How to Unlock Your Car Without a Locksmith
There are few things more frustrating than locking your keys in the car. This often happens when you need to be.
A locksmith can help. The process is more complicated than simply cutting a brand new key and programming it into your vehicle. First of all, you need be able to prove the ownership of your car to be able to do this.
Transponder Keys
To prevent theft, many modern car manufacturers have adopted transponder keys as a part of their key system. The benefit of these keys is that they can stop thieves from duplicate keys without the aid of specialized tools. The keys also come with the capability of transmitting radio frequency signals to your immobilizer, which ensures that only authorized keys are able to start your car. It is important to know if your car accepts transponders or not prior to making the decision. You can easily determine this by calling a professional automotive locksmith and asking about the year model, model, and make of your car.
Transponder keys consist of a microchip with an unique serial number that authenticates original and duplicate keys. It also transmits low-level radio signals that are activated only when the key is placed close to the dashboard or in the ignition to start the vehicle. The signal cannot be transmitted when the key is in another position, and cannot be recognized by scanners.
It is crucial to know that a transponder key can only be duplicated by an auto-locksmith licensed or your car dealer. If you try to duplicate the key yourself, it's unlikely to work and may even damage the immobilizer system. In addition, trying to start your car using an untransponderable key may cause malfunction and permanent damage.
However, this doesn't mean that your car is less secure than a non-transponder car because car thieves have been found to be able to bypass even the most advanced security systems. In fact, most car thieves nowadays are highly trained and are equipped with the modern technology to ensure they are able to steal a car regardless of whether it has a transponder keys.
Lost Keys
Car keys are small and light they are very easy item to lose. They can also be prone to snapping out of locks, either due to natural wear and tear or because they're entangled in something unexpectedly. This could cause difficulty to start the vehicle, and you may need to call in a specialist to remove the key.
Locksmiths can typically unlock your car without problem, and they'll usually do it for less than you might think. The majority of auto locksmiths can take your keys out of a lock for about $20, which is considerably less than you'd pay to replace the entire lock.
They can also create a new key for you, even if you do not have the original key on hand. This is a longer process because they have to program the car's system using specialized equipment. You'll need to provide your VIN or key identification number. This information can be found in your manual or by contact the manufacturer.
If you are prone to losing items, you might need to designate a specific area for keys, such as the kitchen drawer or your coat pocket. You won't need to be concerned about losing a key and you'll be able to keep the track of your belongings.
You should also have a phone that has a GPS application to help you locate your home. This is especially useful when you tend to lose track of your destination. It could also be useful if you are running out of fuel or break down. Another option is to look into the pay-per mile insurance offered by companies like Metromile, which can help you save a lot of money on your vehicle insurance. You pay a fixed monthly fee plus a few cents per mile. This will ensure that you are always covered in case of an emergency. You can compare quotes with other companies to see which one is most suitable for you.
Locked Out
It's one of the worst feelings in the world to get back to your car at the end of a long, tiring day only to discover that your keys are locked inside. It's easy to feel helpless, but there are ways to unlock your vehicle yourself before you call a locksmith. If you have the trunk lock or keypad, try them first. If those fail then try opening the window or using a tool like a Slim Jim (provided you have an additional key in the vicinity). Another option is to call roadside assistance. This service is provided by several automakers and third-party companies. These services can take longer to arrive, but they may be less expensive than a locksmith.
If you require locksmith services, make sure to contact a locksmith who is MLA-approved. This means that they've been scrutinized and vetted to ensure they're qualified for the job at hand. You can also look up online reviews to see what other people have to say about the company. If you can, try to choose an experienced locksmith in your area, as they can provide you with suggestions for improving the security of your home. They can, for example, suggest installing locks that are harder to break or rekeying existing locks to function with the same key.
If you do end up locking your keys in your car, the locksmith can change the lock's key so that it operates with a different key, or even with the original one that was lost. This is a cheaper option than replacing the lock and will save you time and money.
The best way to avoid this problem is to prepare for the future. If you know you are likely to lock your keys inside your vehicle, you can leave a spare at a trusted family member or friend. This gives you the opportunity to get back inside without waiting for an locksmith or pay for costly roadside assistance costs. Alternately, you can subscribe to an emergency roadside assistance service or automaker application that provides on-demand assistance. Then, they'll send technicians 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 the lock. There are some DIY tricks you can try but the best thing to do is to contact a locksmith. They have the equipment and know-how to repair a damaged lock without causing further damage.
A key could snap inside the lock if not maintained properly. Injecting and removing keys frequently could weaken the structure of the key and wear out its ridges. In addition, using too excessive force in unlocking or turning the key can cause the key to break. Use a silicone-based grease on the lock cylinder to prevent this in the future.
The most important thing to remember when dealing with a damaged key is to stay calm and not be in a panic. A quick jiggling of a broken key can actually cause it to become stuck even more and could cause the broken piece to slide further into the lock. Instead you can gently jiggle the key or twist it both ways. If the key is still stuck, add a little lubricant.
For situations where the key is lodged deeper in the lock cylinder, you can use needle-nose pliers reach inside and grab the damaged piece. This is a little difficult and requires patience, however, if you choose the right pliers to do the job, it can be done. Avoid using tweezers to accomplish this purpose, as they can easily be too big and push the damaged section of the key even further into the lock.
A paperclip can be used to grasp the broken part of the key, and then force it out of a lock. This method works best using lubricant and is much easier to perform if the broken part of the key extends enough to be grasped using pliers.
If none of these approaches works, you can consider a pair of specialized key extractors. They're shaped like tiny drills and can be inserted in the cylinder of a lock where they will grasp the key fragments and begin to pull them out. This procedure should be carried out in a safe area with a neighbor that you are able to trust.