How to Unlock Your Car Without a Locksmith
It's frustrating to lock your keys in your car. This often happens when you need to go.
Fortunately, a locksmith can help. However, the process is more complicated than simply cutting the key and programming it to your vehicle. You'll need to be able to prove ownership of your car prior to being able to complete this.
Transponder Keys
To prevent theft, many modern automobile manufacturers have adopted transponder keys as part of their key system. The advantage of transponder keys is that they prevent people from duplicate keys without the assistance of specialist tools. Furthermore, the keys come with tiny chips that transmit radio frequency signals to the immobilizer to make sure that only the authorized key can start your vehicle. It is important to determine if your car takes a transponder key or not, so that you can make the correct choice. You can check this by calling an automotive locksmith and telling them the year the make, model, and year of your vehicle.
Transponder keys comprise a microchip with a unique serial number that authenticates duplicate and original keys. It also transmits radio signals that are activated only when the key is positioned close to the dashboard or inserted into the ignition to start the car. The signal isn't transmitted when the key is in another position and cannot be recognized by scanners or by radio transmitters.
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 attempt to copy the key yourself it will likely not work and could even harm your immobilizer device. A car key that does not have a transponder can cause malfunctions as well as permanent damage.
However, this doesn't mean that your car is more secure than a non-transponder vehicle because car thieves are recognized for their ability to circumvent even the most sophisticated security systems. Most car thieves are well-trained and are equipped with the latest technology to steal cars, regardless of whether they have transponder keys.
Lost Keys
Car keys are small and light, which makes them a very easy item to lose. They can also break in locks due to normal wear or if they get caught up in something that isn't expected. This can make it difficult to start the vehicle and you may have to contact a professional to get the key out.
Locksmiths can open your car with no difficulty and for a lot less than you think. The majority of auto locksmiths will take the key from the lock for less than $20. This is a lot cheaper than having to replace the entire lock.
They can also make a new key for you, even if you don't have the original to hand. However, this process takes longer since they must reprogram the car's system using special equipment. They'll also need to know your VIN number or key identification number, which you could have in your manual or can find out from the manufacturer of the car.
If you're prone to losing items, you may need to designate a specific area for keys, like an open kitchen drawer or coat pocket. This way, you don't need to worry about a lost key and you'll have an easy way to track your belongings.
It is also recommended to carry your phone with a GPS app to help you locate your home. This can be particularly useful when you're at risk of getting lost, and can also come in handy when you have a breakdown or run out of gas. Pay-per-mile insurance is another alternative. Companies like Metromile offer this type of insurance and can save you money. You pay a fixed monthly fee plus a few pennies for each mile. This means that you're always covered in case of an emergency. Compare quotes from different providers to find the best price for you.
Locked out
It's one of the worst emotions in the world: returning to your vehicle after a long day to find your keys are locked inside. You may feel helpless but there are methods to unlock your vehicle on your own before you call locksmith. The first step is to try the door keypad or the trunk lock, in the event that you have it. If neither of these works, try reaching through the window or using a tool such as a Slim Jim (provided you have a spare key somewhere nearby). Another option is calling roadside assistance. Numerous automakers offer this service as do third-party companies. autolocksmiths can take longer to arrive, but can be less expensive than a locksmith.
If you do contact a locksmith, make sure they're MLA-approved. This means they've been checked and vetted to ensure they're able for the task at hand. You can also look up reviews on the internet to find out what people think about the company. If possible, it's best to choose an area-based locksmith, since they can give you advice about improving your home security. For example, they can suggest installing locks that are harder to break or change the locks to work with a new key.
If you do lock your keys in your vehicle, the locksmith can reset the lock to ensure that it operates with a different key or even with the original key 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 issue is to plan ahead. If you know you are likely to lock your keys inside your car, leave a spare with a trusted family member or a friend. Then, you can get inside your car without waiting for a locksmith, or paying high roadside assistance fees. Alternatively, you can also subscribe to a roadside assistance program or automaker application that provides on-demand assistance. Then, they'll send an expert to your location within a half hour or that, and you'll be on your way.
Broken Keys
It can be quite frustrating when a lock's key is damaged by locks. There are a few DIY tricks that you can try, but the best way to proceed is to contact an experienced locksmith. They have the proper tools to complete the task and the knowledge to swiftly remove a broken key without further damaging the lock mechanism.
A key can snap inside the lock because it isn't properly maintained. Repeatedly inserting and removing keys could wear down the ridges and weaken the structure of the key. Furthermore, too excessive force when turning or unlocking could cause a key to break. Use a silicone-based grease on the lock's cylinder to prevent this in the future.
The most important thing to remember when dealing with a broken key is to stay calm and not be in a panic. The key will only become more stuck if you pull on it. You could also push the damaged part further into the lock if you yank. Instead try gently jiggling or twisting the key in both directions. If the key is snagged, apply a little additional grease.
If the key is stuck deeper within the lock cylinder, you can use needle nose pliers to reach inside and grab the broken part. This method requires some skill and patience however it is possible to succeed if the needle-nose pliers are properly sized for this task. Avoid using tweezers since they are too large and can push the broken part of the key deeper into the lock.
Another trick to make at home is to employ a paperclip to hold the broken portion of the key and leverage it out of the lock. This method works best with lubricant, and is simpler to do if the damaged portion of the key sticks out enough to be grasped with pliers.
If none of these approaches work, you can always look into a set of specialized key extractors. These are shaped as small drills that can be inserted in the cylinder of a lock where they will take the key fragments and begin pulling them out. This procedure is best done in a safe area with a neighbor that you can trust.