Car locksmiths are the people you call when you lock your keys inside the vehicle. They are also trained to replace or rekey ignition switches and make regular keys or transponder keys for newer cars.
When selecting an auto locksmith, check online reviews and customer feedback. These will provide you with a good idea of the quality of services offered.
Lockouts
Car lockouts are one of the most common problems a locksmith deals with. Unfortunately, they are also extremely frustrating. Many people get locked out of their cars because they have dropped their keys in a place they can’t reach (like their trunk). Other times, they may leave the keys in the ignition or on the seat.
The most important thing to remember during a car lockout is to stay safe. If you are stranded in a dangerous location, it’s best to call 911 for emergency assistance. Otherwise, try to find a nearby friend or family member who can lend you a spare key or use their phone to unlock the vehicle.
Duplicate keys are great to have, but they can wear down over time. They can even get stuck inside the lock because of grime and dirt that accumulates over time. This is why it’s important to lubricate the lock on your car regularly. You can find tips for this online or ask a car locksmith to do it for you.
Key duplication
A duplicate key can help you get into your house or car if you misplace or break the original, and it can also be used to give access to others if necessary. If your home, car, or office is only accessible with one key, that single key will be more likely to get lost or damaged.
The most common do-it-yourself method for copying keys requires clear packing tape, a lighter, pliers, your original key, and a material to trace the key onto. Once you’ve traced the key, you can cut out that outline to create a new key. This method is not foolproof, and it won’t work with all types of locks, but it can provide a quick solution if you’re in a pinch. Certain keys are marked “do not duplicate” or are patented, meaning that locksmiths can’t make copies of them without authorization. However, these keys aren’t any more secure than other keys. A skilled professional can still duplicate these keys easily.
Ignition switch replacement
A faulty ignition switch can cause all kinds of issues. It might stop your engine from starting or turn on the hazard lights. You can avoid this problem by taking a few precautions.
First of all, if your ignition switch is starting to fail, you should take your car to a mechanic immediately. It’s very dangerous to drive with a failing ignition switch.
The ignition switch is responsible for activating the electrical systems in your vehicle, including the entertainment system and engine computer. It can also activate anti-theft systems.
Replacing an ignition switch is a complex job that requires special tools. Many auto manufacturers make the switches hard to remove and replace to deter theft. A skilled mechanic can usually do the job in less than an hour. However, if you have a transponder key, the replacement process may take longer because it will require reprogramming. The average cost of an ignition switch replacement is $98 to $215, but this depends on your vehicle and whether you have a locksmith perform the work.
Key-type upgrade
Although most people think their car keys are strong, they can still break off inside a lock. When this happens, it can be difficult to remove the broken piece, and the key cannot be used to start the vehicle. Auto locksmiths come equipped with specialized tools to help them access a car without damaging the door or ignition. They use a VATS passkey decoder to create a replacement key and special key extraction kits or thin plier-like tools to grab the skinny part of the key and remove it.
As technology continues to advance, auto locksmiths will continue to be needed to repair and replace car locks and keys. They should also stay up-to-date on the latest trends in car security systems. For example, newer cars may not have a metal key blade that starts the engine; instead, they have a “proximity” key that is programmed with a signal that the car recognizes. Skilled auto locksmiths can reprogram these types of keys to work on older vehicles.
