How to Minimize Damage to Your Car's Locks

It is best to call an experienced locksmith if you have locked your keys inside your vehicle or if you notice that a key has been damaged. They can resolve the issue quickly, minimizing damage to your vehicle.

You may be tempted to use a coat hanger or a slim jim to unlock your vehicle however this could cause damage to the components inside your door or break the window. A professional will use different tools to unlock your vehicle.

Lost Keys

It's hard to overstate the frustration it causes to lose your car keys, or lock them in your car. Even the simplest tasks can become more complicated and in the event of an emergency it's even more difficult. There are steps you can take to prevent this, and professionals are available to assist if this happens.

If you have lost your keys the first thing to do is call roadside assistance. Based on your policy, this could be covered by your insurance. If it is not, a locksmith will typically be contacted at a low or no cost to you. You can request the key to your lock replaced or have the locks replaced in the event that you suspect someone has entered your home.

If you contact an locksmith, you'll have to provide them with certain details about your car and yourself. This includes the VIN number as well as your personal identification number. This will allow locksmiths to confirm that you are the owner of the vehicle and ensure they are not making duplicate keys for anyone else.

Some modern cars have locks that don't need a traditional key. This is commonly called a "keyless ignition system." These systems make use of the key fob to unlock the car and then start it up without requiring any physical contact with the key. This type of key will also need to be programmed by locksmith.

If you don't employ the correct tool, it could be dangerous. These tools can cause damage to the internal components of the door or even break the glass. Instead, you should contact an expert locksmith who is trained in these types of vehicles.

They will have the tools and training necessary to properly unlock your car's lock. They will also be able to reprogram your keyless remote should it be required. This is a less expensive option than replacing the lock on your car, and it can be much faster as well.

Locked Out

It can be a bit frustrating to be locked out of your house or vehicle. This is particularly true if it happens when you're supposed be somewhere or get something done. There are ways to avoid this from happening or to swiftly return to your home when it happens. It is a good idea to keep a spare key in the possession of a person you trust, or keep it in a location that is easily accessible. However, if you are unable to access to an extra key or are unable to locate your keys, it is best to get in touch with a locksmith as soon as you can.

When it comes to cars auto locksmiths are adept at opening locks and helping people get back into their cars after they accidentally locked their keys inside them. There are a variety of methods used by auto locksmiths to open car doors, and the specific method that they select will depend on the kind of vehicle that they are working on. Older vehicles with cylinder lock can be opened using bump-keys or lock picks. Newer vehicles equipped with remotes that are keyless, however, require specialized tools like VATS passcode scanners to unlock.


An automotive locksmith might need to turn off the immobilizer in your car in order to gain access. This feature is intended to prevent your vehicle from starting if it is stolen however, it can also malfunction and prevent you from entering the vehicle, even if you have valid keys. If this happens, your locksmith can easily fix the issue and have you back in no time.

If you're locked out of your car it could be tempting to pull items found around the home. However this isn't recommended as it could cause damage or even void the vehicle's manufacturer warranty. If you are looking to assert your warranty, you must go through a locksmith who will file an official request with the Justice Court of your area for a Writ Of Re-Entry.

Damaged Locks

If the locks on your car are damaged, they'll need to be fixed or replaced by a locksmith in your area. Try to unlock your car using methods like putting a metal hanger into the lock or using a credit card could cause more damage and could cause a broken window. This can be very costly, and you may not be able to pay for the repair.

Many people believe that a broken or damaged lock is a sign of a criminal. However, it could be something that is much less obvious. Most of the time, the lock or ignition may be out of alignment. This means that the pins and tumblers that lock your vehicle aren't working correctly. This is usually due to wear and tear, and is easily avoided by regular cleaning and lubrication. However, sometimes these parts can become dislodged or damaged due to environmental factors like extreme cold and extreme heat which can be extremely hard on metals.

A locksmith for autos can utilize advanced tools to ensure that your car locks work as they should. They have the expertise and training to gain access to your vehicle without causing additional damage or drilling the lock out completely or removing it completely, which is a more complicated procedure. This will save you money in the long term, and ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive on the road.

Many locksmiths will also be able to reset your lock so that it only accepts the proper key, which makes it much more difficult for thieves to access your vehicle. This will secure your vehicle and ensure that it is only driven by authorized people.

It is important to note that the majority of reputable locksmiths will carry out their work in accordance with an agreement with a warranty. If your locks are not damaged beyond repair, the locksmith can replace them at no cost and will cover any other associated costs. In certain instances they may choose to write a "worst scenario" clause in their contract. This will exempt them from any liability for accidental damage to your vehicle during the locksmithing process.

Broken Keys

If you're a homeowner, or an owner of a business, it's never good to lose your keys inside the lock. There are steps you can take to reduce the damage and restore your security without the price of a costly locksmith.

Start by figuring out how deep your key fragment is lodged within the lock cylinder. This will help you choose the right set of tools for removing it. Make sure to choose an item with hooks that can better grasp the broken pieces and then pull them out.

Magnets can be used to replace keys that are damaged. However this method could cause more harm than good. It could damage the ignition system, making your car inoperable. It can also push broken fragments further into the lock.

Another method used by some is to apply super glue to the tip of the broken key. This could be risky as the glue may get onto other parts of the lock and stop it from functioning.

If the key fragment isn't stuck into the lock cylinder all the way it can be pried out using a flathead. Then mobile car locksmith near me can lubricate it by spraying graphite powder or lubricant to avoid sticking again and make it easier to get it back.

You can also try a small saw blade in the event that all other methods fail. This requires extreme care and precision because you don't want to damage the lock's cylinder. Insert the blade of the small saw with care into the lock, making sure it is aligned with the teeth on the broken piece of the key. Then, hook the saw blade onto the broken piece and pull it out.

If none of the above tips work, it's time to contact a locksmith. They will have the equipment and knowledge to remove safely and swiftly your broken key from the cylinder without causing further damage to the vehicle. In the meantime, practice regular maintenance of your keys and careful handling to avoid breakage in the first place.