Vehicle Key Repairs
If your car's key isn't turning in the ignition, it's frustrating. It's generally an easy fix.
It may be as simple as lubricating your lock cylinder, which permits the pins to drop in a correct manner. The lubricant based on silicone can keep dirt particles out of accumulating in the lock.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys, also called "chip" keys, are equipped with an electronic microchip embedded into the plastic head. It's a bit more difficult to duplicate than a traditional metal key, but locksmiths in your area can help you. They'll use a specific tool and the chip in your car to duplicate an already-programmed car key.
The engine will only begin when the transponder key is put into the ignition. This sends a signal that must match the vehicle's identification code. car key repairs discourages theft by making it impossible for thieves to hot wire your vehicle to start it up and then drive off.
Most modern vehicles come with a transponder system, so you'll probably need a specialist in repair of transponder keys in case yours isn't functioning properly. Transponder keys have been created to make them more difficult to steal and secure the valuable contents of your car. They cannot be copied as easily as a mechanical one and many car makers have anti-theft systems which disable the engine of your vehicle when you are using the non-transponder.
Transponder keys were used for a long time to stop car theft. In the past, thieves would simply touch two wires to the ignition and then start it up - this was called "hot wiring" and was easy to do. However the moment General Motors introduced their Transponder Key in 1985 and made it a little more difficult for old-school and novice thieves to steal vehicles.
It's a good idea even though these key systems have prevented many car thefts to make sure that the security of your car monitored frequently. If your key is not functioning properly or is damaged in any way, call your local Mesa locksmith immediately to fix it. They'll be able to help protect your vehicle from thieves, and will bring back your peace of mind.
Smart Keys
Certain vehicles are equipped with smart keys that are more advanced than the traditional keys for cars. They can unlock doors and start your car without the need to insert the key into the lock. Additionally, they provide additional security and convenience features that could save your time and money.
Smart keys use the radio-frequency identification, also known as RFID, system to communicate with your vehicle. When the key fob is in range, a special antenna on your vehicle reads the signal. The signal contains a unique code that your car recognizes and allows it to open the doors or start the engine. This technology lets you lock the doors and trunk by pressing a button even when the key fob that is in the vehicle is not present.
This system is designed for the security of your vehicle against theft. If the computer in your vehicle detects a signal from a non-functioning keyfob, it will send out a different encrypted code and activate a security alert. It will also stop the engine from starting, making it very difficult to steal your vehicle.
If you lose your smart-key, it is recommended to contact the dealership to get an exchange instead of trying to make it yourself. To make a replacement key the dealer will require proof of ownership and identity. They can often help you get one quicker than a locksmith.
There are some exceptions however. The dealership may be the only option in case you have a key that is difficult or costly to replace. In such instances you can still save money by visiting a local locksmith instead of the dealership.
Misplacing a car key was once a major issue, and could have even required a trip back to the dealer. Today, replacing car keys has become a much simpler process. If your keys have been lost or are no longer working, the skilled team at Pop-A-Lock can provide a quick solution to help you avoid any additional costs.
Remote Fobs
Many vehicles come with a key fob that allows you to start your vehicle as well as lock the doors and access other features. However, as with any electronic device, they could experience problems from time to occasion. Most times it's not a major issue and can be fixed easily.
If your car key fob is acting up, replacing the battery is the first thing you do. YouTube videos will often walk you through the process step-by-step. If replacing the battery does not work then you can try different methods.
First, take a look inside your key fob and examine all the buttons. Since they get heavy use and spend much time being tossed around and pushed around, they could become loose or even broken off. You can attempt to solder them back into place, or even replace them completely if confident working with electronics.
Another issue that could come up is a problem with the receiver inside your vehicle. The key fob transmits signals to the receiver to open or start the car but if the signal is cut off for any reason, it won't function. The receiver also has the potential to stop working if the batteries in your key fob fail or are replaced.
The last possibility is that your fob requires to be changed. Smart key systems in your vehicle rely on a unique code to be used by the receiver and transmitter to recognize each other. This code changes every time the fob is used, which prevents hackers from cloning or hacking the signals and gaining access to your vehicle.
If your fob stops working and you are in the middle of nowhere, keep a spare with you to still unlock your car and get home in safety. This will provide you with a backup fob in case your main one stops working in future.
While having a spare fob might appear to be an unnecessary expense however, it can help you from the stress and inconvenience of being stranded with no option to start your car or get home. A spare fob will also help you avoid the expense of having contact a locksmith, or even breaking into your car when you lock yourself out.