This Week's Most Popular Stories Concerning Vehicle Key Repairs

Vehicle Key Repairs It's frustrating when your car's key isn't turning in the ignition. But it's usually easy to fix. It may be as simple as lubricating the lock cylinder, which permits the pins to drop properly. The use of silicone-based lubricant can also stop dirt particles from getting accumulated in the lock. Transponder Keys A transponder key, also known as”chip” key, or “chip” key, has an electronic micro-chip built into the head of the plastic car key. While it's more difficult to duplicate keys with transponders than a traditional metal one, the majority of locksmiths in the area are still able to do it. They'll use a specific tool and the chip in your car to duplicate the pre-programmed key for your car. The engine will start when the transponder key is put into the ignition. The transponder key transmits a signal which must match the vehicle's identification code. This technology deters theft by making it almost impossible for thieves hot wire your vehicle to start it and drive away. Most modern vehicles have a transponder system which is why you'll likely require a transponder key repair specialist if yours isn't working properly. Transponder keys are designed to be difficult to steal and protect your car's valuable contents. They can't be copied with the same ease as a mechanical one, and a lot of car brands have anti-theft devices that shut down the engine of your car if a non-transponder key is used. Transponder keys were used for decades to prevent car theft. Previously, car thieves would simply connect two wires to the ignition and turn the engine – this was known as “hot wiring” and it was very simple to do. General Motors' Transponder Key was introduced in 1985 and made it more difficult for car thieves to take vehicles. It's a good idea even though these key systems have stopped a lot of car thefts, to ensure that the security of your vehicle examined frequently. If your key isn't working properly or it has become damaged in some way, you should contact your local Mesa auto locksmith to get it repaired as soon as possible. They'll be able to help protect your vehicle from thieves, and give you back your peace of mind. Smart Keys Keys Some cars come with smart keys that are more sophisticated than a traditional car key. They are able to unlock your doors and turn on the engine without ever needing to be inserted into a lock or turn the ignition. They also provide security and convenience features that will save you time and money. Smart keys communicate with your car via the radio frequency identification system also known as RFID. A special antenna on your vehicle reads a signal from the key fob when it is within the range. The signal contains a unique code that your car recognizes and allows it to open the doors or start the engine. This technology lets you secure the trunk and doors with a simple button push even if the key fob in the vehicle is not there. This system is designed to guard your vehicle from theft. If the computer inside your vehicle detects a signal from an invalid keyfob it will transmit an encrypted code in a different format and trigger a security alert. It will also stop the engine from starting, making it very difficult to take your vehicle. In most cases, if you lose your smart key, it's best to contact your dealership to get a replacement, rather than attempting to replace it yourself. To make a new key, the dealer will need evidence of ownership and identity. They will often assist you to obtain one faster than a locksmith. However, there are exceptions. If you have a special key that is expensive or difficult to replace, a dealership could be your only alternative. In these cases you might be capable of saving money by visiting your local locksmith instead of the dealership. It used to be an issue losing a car key. It was even necessary to return to the dealer. Nowadays, replacing keys for cars is now an easier procedure. If your keys have been lost or are not working, the skilled Pop-Alock team can offer a quick solution to help you avoid any additional costs. Remote Fobs Many vehicles come with keys that allow you to start your car and lock the doors and access other features. Like all electronic devices, there are times when they're prone to problems. However the majority of the time it's nothing serious and can be fixed with relative ease. If your car's key fob is acting up, replacing the battery should be the first step. You can usually find a YouTube video on the internet that walks you through the process step-by-step. If replacing the battery does not work, you can try other methods. Examine car key fob repairs near me on your key fob. The buttons can become loose or broken when they are frequently used and tossed around frequently. If you're familiar with electronics, you can try soldering the buttons back in place or replace them entirely. A issue with your vehicle's receiver is another reason that may be a problem. The key fob sends signals to the receiver to open the car or to start it but if the signal is interrupted for any reason, it will not work. The receiver also has the potential to stop working if the battery in your key fob fail or are replaced. Your fob may need to be reprogrammed. The smart key systems in your vehicle rely on the transmitter in the fob and the receiver to recognize each other with a code that is unique to your vehicle. The code is changed every time the fob is used, which prevents attackers from cloning or hacking the signals and getting into your vehicle. If your fob fails to function and you're in the middle of nowhere take a spare along with you so you can still unlock your car and return home safely. This will also give you an extra backup in the event that your main fob stops working in the near future, so you don't get stuck in a remote location. While having a spare fob may seem like an unnecessary expense however, it can help you from the stress and inconvenience of being stuck without a way to start your vehicle or get home. Having one can also save you the expense of having call for a locksmith or gaining entry to your vehicle if you get locked out.