Category: Locksmith

One of the most frustrating things that can happen to any driver is losing their car keys. Not only does this render the vehicle unusable, but the process of getting a copy can be long and complicated, especially if you have no idea how to handle the situation.

Luckily, there are professionals at the ready who handle this sort of thing: locksmiths. If you’ve locked yourself out, don’t panic! Pat your pockets and check your bags. If you still haven’t been able to find your keys, read on. This handy guide will help you handle getting a replacement key for your vehicle.

The different types of car keys

Different car models often have different car keys, and as such require different solutions. It can depend on the manufacturer or the year that the car came out. In any case, here is a list of specific solutions to the different types of keys:

> Traditional car keys. A locksmith should be able to make you a new key right on the spot, but older or unusual vehicles might require contacting the dealer for a new key and ignition lock cylinder.

> Car key fob. Your key is still a viable option in this case, but you may have to buy a new fob. There are plenty of products that are easily programmable.

> Transponder key. People who don’t carry a spare will have to call the dealership and have their vehicle towed. Make sure to have your proof of ownership on your person when you arrange this.
Car key fob and switchblade key. Your local dealership can provide you with a new key and fob. You may be able to order this online as well if you are in no rush.

> Smart key. If you do not possess a backup key, you will have to ask your car to be towed to the dealership. You will be provided with a new key which will then be paired with your vehicle.

What if I have to move my car?

If your car happens to be blocking a driveway or obstructing other vehicles in a similar way, you might have to move it before the locksmith or tow truck arrives. Luckily, there is a general procedure that is applicable to most vehicles that can keep your moving parts safe while you push it. Follow this process to prevent damaging your internal mechanisms while moving your vehicle:

1. Put up wheel blocks

This can prevent your car from rolling and causing injury or maybe even fatalities. Even with the handbrake on, it is still possible for a vehicle to continue rolling along. As such, it is important to have wheel blocks ready. If you do not have any, a pair of large rocks will work as a temporary solution.

2. Find the transmission

With the help and supervision of a friend, it shouldn’t be too hard to find the transmission under your vehicle. You may need a flashlight to find the transmission, which is usually near the engine. We reiterate, let a friend help with this process as it can be dangerous.

3. Find the cable

Disable the transmission by finding the cable that runs alongside it. The right cable will be connected to a switch. Disconnect this cable and push the switch backwards until the second click. This level should be pushed towards the back, and not the front. Once you have done this, you should be able to move your vehicle safely.

4. Push and move the car

After you’re safely out from under the vehicle, remove the wheel blocks and push the vehicle to a safe location.

In conclusion

Losing your keys is always an inconvenience, but luckily there are procedures in place for its replacement. Sometimes, the problem can be solved by a locksmith, but other times you will need the professional help of your local dealership. Whatever the case may be, make sure to take the right steps to ensure your safety and the safety of others through these procedures.

Automatic car remotes have become ubiquitous worldwide. These remotes function entirely differently from traditional car keys, and in many ways, they’re an excellent technological upgrade. However, many owners realize the biggest drawback of the car remote only when the worst occurs—when they are locked out of their car.
 
The automatic locking mechanism of nearly every modern vehicle cannot be fiddled with by anyone but a professional locksmith. So if you lose your car remote for any reason, what are your options? How do you replace a car remote and program it to work on your specific vehicle?
 
Replacing an Automatic Car Remote
 
Once upon a time, car owners could just walk into any key duplicating store and make as many copies of their car keys as they wanted. Those days are long over, and automatic car remotes have made life just a little bit more complicated for car owners, dealers, and repair shops alike.
 
If your car’s model is more than five years old, there’s a good chance you will be able to buy a generic remote in online stores. Once the remote fob is delivered to you, you can then take it to a local dealer or repair shop for programming. A locksmith or mechanic may offer you a much better price than a new car dealer.
 
If you need to replace a key, check your car’s warranty and insurance policy to see if replacement key fobs are covered. You may be able to get partial reimbursement.
 
Programming Car Remotes
 
When it comes to programming a new remote for your car, you have several options. It’s technically possible to do it yourself, and there are many comprehensive online resources you can use, especially if your vehicle is more than ten years old.
 
If you can’t find a specific programming guide for your vehicle, it’s time to turn to professionals for full-service replacement, reprogramming, and invalidating all existing remotes. Most programming services cover multiple remotes so you can make several copies for your vehicle.
 
Here are some car remote programming options to choose from:
 
1. Local Repair Shop
 
Auto parts stores likely have personnel with the necessary expertise to replace and reprogram remote fobs. You can order your parts through them or acquire them on your own, depending on their pricing model. These stores likely offer just about any reprogramming service you need, and you’ll have the option for return or replacement if the product doesn’t work.
 
2. Car Dealership
 
If your car was manufactured in the last three to five years, you might not have any other choice but to go to a local car dealership to replace a lost car remote. More and more modern vehicle parts are not available to third-party sellers, and owners are forced to go to their local dealership for everything they need. This is the most expensive option on this list, but you are assured of a programmable fully functioning remote within a few minutes.
 
3. Locksmith
 
Auto locksmiths have the training, experience, and equipment to unlock your vehicle and offer solutions to all your car remote problems. The best part is that they can come to your location and program your new remote on-site.
 
Conclusion
 
Modern car remotes are notoriously difficult to replace and reprogram if you ever lose them. Fortunately, there are several options available for most car owners, especially if your vehicle is a little bit older. If you’ve been locked out of your car, you can call your local locksmith for remote unlocking and reprogramming services.
 
MobileMechanicBids can help you find all kinds of mobile vehicle services, including car wash and detailing, dent repair, oil change, and locksmith services. If you’re looking for a local, affordable locksmith for your lock emergencies, we can quickly connect you to a professional to solve all your problems. Contact us for a free bid today!

You’ve hit snooze on your morning alarm five times more than you should’ve, and now you’re late for an important meeting. Satchel in hand and your piping hot coffee in another, you realize you have no idea where you last left your car keys. In a hurry, you have no choice but to enlist the help of a qualified local locksmith.

All that in mind, lost keys aren’t the only reason you may have to find a local mobile locksmith to help you gain access to your vehicle. If you’ve experienced any of the circumstances below, a locksmith may become a lifesaver.

Situation 1 – You’ve Lost Your Keys

“I’ve lost my keys and can’t get into my car,” is something your locksmith has probably heard upwards of a thousand times. Whether you dropped them at the supermarket or can’t remember which drawer you left them in, calling up a locksmith will save you time. They may even hand you over a cheap copy.

Situation 2 – You’ve Left Your Keys in the Car

In the middle of your commute to work, you get out of your car to hurriedly grab a much-needed on-the-go Espresso, only to realize you’ve left your keys in the ignition.

Once again, a local locksmith can come to the rescue, and you’ll only have to shell out a couple of bucks for door opening services. The only bummer will be thinking about how your keys were right in front of your eyes—you just couldn’t get to them yourself.

Situation 3 – Your Key is Broken

As far as car key mishaps go, a twisted key is the most frustrating. If you’ve shattered or cracked your car keys while twisting the door lock, repairing them yourself is nearly impossible. Your spare key is useless in this scenario—its bottom half is still in the keyhole!

Your locksmith will pull the remainder of your key from the hole with a toolkit and magnet and fix you another copy.

Situation 4 – Your Vehicle is Second-Hand

Purchasing a used car leaves a high probability that it will only come with one set of keys. Without a spare set, it can become inconvenient for you to share your (almost) new set of wheels with a friend or family member.

As per usual, your mobile locksmith can set you up with a copy. Even if you aren’t splitting usage with a partner or roommate, it never hurts to have a spare—you never know when you’ll experience any of the other three key-related accidents!

Conclusion

Nobody wants to have to call up a locksmith—everyone wants to believe they’re competent enough not to misplace their keys or forget them in the ignition. However, some mornings are just tough, especially when you’re already running late or managing a bustling household.

If you’re having car key problems, MobileMechanicBids.com is the mobile locksmith solution for you. Revolutionizing the way auto care professionals connect with local clients, drivers experiencing car trouble can get bids from multiple local locksmiths—all for FREE.

On our website, simply select the service you need and fill out the form or just give us a call to have an agent help submit the request. Local locksmith providers will then submit bids, allowing you to choose someone who can provide services that are affordable and within your time constraints. After a confirmation, they will head promptly to your location and get you back on the road in no time!