulty to start the vehicle, and you may need to contact a professional to remove the key.
Fortunately, locksmiths are able to unlock your car with no issue, and they'll typically perform the task for less than you might think. Most auto locksmiths can get the key from a lock for about $20, which is significantly less than what you'd have to pay to replace the entire lock.
You can also have a new model made in the event that the original model is not available. However, this process takes longer because they have to program the car's system using special equipment. They'll also need to know your VIN number or key identification number, which you might have in your manual, or you can get from the manufacturer of the car.
It's a good idea carry a spare car key in case you accidentally lose yours however if you're prone to losing things, you might think about making a dedicated space for your keys somewhere safe like a drawer in the kitchen or a coat pocket. So, love it won't have to worry about a lost key and you'll have an easy way to track your possessions.
It's also recommended to carry a smartphone equipped with a GPS application that will aid you in finding your way back home. This is especially useful if you're prone to getting lost, and it could be helpful in the event that you get stuck or run out of gas. Another option is to research pay-per-mile car insurance from companies like Metromile which could save you a significant amount of money on your car insurance. You pay a fixed monthly cost plus a few pennies per mile. This ensures that you're always covered in the event of an emergency. Compare quotes from different providers to find the best price for you.
Locked Out
It's the most awful feeling in the world to return to your car at the end of a long, tiring day only to find that your keys are locked inside. You may feel helpless but there are methods to unlock your vehicle yourself before calling locksmith. Try first the door keypad or the trunk lock, if available. If that fails, you can try reaching through the windows or using a tool such as the Slim Jim. You can also contact roadside assistance. Numerous automakers offer this service as do third-party companies. These services may take longer to arrive but are cheaper than a professional locksmith.
When you do call a locksmith, make sure they're MLA-approved. This means they've been scrutinized and vetted to ensure that they're competent for the task at hand. You can also look up online reviews to see what others have to say about the company. If possible, it's best to select an area-based locksmith, since they can provide you with suggestions for improving your home security. For instance, they could recommend installing locks that are less likely to break, or rekeying the existing ones to work with a new key.
If you lock your keys inside your vehicle, a locksmith could change the key so that the lock will work with a new key or the original one. This is a cheaper option than replacing the lock and will save you time and money.
Plan ahead to avoid this problem. If you know you're likely to lock your keys in your car, you should leave a spare key with a trusted family member. This gives you the chance to return home without having to wait for an locksmith or pay for costly roadside assistance costs. Alternately, you can sign up for a roadside assistance service or automaker app that provides on-demand assistance. They will then dispatch an expert within the hour to your area, and you'll be able to get back on your way.
Broken Keys
It can be quite frustrating when a key is broken in the lock. While there are a few DIY tricks you can try however, the most effective method of action is to call in a locksmith. They have the appropriate tools for the job and the knowledge to swiftly remove a broken key without further causing damage to the lock mechanism.
Most often, keys snap into the lock due to the fact that it isn't properly maintained. Repetitively inserting and removing keys could wear down the ridges and weaken the construction of the key. Additionally, using too excessive force when turning or unlocking could cause a key to break. Use a silicone-based grease on the lock's cylinder to avoid this in the future.
The most important thing to keep in mind when dealing with a broken key is to keep calm and not get overwhelmed. A quick jiggling of a broken key can cause it to become stuck even more and could cause the broken piece to slide further into the lock. Instead, gently jiggle the key or twist it in both directions. If the key is still stuck, you can add a small amount of oil.
If the key is stuck deeper in the lock's cylinder, you can make use of needle nose pliers to reach inside and grab the damaged part. This method requires some finesse and patience, but it is possible to succeed if the pliers are appropriately sized to perform the task. Avoid using tweezers for this purpose, as they can easily be too large and end up pushing the damaged section of the key further into the lock.
Another method to DIY is to employ a paperclip to hold the broken portion of the key and leverage it out of the lock. This method is also more effective with lubricant and is easier to perform if the broken portion of the key extends far enough to grasp using pliers.
If neither of these methods are working, you could try a pair of specialized key extractors. They're designed like a small drill and can be put into the lock's cylinder, which is where they grab the key fragment and begin pulling it out. Again, this process is best performed in a secure area with a trusted neighbor!