What to Do When Your Car Keys Are Damaged<br /><br />Car keys get lots of use and it's not unusual for them to get damaged or lost. In most cases these instances, they can be dealt with by an auto locksmith.<br /><br />Adjusting buttons can help bring back functionality to key fobs that have been jostled. If replacing the battery does not help, the fob may need to be replaced entirely.<br /><br />Dead Key Fob Batteries<br /><br />Even though it may seem that the days of jingling keys are long gone, many cars still use key fobs. They can be very useful, but when their batteries fail, they can become problematic. It is essential to ensure they are charged throughout the day. Unfortunately it can be a hassle and an uncharged key fob battery can leave you in the middle of nowhere.<br /><br />The good news is that there are solutions to escape this situation. Based on the model and make it is likely to have a mechanical key in the fob that you can use to unlock the door. Certain models also have an emergency button that can be used to start the engine. This works as a last resort and is typically only intended to get you from point A to B, but it can be used in certain instances.<br /><br />If you're unable to start your car using this method, the best option is to lift the front of your vehicle off the ground using a set jumper cables. Hook the red cable to the big terminal of the starter and the black cable to the ground nearby. This will provide your fob battery with enough power to get your vehicle started or get you to home or an expert mechanic.<br /><br />You can also take the key fob to an Interstate All Battery Center to get a new battery. To change the battery, you'll need an incredibly small screwdriver with a flat head, butter knivescrew or other pry tools. Be careful not to apply too much pressure to the case, as it could break open and scatter fob components all over your living space.<br /><br />After opening the case, use your pry tool to get around the fasteners in the same way you would an apple or an orange, and then start separating the halves. Be careful not to pull the circuit boards or antennas that contain the electricity that keeps the key fob connected to your vehicle. You'll have to take it to your dealer or repair shop for your vehicle if you disturb the circuit boards or antennas.<br /><br />Keys locked in the trunk<br /><br />It's easy to lock your keys in your trunk when you're distracted or in a rush. Fortunately, many people keep spare car keys somewhere inside their wallets or at home which is why this isn't usually a problem. In this instance you can contact an emergency roadside assistance or a locksmith to get your keys. They will be able to open the trunk without damaging your car and may be able to fix any damaged locks that contributed to this incident.<br /><br />Based on your circumstances, you can also ask someone else to bring you your spare key or call the dealership to request an entirely new key for you. It is best to keep a spare in your wallet or at home so that you can utilize it if your keys are locked inside the trunk.<br /><br />If you don't have a spare key, then you can try to open the trunk by bypassing the locking mechanism. This involves cutting off a fuse which powers the trunk release. This procedure can be complicated, and it's important to follow safety guidelines. You can find guidelines for your specific vehicle by going to the owner's manual. This method is not recommended for those who don't have extensive automobile experience.<br /><br />If the standard methods of locksmithing aren't working, you can employ household items such as a screwdriver or a rod made of metal. A spatula, or any other kitchen tools can be used to pry the trunk open or make space. Unfortunately, some cars have advanced security features that stop these methods from working, so experts will likely be required to open your trunk. These specialists can also perform an jiggle or rekeying process to disable the locking mechanism, or they might have to drill the actuator of the trunk lock and make a hole in the door. These procedures can be costly, which is why it's a good idea keep an emergency key or contact your dealership to request a rekeying service. In the ideal scenario, this will help you avoid any problems in the future.<br /><br />Damaged Ignition<br /><br />Turning the key in your car might seem like a simple task, but it actually involves numerous steps and a series of components that must cooperate to allow the car to start. If a component fails or if one step is not done correctly, you can lose power or control as you drive. You can prevent more serious issues by recognizing the indications of ignition problems.<br /><br />If your ignition is beginning to become more difficult to turn It's an ideal idea to get a mobile mechanic to check the system for damage. Using automotive lock picks, they can usually remove the cylinder of the ignition to remove it from any damage that could be causing the issue. They can also resolve this issue by changing the key's programming or the ignition in the moment and ensuring that you're able to drive off without fear, with your vehicle's full functionality intact.<br /><br />If <a href="https://www.thekeylab.co.uk/carkeyrepair/">remote car key repair near me</a> while you drive it could indicate that you require an ignition repair. It can be dangerous for other drivers when your engine stops while you are driving. You could also be at risk of an accident. Worn ignition switches, ignition cylinders and other parts can cause these kinds of issues and fixing them soon is essential.<br /><br />Sometimes, you could encounter more issues than just a jammed ignition switch and require an entire replacement instead. In these instances the mechanic who is mobile will typically be able to perform an ignition replacement on the on the spot. The mechanic on the mobile can do this by removing your steering column, taking out the old part and putting in the new one. This will make it easier for you to put the key in the ignition and then operate your vehicle. This type of replacement can save your time and money compared to the purchase of a brand new car and will be much quicker than waiting for an auto shop to open at a time that works for you.<br /><br />Damaged Locks<br /><br />There are many common reasons why your car's lock may be damaged. Some of these issues are easily solved by changing the batteries for the key fob, while others need more extensive repairs to fix mechanical components or the electronic locking system.<br /><br />Weather Damage<br /><br />Extreme temperatures, sunlight exposure and dust can all be major problems for locks. These environmental conditions can cause corrosion, discoloration and wear over time, which could eventually result in the lock becoming non-functional. Routine inspections are necessary to prevent this.<br /><br />If you're having difficulty inserting or turning the key in your door lock, this could indicate that the mechanism has jammed. This is most likely due to dirt and grime accumulation and can be resolved by a few simple do-it-yourself methods, such as using a damp q-tip or a cotton swab. Spray the lock with a graphite or silicone spray.<br /><br />Another reason why your door locks could be jammed is that the pins in the cylinder aren't aligned. The issue can be rectified by removing the lock and re-aligning the cylinder manually with the keyhole on the door. After the cylinder has been repositioned, the screws should be used to fix it.<br /><br /><br /><br />The key itself can be damaged in any way. This can be caused by excessive force when turning the key or the key was cut incorrectly. If you suspect that this is the cause, use a spare key and check if there aren't any issues. The best way to repair any issue is to contact a professional locksmith. These experts will perform a thorough diagnosis to determine the root cause of the issue. They'll then use specially designed tools and remove any debris from the lock mechanism. They will replace the damaged pieces with new parts to restore the functionality. Locksmiths can also offer recommendations to protect your car lock from further damage. This can include weather-resistant covers or shields that help protect the lock from the harsh elements of the environment.<br /><br />