There was a time when unlocking a car meant inserting the key in the door and the engine. It was pretty straightforward but it also meant an easy target for car thefts. To secure cars, their locking mechanism became complicated. Now, all it takes is a button press to unlock doors or start the engine. Although additional security measures are excellent, the true issue arises when anything goes wrong in these locking mechanisms.
Previously, all you needed to do when you lost or misplaced the key was to get a car key duplication to get inside your vehicle. Even now, you may enter the car easily, but turning on the ignition requires you to contact a professional locksmith. Getting inside the car is easy but decoding the microchip of your smart key to start the engine isn’t! That’s where skilled automotive locksmith services come into the picture.
Who is an automotive locksmith?
An automotive locksmith is a skilled technician who repairs and services automotive locking and security systems and provides solutions. You usually require automotive locksmith services when you lose or misplace the keys or get yourself locked out of the car.
An automotive locksmith provides a wide range of services ranging from car key duplication, car unlock services, and car key replacement to car key fob programming . They specialize in the installation, repair, and maintenance of locks and security systems for vehicles.
When will you need automotive locksmith services?
An automotive locksmith does not just provide car unlock services but much beyond them.
1. Opening locked car doors
How does a locksmith open a car door? Simple, they use special tools for it. They are skilled car unlock services and they can open any vehicle doors without any damage to it. The tools used to open the door can vary from wedges, and slim jim, to a good long-reach tool. If your car key gets locked inside the car, a locksmith figures out the radio signal code and unlocks the car for you.
2. Cutting keys
Losing or misplacing the keys of the car is common even if it’s not frequent. With fob keys or transponder chips, a makeshift pin will not always work. Here’s where an automotive locksmith understands the mechanism and cracks the code. This helps them cut the key.
3. Replacing keys
Yes, if your car has the traditional lock & key mechanism, the locksmith can provide a car key replacement. They are professionals in figuring out the shape of your key and unlocking the door for you.
4. Repairing locks
Your vehicle lock can get damaged for various reasons. They might be old & rusty or get broken or damaged due to snow, excess heat, or humidity. Any forced entry into the vehicle may also damage its lock mechanism. So, whether it is the traditional lock or the remote lock, automotive locksmith services are whom you should contact in such cases.
5. Fixing broken keys
Here’s one more instance when car key duplication may be necessary. Sometimes a key gets stuck in the hole or gets chipped off when you apply extreme or faulty pressure when unlocking the vehicle. In such cases, a locksmith can remove the broken key from the vehicle’s lock. They use a door handle clip removal tool to take out the retainer clip that locks the vehicle’s door handle to the door. Next, they cut up a new key for you.
6. Car key fob programming
If you lose or damage your key fobs, you’ll need to have new keys made and reprogrammed. A preset blank chip is reprogrammed and put inside the new car key so that it matches the current signal settings of your vehicle receiver. This will allow you to access and start the car once again. This car key fob programming service can be availed of only by specialized automotive locksmith services.
7. Fixing alarm systems
Alarms in vehicles commonly known as immobilizers ensure safety from thefts and intrusions. But a locksmith can help if the alarm system malfunctions or stops working. They use a technique called immobilizer re-flashing to start your vehicle.
Can a locksmith make a car key without the original?
Yes, professional automotive services offer car key duplication for both traditional keys and key fobs. The conventional keys are pretty easy to duplicate. A skilled locksmith can make a car key without the original. Such situations occur when you have lost or misplaced the original key.
Can a locksmith open a keyless car?
Yes, but it gets a little challenging when a fob is attached to the key. This fob is programmed to its corresponding car. They use RFID sensors to activate the engine ignition and car doors. The key can be easily duplicated but the fob needs to be reprogrammed. For making a key, they use a key analyzer or a VATS passkey decoder to determine the electrical resistance values of the car. They then use a mechanical code key cutter to make a precise duplicate key without the original.
A car key fob programming technique requires the locksmith to access the car’s receiver code and get it to recognize the new transponder. They then manufacture a new key fob by programming it for the car
Wrapping Up
As you can see, an automotive locksmith can do all kinds of things to help you get inside the car, start the ignition, and ensure its safety. They unlock vehicles safely without damaging them. If you find yourself in a situation where you are locked out of the car, contact us to help you out so you’re back on the road in no time.
If you need an experienced automotive locksmith service for Phoenix, then look no further than Desert Locksmith. Our skilled locksmiths will be happy to perform everything from car unlock services to car key duplication and car key fob programming. We are just a call away from you.