Services Offered By Locksmiths Automotive
Locksmiths automotive offer a range of services that will save you time and money. They can assist in getting locked out of cars, fix locks and even provide single-key access to homes and businesses.
Locksmiths can also recode the key fobs for newer vehicles without traditional metal keys. This requires specialized equipment to reprogram the code on the chip in the car key.
Duplicate and Replacement Car Keys
One of the most common services that auto locksmiths offer is creating duplicate or replacement keys for cars. Losing your keys can be very difficult especially at the gas station while you're trying to pay for your fuel, or at the grocery store when you're filling up your trunk. A spare key is also helpful in the event you are unable to get yourself locked out of your car.
Modern cars have transponder chip embedded in the keys. These chips are used to identify the car and start it when you insert the key into the ignition. Locksmiths are able to create a replacement key for an older vehicle that has an easy, double-edged key. They'll only need the year and model of your vehicle and the VIN number (which you'll typically find on the dashboard or in your engine bay or locate it on your registration or insurance documents).
For more advanced models, however the procedure can be a bit more complicated. In this instance the locksmith needs to first get the key's cuts out of the cylinder, then take the key apart and restore it. The locksmith will have to employ a specific programming tool to match the key with the information stored in the chip. This is where it could be more expensive than cutting a simple key, but it's much less expensive than the price of a replacement dealer original.
In some cases the only way to replace a lost key for the car with an electronic push-start system is to go to the dealership. This is because only a dealer has access to the tools and software required to reprogram a new key for your specific car. If you contact a locksmith, they may not be able to do this for you, but they should be able tell you whether or not you should go to a dealer as your best option. They'll also likely cost less than a dealer would, and they will generally complete the work on site.
Installation of a single-key entry
If you're in the market for a high-security system that prevents unauthorized duplication of keys and blocks access to sensitive areas, you can get the most effective solution from a locksmith who is an authorized Medeco (ASSA ABLOY) Master Key Center. These systems are ideal for companies who require strict security standards and reporting as well as for those who have sensitive information or valuable assets to safeguard.
This kind of system utilizes a cutting-edge bar code technology, similar to the ones you see on the products, that has an individual, unique barcode for each lock. The code is read upon entry and recognized by the system to open the lock. This allows for an extremely secure entry without the requirement for electronic readers or a complicated IT configuration.
Repair or replacement of the locks on car doors
Many people need to have their car door locks repaired or replaced. This could be due to normal wear and tear or being locked out of your vehicle. Sometimes, it's because they're not working correctly. If you are in this type of situation, it is best to call a locksmith to have the lock fixed rather than trying to fix it yourself. This could result in spending more money or making the problem more difficult.
If you can get into your car through a different door and have an automatic lock you can use a tool to wedge the lock cylinder into. It can be dangerous when you don't know what you're planning to do. Also, if your car has an alarm, it could be dangerous. You should do this in a safe area where you won't be seen by your neighbors or anyone else.
You can also attempt to enter the vehicle by removing the inside side panel of the door that has the malfunctioning lock. The process varies by vehicle model, but the basic idea is to remove any hardware that holds the door handle plate or panel in the right position. Once this is done find the lock control rod and un-clip it with an ax or long-handled screwdriver. You can then move the lock control up and down to jiggle it, and then see if you can free it.
If this isn't working, try using a wire hanger or a piece of thin metal to wedge the lock open. If you're doing this in public, it can look like you're trying to take someone else's car. This is a crime. If you do not feel at ease doing this, it's better to just call locksmiths to fix the broken lock or replace it entirely.
Certain organizations, such as AAA which offers a free lockout service for their members. If you're a member of AAA, technicians can visit you to help you. They'll have specific tools that are specifically designed for use on cars that are usually less expensive than hiring a locksmith to provide the same service.
Reprogramming Electronic Key Fobs
If your vehicle has an elaborate security system, and remote key fobs instead of traditional keys, you'll need a locksmith who has special equipment to work on these vehicles. This equipment lets the locksmith plug directly into your car's computers and use software to program your remote key or proximity.
The process for this is generally simple. The reprogramming procedure depends on the model of your car. You should also be aware that reprogramming your car will erase any existing key fobs that you have programmed. You'll have to change any other keyfobs you have as soon as you finish the reprogramming procedure. This will ensure that existing key fobs won't be accidentally erased during the process.
Another service that many locksmiths provide is to reset your car's security system following the loss or theft of a key fob. Many vehicles employ a "handshake process that involves the key fob as well as the vehicle and the key fob to open the door and start their engines. automotive door lock repair G28 is designed to block other key fobs from getting access to your vehicle by capturing the signal and attempting to match it with an older, previously registered one.
A knowledgeable and skilled locksmith is able to reprogram the key fobs of most automobile models. They can also assist in reprogramming other electronic key fobs such as door locks or home alarm systems.
Some people attempt to hack their car by using a tool dubbed a slim Jim, but this is only applicable to older models. With newer vehicles that utilize key fobs for opening the doors, these tools are no longer useful. A locksmith can bypass these sensors with the VATS code detector. It is a software application that allows a locksmith to reprogram your key fob's code. This allows the locksmith to create an identical copy or clone of the original key fob, which is then paired with your vehicle.