What to Do When Your Car Keys Are Damaged
It's not common to lose or break keys to cars. In many instances these instances, they are handled by a locksmith for cars.
Key fobs are often jostled around, so changing buttons can help them function properly again. If replacing the battery doesn't aid, the fob could need to be replaced entirely.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
Even though the old car keys that jingled are long gone, the fact is that many cars still have key fobs. The fobs can be useful however, when their batteries fail they could cause problems. It is essential to ensure they are charged throughout the day. Unfortunately this can be a challenge, and a dead key fob battery could leave you in the middle of nowhere.
There are options to avoid this situation. Based on the make and model of your car there could be a mechanical lock in the fob. Certain models come with an alternative key that can be used to start the vehicle. This is a last resort generally only intended to get you to your destination, but can be used in certain situations.
If you're unable to start your car using this method, then the next best option is to lift the front of your car off the ground using a set of jumper cables. Hook the red cable to the big terminal of the starter, and the black cable to the ground nearby. This will give the fob battery enough power to start the vehicle, or at least get you home or to the mechanic.
You can also take the key fob into an Interstate All Battery Center to purchase the new battery. To change the battery you'll need a small flathead screwscrewdriver or butter knivescrew as well as other pry tools. Be cautious not to apply too much pressure to the case, or it may pop open and scatter fob components all over your living space.
After opening the case, use the pry tool to get around the fasteners in the same way you would with an apple or an orange, and then begin separating the two halves. Be careful not to pull on the antennas or circuit boards which contain the power that keeps the key fob connected to your vehicle. You'll have to take it to a dealer or auto repair shop in the event that you damage the antennas or circuit boards.
Locked keys in the trunk
It's easy to lock the keys in your trunk when you're in a hurry. Fortunately, many people keep spare keys for their cars indoors or in their wallets which is why this isn't usually an issue. In this instance, you can call an emergency locksmith or roadside assistance service to come and get your keys. They can unlock the trunk without harming your vehicle and could be able to fix any damaged locks that caused this incident.
Depending on the situation, you can also request someone else to bring you your spare key or contact the dealership to request an entirely new key for you. It is best to keep a spare in your wallet or at home to make use of it in the event that your keys are locked in the trunk.
If you don't have a spare key, then you could attempt to unlock the trunk by bypassing the locking mechanism. This involves shorting an electrical fuse that powers the trunk release. This process can be complex, and it's important to follow safety guidelines. Check the owner's manual for instructions on how to complete this. This method is not recommended for people who don't have significant automotive experience.
If standard locksmith techniques aren't successful, you can try to employ household items like a screwdriver and rods made of metal. A spatula, or any other kitchen tools can be used to pry the trunk open or make space. Sadly, some vehicles come with advanced security features that prevent these methods working. A specialist is required to unlock your trunk. These specialists can also perform the jiggle or keying process to get around the locking mechanism or drill a hole into the trunk's door and lock actuator to bypass the locking mechanism. These procedures are costly, so you should keep an emergency key available or ask your dealer for a rekeying. This will hopefully aid you in avoiding any future issues.
Damaged Ignition
It may seem simple to turn the ignition key however there are a lot of steps and parts that must work together to get the car started. If one component fails, or if one step isn't executed correctly, it can leave you without power or control while you're driving on the road. You can avoid more serious issues by recognizing symptoms of ignition issues.
A mobile mechanic can examine the ignition system for damage if it's becoming harder to turn. They can remove the cylinder that controls the ignition using automotive lock picks to repair any damage that might have caused the problem. The issue can be resolved by reprogramming either the ignition or the key right on the spot. This will allow you to drive away with the full functioning of your vehicle.
If your car stalls while you drive it could be a sign you require an ignition repair. It can be dangerous for other drivers if your engine shuts down while you're driving. You could also be at risk of an accident. Broken ignition switches, ignition cylinders, and other parts can cause these types of problems and fixing them soon is essential.
Sometimes, you could have more trouble than an ignition switch that is jammed and require an entire replacement instead. In Look At This is possible to have a mobile mechanic usually perform an on-the-spot car ignition replacement for you. The mechanic on the mobile can do this by removing the steering column, then removing the old part and putting in the new one. This makes it easier for you to put the key in the ignition and then operate your vehicle. This can save you money and time in comparison to buying a brand new vehicle. It's also quicker than waiting for a store to open at a convenient time.
Damaged Locks
There are several common reasons why your car locks could be damaged. Some of these problems are easily fixed by changing the batteries on the key fob, while others need an extensive repair to fix mechanical components or the electronic locking system.
Weather Damage
Extreme temperatures as well as sun exposure and dust can pose a major issue for locking systems. These environmental conditions can lead to wear, corrosion, and discoloration over time, which could eventually lead to the lock becoming non-functional. In order to avoid this from happening, routine inspections should be performed so any issues can be addressed before they get worse.
If you are having difficulty inserting or turning the key in your door lock, it could indicate that the mechanism has jammed. This could be due to dirt or grime accumulation. You can solve this issue by using a damp cotton swab or q-tip and spraying graphite or silicone spray on the lock.
Another reason why your door locks could be jammed is because the pins in the cylinder aren't aligned. This can be corrected by taking the lock cylinder off and manually aligning it to the keyhole of the door. After the cylinder is repositioned and secured with the appropriate screws.
Finally, a common problem is that the key itself is damaged in some way. This can be caused by the force used when turning the key or if it was cut incorrectly. If you suspect this to be the case, try using an alternate key to determine whether it functions without problems. The best way to repair any damage is to consult a professional locksmith. The locksmiths will conduct a thorough diagnostic to determine the root cause of the issue. They will use specially designed tools to remove any debris or misalignment off the lock mechanism. They will then replace the broken parts with new ones to restore full function. Locksmiths can also offer recommendations on how to protect your lock from future damage. This can include weatherproof covers or shields that aid in protecting the lock from harsh environmental elements.