Vehicle Key Repairs: 10 Things I'd Like To Have Known In The Past

Vehicle Key Repairs It's difficult when your car keys won't turn in the ignition. But it's usually easy to solve. It could be as easy as lubricating your lock cylinder, which permits the pins to drop in a correct manner. The silicone-based lubricant will also prevent dirt particles from getting into the lock. Transponder Keys A transponder keys, also known as a “chip” key, has an electronic microchip that is embedded into the head of the car key. Although it's more difficult to duplicate keys with transponders than a steel one, most locksmiths in the local area are still able to do it. They will use a special tool and the chip in your vehicle to clone the pre-programmed key for your car. When you insert your transponder key into the ignition it transmits a signal to your car's antenna ring. that signal must match your vehicle's identification code in order for the engine to get started. This technology prevents theft by making it impossible for thieves to wire your vehicle to start it and then drive away. Transponder systems can be found in the majority of modern automobiles. If yours isn't functioning properly, you'll need to talk to a professional. Transponder keys are designed to be hard to steal and to protect your car's valuable contents. They aren't copied with the same ease as a mechanical one, and a lot of car brands have anti-theft devices that shut down your car's engine in the event that a non-transponder key is used. Transponder car keys have been around for decades and have really been able to stop car theft in its tracks. It was simple for thieves to get into the car by touching two wires to each other. car key fob repairs near me was called “hotwiring” and was easy. General Motors' Transponder Key was introduced in 1985, making it harder for novice and old-school car thieves to steal vehicles. While these key systems have helped to stop a large number of car thefts, there are those who attempt to evade them, so it's recommended to have your car security inspected regularly. If your key isn't functioning properly or has been damaged in any way, call your local Mesa locksmith as soon as you can to get it repaired. They'll be able to help keep your car safe from thieves and give you back your peace of mind. Smart Keys Certain cars come with smart keys, which are more sophisticated than a standard car key. They are able to unlock your doors and turn on the engine without needing to be inserted into a lock or turn the ignition. In addition, they offer additional security and convenience features that can save you time and money. Smart keys use a radio-frequency identification, or RFID, system to communicate with your vehicle. An antenna that is specifically placed on your vehicle reads signals from the key fob whenever it is within range. The signal contains a unique code that your car recognizes and allows it to open the door or start the engine. This technology lets you lock the trunk and doors with a simple button push even when the key fob that is in the vehicle isn't present. This system is designed to protect your vehicle from theft. If the computer in your vehicle detects a signal from an unvalid key fob, it will send an encrypted message that is different and trigger an alarm for security. It will also prevent the engine from starting making it impossible for someone to steal your vehicle. If you lose your smart-key it's best to call the dealer to request a replacement rather than try to make it yourself. To make a replacement key the dealer needs evidence of ownership and identification. They can often help you get one quicker than a locksmith. However, there are exceptions. If you have a special key that is expensive or difficult to replace, the dealer might be the only option. In these cases there is a chance that you could be capable of saving money by visiting your local locksmith instead of the dealership. It was a major problem to lose a car key. You may even have to go back to the dealer. Today, replacing keys for cars is now a much simpler procedure. Pop-A Lock's knowledgeable team can assist you quickly replace your keys regardless of whether they're damaged or lost. Remote Fobs The key fob is a handy way to start your car, lock doors and gain access to other features in many automobiles. But, like any electronic device, they can experience problems from time to time. Most times, it's nothing serious and can be fixed easily. One of the first things you need to do if your car's key fob starts being troublesome is to change the battery. You can often find an YouTube video online that will walk you through the procedure step-by-step. If replacing the battery doesn't work, you can try other methods. Take a look inside your key fob and check all the buttons. Since they get heavy use and spend long periods of time being tossed around, the buttons may be loosened or even broken off. If you're familiar with electronics, you could try soldering the buttons back in place or replace them entirely. Another issue that may come up is an issue with the receiver inside your vehicle. The key fob transmits an indication to the receiver to open or start the car but if the signal is interrupted for any reason, it won't work. The receiver is also prone to stop working if the batteries in your key fob fail or are replaced. Your fob might need to be reprogrammed. Your vehicle's smart key systems depend on the transmitter in the fob and the receiver to recognize each other using an individual code unique to your vehicle. This code changes each time the fob's used. This stops attackers from copying and hacking the signals to enter your vehicle. If your fob is acting up and you're in the middle of nowhere, it's best to keep a spare in your pocket so that you can still unlock your vehicle and get home safely. This will also provide you with a backup in case your primary fob fails to function in the future, so you don't get trapped in the middle of nowhere. It may seem insignificant to have an extra key fob but it could ease the stress of being left without a way to get your car started or get back to your home. A spare fob can also cut down on the expense of having to call a locksmith or even breaking into your car if you are locked out.