10 Key Car Repair Tricks Experts Recommend

What to Do When Your Car Keys Are Damaged Car keys are subject to a lot of use, and it's not uncommon for them to become damaged or lost. Locksmiths for autos are often able to solve these issues. Adjusting buttons can restore functionality to fobs with keys that have been tossed around. If replacing the battery does not help, the fob may require replacement entirely. Dead Key Fob Batteries Even though the old jingling car keys seem long gone, the fact remains that a lot of cars still have fobs for keys. These fobs are useful, but when their batteries fail, they can become problematic. It is crucial to keep them charged at all times. This can be a difficult task, and a dead battery on your key fob could leave you stranded. There are ways to get out of this situation. Based on the model and brand of your vehicle, you may have a mechanical lock in the fob. Certain models come with an alternative key that can be used to start the car. This can be used as an option in the event of a breakdown and is usually only used to get you from A to B, but it can work in some cases. If you're unable to start your car with this method, the best option is to lift the front of your car off the ground using set jumper cables. Connect the red cable to the big terminal of the starter and the black cable to the ground nearby. This will give your fob battery enough power to start your car or bring you home or to an auto mechanic. Another alternative is to take the fob's key to an Interstate All Battery Center location to get a new battery. To replace the battery, you'll need a small screwdriver that is flat or butter knivescrew, or other pry tools. Do not apply too much force to the case or it will pop open and scatter pieces of the fob throughout your living area. After opening the case, use the pry tool to wrap around the fasteners like you would a slice of apple or an orange, and then begin to separate the two halves. Don't pull on the antennas or circuit boards that contain the electrical current that keeps your key fob in the program. You'll have to take it to a dealer or repair shop for your vehicle in the event that you damage the antennas or circuit boards. Locked Keys in the Trunk It's easy to lock your keys in your trunk when you're distracted or in a rush. Many people keep spare keys in their wallets or at home. In this case you can contact an emergency roadside service or locksmiths to get your keys. They can unlock the trunk without damaging your vehicle, and they may even be able to repair any damaged locks that contributed to the incident. Based on your circumstances You can also ask someone else to bring you a spare key or contact the dealership to have them create the new key for you. Of course, the best option is to keep the spare key in your wallet or home and keep it in case you need to keep your keys locked in the trunk again. If you don't have a spare, you can still open the trunk by overriding the locking mechanism. This involves shorting the fuse that controls the trunk release. It is essential to adhere to safety guidelines as this process can be complicated. You can find guidelines for your specific vehicle by referring to the owner's manual. This method is not recommended for those who don't have significant automobile experience. In the event that traditional locksmith methods aren't working, you can try to use household items such as a screwdriver or rods made of metal. Kitchen tools such as spatulas can be useful in creating space or opening the trunk open. Unfortunately, some vehicles have advanced security features that prevent these methods from working, which is why a specialist will likely be required to unlock your trunk. These specialists can also perform an jiggle or keying procedure to get around the locking mechanism or they may have to cut a hole through the trunk door and lock actuator to bypass the locking mechanism. These methods are costly and you should have an emergency key in your possession or contact your dealer for a reconkeying. This will aid you in avoiding any future issues. Damaged Ignition It might appear easy to turn the key however there are a lot of steps and parts that must work together to get the car running. If one part is damaged, or one step isn't executed correctly, it can leave you without power or control while you're driving along the road. You can avoid more serious problems by recognizing indications of ignition problems. A mobile mechanic will check the ignition system for damage if it's becoming harder to turn. They can take off the ignition cylinder using automotive lock picks to fix any damage that could have caused the issue. They can also fix this issue by changing the key's programming or the ignition immediately, making sure that you can drive away safely with your vehicle's full functionality in place. If your car stalls while you are driving it could indicate that you need an ignition repair. If your engine shuts off when you're moving, it can be dangerous to other drivers and expose you to accidents on the road. The malfunctioning ignition switches, ignition cylinders, and other parts can cause these types of problems and fixing them promptly is crucial. Sometimes, you could encounter more issues than simply a jammed ignition switch and require a complete replacement instead. In such cases, a mobile mechanic will typically be capable of performing an ignition replacement on the instantaneously. They'll be able to do this by disassembling the steering column and taking out the old ignition assembly before installing the new one, making it easier to insert the key and start your vehicle. This kind of repair can save you time and money over a completely new car, and is much faster than waiting for an auto shop to open up at a convenient time for you. Damaged Locks There are several common reasons why your car's lock may be damaged. Some of these problems are easily fixed by changing the batteries for the key fob and others require a more thorough repair to fix mechanical components or the electronic locking system. Weather Damage Extreme temperatures, sunlight exposure and dust can be major problems for locks. These environmental conditions may cause corrosion, discoloration, and wear over time. This can result in the lock becoming not functional anymore. Regular inspections are essential to avoid this. If you find yourself struggling to insert or turn the key into your door lock It could be a sign that the mechanism is jammed. It could be due to grime or dirt accumulation. You can fix this issue by using a moist cotton swab or qi-tip and spraying a graphite spray or silicone spray on the lock. Another reason that your door locks might be jammed is that the pins in the cylinder are misaligned. This can usually be fixed by removing the lock's cylinder and manually aligning it to the keyhole on the door. After the cylinder has been moved, screws must be used to fix it. The final issue is that the actual key is damaged in some way. This can be caused by excessive force applied when turning the key, or if the key was cut incorrectly. If you suspect that this is the case, try using an alternate key to determine whether it is working without problems. In the end, the best approach to repair any damage is to talk to a professional locksmith. The locksmiths will perform an extensive examination to identify the root cause of the issue. key fob repair TheKeyLab will then employ specialized tools and remove any debris from the lock mechanism. They will then replace the broken parts with new ones to restore function. A locksmith can also make suggestions on how to safeguard your lock from further damage. This could include weather-resistant covers or shields that can help protect the lock from the harsh elements.