Many people have been locked out of their car at one point or another. It is not only inconvenient, but it can lead to lost productivity at work, missed appointments and even late birthday celebrations with family. In such cases, the services of an auto locksmith are essential to remedy the situation quickly. They also provide a variety of other valuable services, such as rekeying the ignition, cutting new keys and even replacing the ignition switch, depending on your vehicle’s needs.
Getting locked out of the vehicle is perhaps the most common reason for car locksmithing service calls. The locksmith can use various strategies to open the car without causing damage, which is especially important for older cars or those with expensive window tints. In some cases, the locksmith can simply insert a slim jim into the keyhole and then use leverage to pry open the lock. In more severe cases, the locksmith may need to remove the door panel and then take apart the lock from the inside.
Once the locksmith has gained entry to the vehicle, they can make a spare key or replace the key itself. Some modern cars also use a proximity key, which eliminates the need for a traditional blade and instead transmits a signal to the car’s computer that it is the correct key. A good automotive locksmith can also program these types of keys for customers, and can even remove old, lost keys from the system so that they cannot be used to start the car again.
When a customer calls for an automotive locksmith, they should always ask the locksmith what their rate is. The service call fee will vary, but the average charge is between $50 and $100. Often, the locksmith will be able to give you an estimate over the phone, but in some cases, they may need to see the vehicle before giving an estimate. If this is the case, the customer should be prepared to pay a small fee for inspection and diagnostics.
An automotive locksmith can also repair or replace an ignition switch, which is a complicated job that should only be done by someone with experience and the proper tools. When a car’s ignition switch is not functioning properly, the engine will not turn over, and you will not be able to start your vehicle. Usually, the problem is due to the fact that there is something wrong with the ignition coil, which an automotive locksmith should be able to diagnose and fix.
When you are choosing an automotive locksmith, be sure to find out whether they offer in-shop services (for those times when you want to duplicate a key or fix a problem that is not easily solved with mobile services) and also offers 24-hour emergency services for those times when your car breaks down in a bad neighborhood at night and you are stuck on the side of the road with a lockout crisis on your hands. Automotive locksmith services