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.
A locksmith can help. However the process is more complicated than just cutting keys and programming it into your vehicle. You'll need to be able to prove ownership your car prior to being able to complete this.
Transponder Keys
A lot of modern car manufacturers have implemented transponder keys into their key systems in order to guard against theft. The benefit of these keys is that they prevent people from duplicating your key without the assistance of specialist tools. Moreover, the keys have an embedded chip that sends radio frequency signals to the immobilizer in order to ensure that only the authorized key is able to start your car. It is important to know if your car accepts transponders or not prior to making an important decision. You can easily verify this by contacting an automotive locksmith and providing the year the make, model, and year of your vehicle.
Transponder keys are comprised of one microchip with a unique digital serial that authenticates duplicate and original keys. It also transmits low level radio signals which are activated only when the key is positioned close to the dashboard or in the ignition to start the car. The signal is not transmitted when the key is in another position, and therefore cannot be detected by scanners.
It is important to understand that a transponder key is able to only be duplicated by a licensed auto locksmith or your dealer in cars. If you try to copy the key yourself, it will likely not work and could damage the immobilizer system. In addition, trying to start your vehicle using a non-transponder key could also lead to problems and permanent damage.
However, this does not mean that your car is more secure than a non-transponder car because car thieves have been found to be able to bypass even the most advanced security systems. Most car thieves are well-trained and have the latest technology to steal cars, regardless of whether they have transponder keys.
Lost Keys
They are small and lightweight, making them easy to lose. They are also prone to snapping off in locks, either because of normal wear and tear or when they're caught on something that's unexpectedly. This could cause difficulty to start the car and you may need to contact a professional to take out the key.
Locksmiths can open your car without any problem and at a lower cost than you think. The majority of auto locksmiths can take your key out of the lock for around $20, which is a lot less than what you'd have to pay to replace the entire lock.
You can also get an entirely new car, even if the original is not available. This process is more time-consuming due to the fact that they must reprogram the system of the car using special equipment. They'll also need to know your VIN number or key identification number, which you could have in your manual or get it from the car's manufacturer.
It's a good idea to carry an extra car key in case you accidentally lose yours, but if you're really susceptible to losing things, you might be thinking about creating an area specifically for your keys somewhere safe like a drawer in the kitchen or a coat pocket. This way, you won't be worried about a lost key and you'll have a convenient method of keeping track of your possessions.
It's also recommended to carry around a phone equipped with a GPS application that will aid you in finding the way back to home. This is particularly helpful if you're prone to being lost, and it could also be useful when you have a breakdown or run out of gas. Another option is to research the pay-per mile insurance offered by companies like Metromile which could save you a lot of money on your vehicle insurance. You only pay a low monthly fixed rate plus the cost of a few cents per mile, meaning you'll always be covered in any emergency. You can compare quotes with other providers to determine which one is the best for you.
Locked Out
It's one of the worst feelings in the world to go back to your car at the end of a long, tiring day to find that your keys are locked inside. You may feel helpless but there are ways to unlock your car yourself before calling locksmith. First, try the keypad on the door or the trunk lock, if available. If those fail then try opening the window or using a tool such as a Slim Jim (provided you have an additional key in the vicinity). Another option is to contact roadside assistance. Many automakers provide this service as do third-party companies. These services may take longer to arrive but are cheaper than an experienced locksmith.
If you require locksmith services, make sure to contact a locksmith who is MLA-approved. This means they've been vetted and inspected to ensure they're qualified to do the job. You can also look up reviews online to see what people's opinions are about the company. It's best to select a local locksmith if possible. They can offer suggestions on how to increase your home security. They could, for instance, suggest installing locks that are harder to break, or rekeying existing ones so they work with the same key.
If you do lock your keys in your car, the locksmith can change the lock's key so that it works with a different key, or even with the original key that was lost. This is a less expensive option than replacing the lock and can save you time and money.
Plan ahead to avoid this problem. If you know that you're likely to lock your keys inside your vehicle, leave the spare key with an amiable family member. This will give you the chance to get back inside without waiting for locksmiths or pay expensive roadside assistance fees. Alternatively, you can also subscribe to a roadside assistance service or automaker application that provides on-demand assistance. They will send a technician within an hour to your location, and you can get back on your way.
Broken Keys
It can be quite frustrating when a key is broken in the lock. While there are some DIY tricks you can try, the best option is to call a locksmith. They have the right tools for the job and the knowledge to swiftly take out a damaged key without further causing damage to the lock mechanism.
Often, a key snaps within the lock due to was not properly maintained. Inserting and removing keys repeatedly could weaken the structure of the key and wear out its ridges. Additionally, using too much force when turning or unlocking could cause keys to break. Using a silicone-based lubricant on the lock's cylinder could assist in preventing this from happening in the future.
When dealing with a broken or damaged key, it's important to remain calm. A quick jiggling of a broken key could cause it to get stuck more and cause the broken piece to slide further into the lock. Instead try gently jiggling or twisting the key in both directions. If the key is still stuck, add a little oil.
If the key is stuck deeper in the lock's cylinder, you can employ needle nose pliers grasp the broken part. This method requires some finesse and patience however it can be successful if the tools are sized appropriately to perform the task. Do not use tweezers because they are too large and can push the broken part of the key deeper into the lock.
A paperclip can be used to grab the broken portion of the key, and then force it out of the lock. This method is best when lubricant is utilized and is more effective to accomplish if the damaged part of the key is pushed far enough out to be grasped with pliers.
If none of these methods are working, you could look into a set of specialized key extractors. They're shaped as a small drill and can be inserted into the cylinder of the lock, where they grab the key fragment and begin pulling it out. This process is best done in a secure neighborhood with a trusted neighbor!