Auto Key Repair Near Me
It's difficult to know when you might lose your car keys. It's always at the worst time.
You might consider calling your dealership to get a new key created for you, but they often charge insane amounts of money. Additionally, they might not have the kind of key you need on hand.
Lost Keys
Not too long in the past, losing or misplacing the car key was not a huge issue. You could find an replacement quickly and cheaply at the locksmith. As cars have become more technologically advanced, so are their keys. Replacing a key can be a costly endeavor. Depending on the type of key you own and the procedure for regaining access to your vehicle may be a lengthy process that could cost hundreds of dollars, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD.
Car keys are lost due to many reasons, but mostly they happen when you're in a hurry or distracted and fail to check where you put your keys. This is why having a backup set up in a safe place is so important, and why it's crucial to retrace your steps in case you lose keys.
Check your pockets or on the floor of your car (including the trunk) or at your desk in the office or wherever you were sitting. Take a look in your pocket on the floor of the car (including the trunk) or on your desk at work or wherever you could have been sitting, such as at a table in a restaurant in the middle of lunch or waiting for a ride-sharing service to take you to the airport.
Also, consider whether you've given a spare key to anyone. If so, you should contact them to see whether they've found yours. And don't forget to check for keys in your home as well. Keys are usually found under couches or over mail stacks.
If you're still looking for your keys the next step is to figure out what kind of key you have, and who you should contact to change it. In certain cases you might need go to a dealer to get a new key made especially if the one you have has a transponder chip or other technology that needs reprogramming.
A locksmith will usually give you a replacement key on the spot, if yours is an old-fashioned key. In the majority of cases you'll need your vehicle's registration, title or any other proof of ownership to the dealership. You'll need to bring a photo ID, as well as any spare keys you may have.
Transponder Keys
If you own a car built in the last decade or two it's likely that your key comes with a transponder chip. These chips are used to prevent car thefts, by ensuring that only the owner of the vehicle can start it. They work by transmitting a signal from the key to the antenna ring on the cylinder of ignition. The computer in your car will then compare the "password", sent from the key, to the list of codes that are authorized and if the code is found to match the code, the engine will begin.
Transponder keys are incredibly useful but can also be problematic if they get lost or stolen. They are hard to duplicate because of their unique microchip. The only way to duplicate the transponder's key is using an original key that has already programmed. This can be done by a professional locksmith the local dealership of the manufacturer or a reputable automotive shop.
Many people choose to employ experts to program transponder keys. This is due to the fact that there are many steps involved, and every vehicle's anti-theft mechanism functions differently. car key fob repairs can also make sure that the key is properly programmed, and that it is working in a correct manner.
Transponder keys must be maintained to ensure that they continue to function as intended. It is essential to keep it out of water and extreme temperatures, and avoid dropping it. If you do drop your key, it's recommended to visit a professional locksmith or the car manufacturer's local dealership immediately to have it replaced.
While it's easier to replace keys that are mechanical, you should always have an extra transponder keys. This will help you avoid the hassle and expense of having to have your vehicle's computer system reprogrammed in the event that you lose the only working key. This is due to the anti-theft system installed in most automobiles will require the original key to re-program and this can be quite time-consuming.
Key Fobs
It may seem a bit absurd to think that your primary fob is at risk of failure, but it's not entirely uncommon. Fobs are comprised of batteries and circuits, which could be damaged by a variety of things. Unexpected shocks can cause them to cease working, as well as exposure to water or other liquids.
Fortunately, the majority of issues that result from key fobs are relatively simple to repair. The first thing to look into is the battery, which can easily be replaced at a hardware store or a large retailer that sells automotive batteries. If it's not the battery, the issue could be worn out contacts on the fob that prevent it from communicating to the receiver inside the vehicle. These are usually made of a rubbery substance and covered by a electrically conductive film. The film may wear off from repeated use. These can be cleaned by taking off the fob and removing it. After that, carefully soldering the contacts back in place will bring them back to their original state.
In some cases you may find that reprogramming the fob in order to connect to the car's receiver is all that's required. This can usually be done by following a procedure that can be found in the owner's manual, or by conducting an online search for the specific model of car you own. If you're unable to find instructions for your particular make of vehicle, a dealer or an independent shop that is specialized in your type of car should be able to assist.
Certain vehicles, especially older models with less sophisticated security systems, permit their owners to purchase replacement fobs from specialized retailers or online vendors, and then follow a simple procedure to program them. This is a much cheaper alternative to visiting the dealer. However it is only available for vehicles that don't require special security protocols. For instance, Audi and Subaru dealerships can't use aftermarket fobs to re-program cars using digital encryption systems, according to CR.
Some key fobs that are made by aftermarket manufacturers might be difficult to program into your vehicle. Some dealers will not accept fobs from the aftermarket and instead prefer to use a new one that comes from the automaker.
Bluetooth Key Trackers
A Bluetooth tracker (also known as a key finder) is a small device that you can attach to your items like keys or wallet. Once you connect it to your phone through Bluetooth the app on your phone will keep contact with the tracker as long as it is within reach. If you lose track of the item pressing the tracker's button will trigger it to ring, to help you locate it. You can track the device on your phone to see the map of its last location.
key repairs run on rechargeable batteries. This is a convenient method to keep your device always charged, ready to locate items that you've lost. However, you must be aware of the battery's life as these devices can drain it faster than normal.
If you are considering purchasing a Bluetooth tracker, also think about whether it is encrypted to protect the location data. Some companies don't, so you may be vulnerable if the company gets hacked and your personal information is exposed. Luckily, most manufacturers do encrypt this data. However, you should read the fine print before buying any product. This information could be used by criminals to gain access to your vehicle or your home.