Car keys are essential for any vehicle. Without them, you won’t be able to use your car. This is why damaged, malfunctioning, or lost car keys can be inconvenient and a security risk because you can’t access your vehicle. Fortunately, you can quickly replace or repair car keys in today’s modern world.
According to carkeyrescueperth and similar online resources, nobody has the time to waste and wait for new car keys. Whether you need your vehicle to buy groceries, go to work, or take your children to school, you’d want a perfectly working car key immediately. And this is made possible with the help of a reliable locksmith service provider.
However, not all broken or damaged car keys need instant replacement. Sometimes, car keys can be repaired which will save you money from getting a new replacement. If you’re unsure about replacing or repairing your car keys, read below to know more.
When To Replace Your Car Keys
If a car key is irreparable, the best solution you should consider is a replacement. One of the primary benefits of car key replacement is that you can guarantee extra security if you’ve misplaced your car key or lost it. A new car key replacement will help prevent theft or break-in.
To know when to opt for a car key replacement service, read below:
- If You Lose Your Car Key
Losing a car key can be frustrating, especially if you’re clueless about where you lost it. While you’re lucky if you have a spare key, you may have to look for car key replacement options if you don’t have one.
One of the best car key replacement options is to contact your car dealership. Dealers are familiar with your vehicle and know the right key. Alas, it can be the most expensive option.
If your budget is tight and you need emergency car key replacement services, your best option is to call a locksmith. These professionals can replace your car keys immediately and you can hit the road in no time.
- If You Want To Boost Your Car’s Security
Transponder keys are the standard for most car manufacturers, but these were only used in the last few decades. If you own an old vehicle, especially a restored vintage car, consider upgrading your car lock and replacing your car keys. While vintage cars have a lot of charms, their original locks are easy to break, making them prone to theft.
- If Your Current Car Keys Are Worn Out
Using car keys often puts them at risk of wear and tear. As time passes, the key’s threads will degrade until it reaches the point when it won’t work on your car lock or ignition.
While you don’t have to worry about a few dings and cuts on car keys, they may become bigger. If your car keys are losing threads, have a locksmith replace them. Besides, it’s always great to plan for a replacement before your car keys fail.
- If You’re Using Aftermarket Car Keys
An aftermarket car key is much cheaper than considering a replacement key. Although aftermarket keys will help you enjoy savings, you should understand the dangers associated with such keys. In addition, if your car keys aren’t working, an aftermarket car key must be the last thing you would want to consider.
Once you opt for an aftermarket car key and forget about reprogramming it, you’ll likely experience a malfunctioning car key. Aftermarket items are usually a great place to get assorted automotive products and spare parts. Yet these parts might not be specifically designed for your vehicle, so additional work needs to be done. It’s the reason you must always ensure your aftermarket car key is appropriately paired and programmed to your vehicle.
If you don’t want to experience inconvenience from using aftermarket car keys, it’s best to look for professional car key replacement services. Locksmiths can ensure your car keys are cut properly and programmed for your vehicle.
It’s often challenging to decide whether or not to replace your car keys. If you encounter the above situations, don’t think twice about considering car key replacement services and let the pros do the work for you.
When To Repair Car Keys
A replacement isn’t always the solution when you encounter issues with your car keys. Even if the problem is because of using the car key, it can be disguising another more serious issue.
If you don’t want to replace your car keys, here are the things to know when repairs are more necessary than a replacement:
- If You Have A Damaged Car Lock
If your car key doesn’t work when you try to unlock your vehicle, there’s a possibility that it’s due to a damaged lock. There are two primary parts of car door locks: lock assembly and lock cylinder.
You can tell which of these is broken through trial and error. For example, insert the car key and check if it turns. Once it turns without opening the lock, there can be an issue with your lock assembly. If you’re using a working key fob to open your vehicle’s door, but the key won’t open that same door, there’s a possibility that the issue lies with your lock cylinder.
Locks may also be blocked by debris and dirt. In extreme temperatures, car door locks may also freeze. The locks could be damaged due to the impact if you’ve been in a collision. Such problems aren’t the result of typical wear and tear and may affect new car locks.
In this case, you don’t need a car key replacement. Instead, you need to call a locksmith or bring your vehicle to the nearest car dealership to install a new car lock. You may also need to reprogram or repair your car key to work perfectly with the newly replaced car lock.
- If You Have Worn Out Key Fob Batteries
There are different types of car keys, and one of these is a key fob. Most modern vehicles have car key fobs for keyless entry. Unfortunately, signaling issues are common for key fobs. It likely occurs due to dead or low batteries. Once it happens, the best solution is a car key repair.
You can repair your car key fobs by replacing the batteries. If you notice your vehicle isn’t responding to the signals and commands being sent from your key fob, you need new batteries.
To look for a specific battery for a key fob, check your vehicle’s user manual. Several manuals will provide you with basic guidelines to help you fix your car key and change the batteries.
If you can’t find the manual, you can browse online and visit the manufacturer’s website. Car key remote and key fob batteries can be found in automotive stores or local hardware stores.
Once you change the batteries properly, your key fob will be good as new. However, if your car key is still not working even after replacing the batteries, you should get a new one from a locksmith or car dealership.
- If There’s An Internal Damage To Your Car Key Remote Or Key Fob
A key fob depends on communication between a receiver and a transmitter. If one of these is malfunctioning, it means your car keys won’t work as intended. If there’s something wrong with your vehicle’s internal electronics or damage to the transmitter or receiver, your car key won’t work.
In some cases, such elements can be damaged due to frayed wires. Other times, damaged internal wiring can be due to external damage to your car or key fob. Damage may also arise from something as simple as dropping car keys and knocking your key fob’s internal component.
An excellent fix for internal damage to key fobs is not a replacement but a car key repair that must be handled by your car dealership or auto locksmith near you. Since professionals know the internal components of key fobs, they can help you get them fixed immediately. If it’s beyond repairs, professionals may recommend you get a replacement.
These are some of the many instances when you need a car key repair instead of a replacement. To get your car keys fixed appropriately, call a locksmith and never try to repair them on your own if you don’t want to spend more on getting a replacement.
What’s The Best Option For You: Repair Or Replace Your Car Keys
You can replace or repair your car keys depending on your situation. For example, you can look for a replacement if your car keys are severely damaged and can’t be repaired.
If the damage to your car keys is minor, you may hire a locksmith to repair it for you. While you can try to fix your car keys yourself, the cost of hiring a locksmith is worth it. Besides, highly experienced locksmiths have expertise in car key repairs.
6 Tips When Choosing A Reliable Auto Locksmith
Regardless of your situation, whether you got locked out of your car or lost your car key, working with a locksmith can help resolve your car key repair or replacement issues is always an excellent idea. A reliable auto locksmith is equipped with special skills and tools to get the work done. Though it’s essential to remember that not all of them are the same.
While some auto locksmiths always aim to deliver quality services, others may only waste your time and money. To prevent that, here are some of the tips for choosing the best auto locksmith in your area:
- Check The License
Before you sign a contract or finalize your decision, ensure your chosen locksmith has a license. A license guarantees that the locksmith can be trusted and will provide quality services.
Aside from that, licensed locksmiths follow industry standards and do the job with professionalism in mind. So, don’t be shy to ask about the license if you don’t want to get poor-quality services.
- Ask About Insurance
When it comes to choosing a reliable auto locksmith, insurance is a vital consideration. Insured services will give you financial protection from possible damage that may happen while locksmiths do their job.
- Ask For Cost Estimates
It’s essential to ask for cost estimates before hiring auto locksmith services. Estimated costs will help you determine how much you need to spend for car key repair or replacement. Estimates can also give you an idea of which options are more affordable.
Often, reliable locksmiths provide approximate cost estimates and provide more details if there are additional fees. If your preferred locksmith didn’t provide estimates, it’s a red flag, and you should look for other locksmiths who are more trustworthy.
- Opt For Local Locksmiths
There’s nothing more frustrating than getting locked out of your car in an unfamiliar place. So, opt for local auto locksmiths if you don’t want to waste your precious time.
Hiring locksmiths from other regions doesn’t make sense in an emergency situation unless you’re willing to wait several hours. With local locksmiths, you can guarantee they’ll arrive at your location immediately to fix your problem and save you time.
- Ask Around
When searching for a good locksmith who can help with your car key repair and replacement needs, asking around can be of great help. Ask your family, friends, or colleagues about the locksmiths they’ve worked with.
Hiring someone recommended by your family or friends can save you time and money from hiring the wrong locksmiths. So, ask around if you want to get your car keys replaced or repaired in no time.
- Read Reviews
Another trick when selecting a locksmith is to read reviews online. Most locksmiths have websites and social media accounts. If you have time, read their current or previous clients’ comments or feedback to know their industry reputation.
Choosing a locksmith to repair or replace your car keys isn’t always easy, especially if several options surround you. Follow the abovementioned tips, and you’ll find a dependable auto locksmith for your needs.
Final Thoughts
Car keys are crucial for every vehicle owner. So, whenever a car key isn’t working properly, it can be a hassle. Taking the time to read the guide above will help you determine whether to repair or replace your car keys. If you’re still confused with the options available, consult a trusted locksmith immediately to know what’s best for your needs.
