There are a lot of great stories about locksmiths. They’re often portrayed as the heroes who save people from disastrous situations.
Auto locksmiths specialize in getting you back into your car if you’ve lost your keys or locked them inside. They can also replace your locks and ignition switches if necessary.
Lost Car Keys
Losing your car keys is one of the worst nightmares that you could ever face. It’s a huge inconvenience, and it isn’t cheap to replace them either. Luckily, there are a few options for getting a replacement key, the most affordable of which is through an auto locksmith.
A locksmith can typically get you back on the road for about half of what it would cost at a dealership. To get started, they’ll need some information from you like your car’s VIN and key identification number. You can find this on your dashboard or doorpost if you’re lucky, or in the owner’s manual if you don’t have it.
Another option is to call a local garage, but this will be the most expensive option and may take the longest as they won’t have the specialist key programming equipment that an auto locksmith carries. Finally, you can try to locate your lost keys by using a bluetooth tracker, which is a small device you can attach to your car’s keychain.
Broken Car Keys
We’ve all been there: You reach into your pocket for your keys, only to find they aren’t there. Panic sets in, and you start searching frantically for them. You check your purse, your pockets, and even under the seats – no luck.
It’s always annoying when your car key breaks, but it’s especially problematic if it happens in the ignition. You may be able to jimmy it out if it broke near the top, but if it broke off toward the bottom, you’ll have a much harder time.
Thankfully, there are a few things you can try. First, if the key is still in one piece, keep it and let the locksmith know. They’ll be able to copy it, or if you have an older vehicle, they can cut a replacement key for you and program it to your specific car. You can also try a paper clip, which is usually thinner than a key, and can be shaped into pliers or probe tools to grip the broken fragment and pull it out.
Locked Out of Your Car
Being locked out of your car is a major inconvenience, but it’s usually not an emergency. Before you call a locksmith, first check all the doors to see if one was inadvertently left unlocked. If that doesn’t work, try calling roadside assistance like AAA or an auto maker’s roadside assistance program. (Be sure not to call an emergency line for a non-emergency; misuse of these lines could cost you money or put your life in danger.)
Often, these programs can dispatch a locksmith quickly and inexpensively. They may also be able to help you create more keys for your vehicle if the original is lost or damaged. They can also fix any locks that are broken, so you don’t have to resort to using a wire hanger or slim jim, which can cause damage. They’ll even help you get back into your vehicle without damaging the interior. This will save you time and money, which is always good.
Car Key Replacement
If you’re in the unfortunate situation where you’ve lost your car keys, it can be a bit stressful. The first thing you should do is check in your pockets, the bag, and other places where you might have left them. If you still can’t find them, it might be time to call a locksmith.
If your car key is a traditional type, you can usually get it replaced at the hardware store for under $10. However, if it’s a newer model with a key fob, you may need to go through the dealership.
When hiring an automotive locksmith, make sure they are licensed and insured. Many unqualified locksmiths will try to take advantage of their desperate customers by doing poor work. This can end up costing you more money in the long run. Choose a company that has clear and transparent pricing. Also, ask whether they offer a guarantee or warranty on their work. This will help you avoid any misunderstandings.auto locksmith chicago
