20 Myths About Auto Key Repair: Debunked

Auto Key Repair Near Me

It's difficult to know when you'll lose your car keys. And when it happens it's usually at the most inconvenient time.

You could consider calling your dealership to get an entirely new key for you, but they typically cost a lot of money. They may not have the key you need in stock.

Lost Keys

A few years ago, losing or misplacing the car key was not a huge issue. You could get a replacement for it quickly and at a low cost from the locksmith. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced, so are their keys. Replacing a key is a significant expense. Depending on the kind of key you have to gain access to your vehicle could be a lengthy process that could cost hundreds of dollars, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD.

Keys to your car are lost for various reasons, but mostly they occur when you're in rush or distracted and don't make sure you've accounted for your keys. It's essential to keep a spare set of keys in a safe location and to follow the steps you took if you lose keys.

Begin by reminiscing about the last time you used them, and then go through every place you could have put them. Check your pockets, on the floor of your car (including the trunk) or at your desk at work or wherever you may have been sitting, such as a restaurant table at lunchtime or while waiting for the ride-sharing service to take you to the airport.

Also, consider whether you gave a spare key to anyone. If so, contact them to see whether they have discovered yours. Don't forget to look around your home, as keys are usually hidden under couch cushions or atop mail stacks.

If you're not able to locate your keys, the next step is to determine the kind of key you have, and who you should contact to replace it. In certain cases, you may have go to a dealer to make a new key in particular if it has a transponder chip, or another technology that requires reprogramming.

A locksmith can usually give you a new broken key repair near me on the spot, if yours is an old-fashioned key. In most cases you will have to bring the registration or title of your car or other proof of ownership with you to the dealership. You'll need an ID photo along with any spare keys you may have.

Transponder Keys

If you own a car built in the last decade or two, it's nearly guaranteed that your key has transponder chip. These chips are used to stop car thefts by ensuring that only the owner of the vehicle can start it. They work by sending a signal from the key to the antenna ring around the ignition cylinder. The computer in your car will then compare the "password" that is sent via the key, with the list of codes that are authorized and if the code is found to match the code, the engine will begin.

Transponder keys are extremely useful, but they can also present some issues in the event of losing them or having them stolen. They are, for one, extremely difficult to duplicate as they are unique because they have a microchip. Only an original transponder key that has already been programmed can be used to duplicate the key. This can be done by a professional locksmith, the dealership for the manufacturer of the car or a reputable automotive shop.

Many people prefer to hire experts to program transponder keys. This is because there are many steps involved, and every vehicle's anti-theft mechanism functions differently. Getting the job done by a professional helps to ensure that the new key is properly programmed and that it will function properly.

Transponder keys must be taken care of to ensure they continue to perform as they should. This means keeping it clear of extreme temperatures or water and avoid dropping it. If you do drop your key it's a good idea to visit a professional locksmith or broken car key repair manufacturer's local dealership as soon as possible to get it replaced.

Although it's less difficult to replace a mechanical key but you should always have a spare transponder key. This will save you the stress and cost of having your vehicle's computer system reprogrammed in the event that you lose your only functioning key. This is because the anti-theft devices built into most automobiles will require the original remote key fob repairs to be reprogrammed, and this process is time-consuming.

Key Fobs

It may seem far-fetched to think that your primary fob could be at risk of failure, but it's at all common. Fobs are comprised of batteries and circuits, which can be damaged by a variety of causes. In the event of a sudden shock, they could cause them to stop working in addition to exposure to water or other liquids.

Fortunately, the majority of problems that can result from key fobs are fairly easy to fix. The first thing to check is the battery, which can be replaced at a hardware store or a large retailer that sells automotive batteries. If it's not the battery, it could be the worn out contacts on the fob that prevent it from communicating to the receiver inside the vehicle. The majority of them are made of a rubber-like substance and coated with an electrically conducting film that wears off over time from repeated use. You can clean these by removing the fob and disassembling it. After that, carefully soldering the contacts back in place will restore them to working condition.

In certain cases you may find that reprogramming the fob in order to connect with the car's receiver is all that's required. This can be accomplished through a procedure that is described in the owner's manual or by conducting an online search for the specific model of car you own. If you're unable to locate the correct instructions for the model of your car, a dealer or independent shop that specializes in the type of vehicle you have will be able to help.

Some cars, particularly older models with less sophisticated security systems, let owners purchase replacement fobs at specialized retailers or online vendors and then follow a procedure to program them themselves. This can be a cost-effective alternative to visiting the dealer however it is important to keep in mind that this option is only applicable for vehicles that don't need special security protocols to activate. For instance, Audi and Subaru dealerships aren't able to use aftermarket fobs to re-program cars using digital encryption systems, says CR.

Some key fobs that are made by aftermarket manufacturers could be difficult to program into your vehicle. Some dealers will not accept aftermarket fobs and prefer to use a brand new one from the automaker.

Bluetooth Key Trackers

A Bluetooth tracker (also called key finder) is a small gadget that you can attach to your items, such as your keys or wallet. The app that you use on your smartphone will stay connected to the tracker as long as the device is within reach once you connect it through Bluetooth. If you lose track of the item pressing the tracker's button will cause it to ring so you can locate it. You can track the device on your phone to view an image of the last location.

The majority of Bluetooth trackers run on rechargeable batteries. This is a great way to keep a device always charged and ready to find items you've lost. However, you'll need to be aware of the battery's life since these devices can drain the battery faster than regular.

Another thing to consider when purchasing a Bluetooth key tracker is whether or not it encrypts your location data. Some companies don't, so you could be vulnerable if your personal information is stolen if they are hacked. Luckily, most manufacturers do encrypt this data. However, you should read the fine print prior to purchasing any product. This information could allow a criminal to gain access to your car or home.