Car Key Repair Near Me: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

· 6 min read
Car Key Repair Near Me: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

Broken Car Key Repair Near Me

When a car key snaps or is stuck in the ignition or lock an MLA-approved locksmith is the best option to find a quick and inexpensive solution. They can repair the broken key or create a new one, depending on the type of damage.

An auto locksmith can change the battery of your key fob on the spot when it's running out. They can also install an Bluetooth tracker to help you locate your keys.

Keys that were stolen or lost are not found

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing or losing your car key was not a huge issue. You could call your local locksmith and have a new one made quickly and inexpensively. Replacement keys for today's advanced cars can take a lengthy time and can cost several hundred dollars.

It is recommended to avoid situations in which you lose your keys. This can be prevented by having a spare key keeping it in a secure location, and taking measures such as locking your doors when parking on public property. Yet, many find themselves in the same situation. In some cases the problem is caused by a burglary or other criminal act.

Whether or not you can file an insurance claim after losing your car key will depend on the type of car you drive and the extent of the damage. The good thing is that older mechanical keys can still be copied by a locksmith, or at some hardware stores, and they don't cost much to replace. Key fobs might be more expensive but they could not be more expensive than your insurance deductable.

If your car is newer and it comes with an electronic key system, you'll need to contact the dealership. They'll need to check your ID and provide proof of ownership papers before purchasing a new key from the manufacturer, which can take several days to arrive. Once they have the key in hand, it's important that they electronically pair it with your vehicle or you won't be able to start the engine.

It is also important to have your GPS and phone in place so that you can call for help as quickly as possible. It will be simpler for someone else to assist you get to your vehicle and decrease the chances of a criminal trying to steal it. You can create an alert using the GEICO application that will send an SMS message to your family and close friends to inform them of your location, and also that your vehicle has been stolen.

Keys that are damaged or broken

Some key breakages are inevitable due to aging, general wear and tear, or other reasons. However, you can reduce the chances of having a damaged key by regularly inspecting them for signs of excessive wear and damage, and taking preventive measures such as keeping a spare on hand and avoiding objects and tools that could compromise their quality. If your key has been damaged by excessive force or just prone to breaking, you may be able to benefit from replacing it with a brand new one by a professional locksmith service that also provides locksmith and key duplication services.

In some cases, a broken key will become stuck in the lock or ignition. Although there are a variety of DIY ways to remove keys from locks however, it is important to realize that these methods are only temporary solutions and could cause more damage to your vehicle if they are not properly executed. For example, using superglue or wires to remove a key which has snapped into the ignition can create a bond between the pieces and make them more difficult to extract.

A locksmith can use special tools to assist you remove the damaged key without causing any further damage. For example the key extractor has been designed with a specially designed end to hook onto and pull out the key fragment that is broken precisely. You can also apply a small amount penetrating oils to the lock to lessen friction. This will increase the chances of removing the key.

If you're unable to grasp the broken piece with the extractor, you could make use of a straightened wire or metal paper clip. If you're not having success with these, you can try using pliers that have needle-nosed tweezers to get a stronger grip, although it is best to avoid pushing the damaged piece further into the lock, as this can cause more serious problems. You can also lubricate the damaged part of your key using graphite powder or silicone-based spray to reduce friction and make it easier to insert and pull out.

Electronic Keys

If your key fob stops working, it may be due to the battery running out. It is possible to fix this issue by removing the keyfob and replacing the batteries. This will require some basic soldering skills but isn't too difficult.

Another possibility is that the button on your key fob has worn out and no longer makes contact with the circuit. In this case, you can try placing tiny pieces of aluminum foil inside the worn-out buttons to pad them and restore their electricity-conducting abilities.


If the key snapped near the top of the ignition, you may be able to pry the key by using a jigsaw that has teeth facing downward. However, if it broke off near the base, your chances of removing it on your own are slim to none.

Whatever the reason behind your car key breaking It is crucial to get in touch with a professional as soon as you can to avoid further damage and potential costly repairs in the future. A locksmith or dealership can supply you with the proper replacement parts for your car, which will prevent further damage.

Some people are hesitant to call a dealership because their spare keys are costly however it's well worth it. Keep both pieces of the key to aid in the replacement process. This will allow the locksmith to make an exact duplicate. It is worth investing in a reputable locksmith to repair or replace your car key. They will perform the task for less than you think.  car key remote repair  can also save money by using a key copy service to create a new manual set for you instead of purchasing a new set. These services can usually remove the programmable portion of your key and put it into an empty shell for you.

Key Fobs

The majority of cars manufactured today have key fobs that allow drivers to start or lock their vehicle without having to insert the key into the ignition. Some even let you park the car without having to physically. Fobs are controlled by their integrated Radio Frequency identification system which allows the fob as well as the car tag to communicate with one another.

These advanced keys are costly to replace when they break. In many cases, users will have to visit their dealer to exchange a fob. This is because the car's computers need to be programmed to recognize a new fob. Dealerships usually have the software. If you're looking to save a few dollars you can buy a generic key fob online that will work for most automobile models and brands. Experts recommend against this because it can expose you to fraudsters, and the fob might not work with your vehicle.

There are a variety of reasons why the key fob won't work and the most common reason is an unresponsive or dead battery. It's easy to change the battery yourself. Hardware stores and big-box retailers have batteries for replacement. Some car dealers also sell them. If you're unsure how to replace the batteries on your fobs, consult the owner's guide or YouTube for videos on how to do it. After you have removed the battery, take a moment to clean all the parts and surfaces of the fob with Methyl Hydrate or Isopropyl Alcohol. It is also recommended to bend up slightly the tiny fingers of metal on the circuit board that make contact with the battery.

If a new battery can not solve the issue, you may need to contact a professional. A certified locksmith or tech at an auto dealership should be able to repair or replace the fob. In some cases it's best to buy a new one, especially if you have to rely on the key fob to open or lock your vehicle every day.