Misplacing your car keys is one of the most worrisome and anxiety filled experiences you can have. It can be even worse if your key doesn’t work properly. This is when you need to call an auto locksmith chicago for help. A professional locksmith will be able to fix the problem quickly and easily. Lost Car Keys Car keys are one of the most commonly misplaced items and can cause anxiety when you can’t find them. Fortunately, it isn’t impossible to get them back and a professional locksmith can usually make you a new key on the spot. If you think your car keys have been stolen, it’s important to report them to the police immediately. You’ll also want to check places where you might have reached in for something. For example, if you’ve been carrying a backpack or purse, carefully examine every pocket and compartment for your keys. You can also try reaching in places you wouldn’t normally reach, such as the bottom of a bag. Most automotive locksmiths will ask you for your vehicle identification number (VIN) so they can determine which key corresponds with your specific vehicle. You’ll also need proof of ownership, such as the registration or title for your vehicle. A locksmith will often be able to reprogram your car’s immobilizer system, which can help prevent it from starting if the wrong key is used. Broken Car Keys It’s a car owner’s worst nightmare when their key breaks off in the lock or ignition. It can be difficult to get the key out without damaging the lock or ignition cylinder, and even professional locksmiths can’t guarantee a safe extraction. If you can’t afford to call a locksmith, try some home repairs before resorting to force or extreme methods of removal. Some of these fixes involve common household items such as a paper clip or safety pin. Others involve purchasing specialty tools like a key extractor. To remove a broken key from the ignition, you can use a tool called a “key extractor” that’s available at most hardware and auto parts stores. The tool has a series of hooks or probes that grip and pull the broken end of the key. The tools also come in different sizes, so choose the one that’s a good fit for your car key. Alternatively, you can use a pair of tweezers or pliers that are thin enough to reach inside the keyway and grab the key fragments. Locked Out of Your Car We’ve all been there: You’re rushing to get into your car after a long day at work and you see that you locked the keys inside. You frantically search your pockets or purse, but the keys are nowhere to be found. With your nerves frayed, you dig under your seat and crawl around the trunk but to no avail. If you’re lucky, your car has a push-button unlock or similar feature that you can press to pop the lock open, but many cars require a more complicated method of opening. In these cases, a locksmith is the best choice. Roadside assistance services like AAA are another option, as they often include vehicle lockout services for a flat rate, depending on your membership level. Many automakers also have services you can call for help, such as GM’s OnStar service, Mercedes-Benz’s Mbrace and Hyundai Blue Link. These services can be costly, though. Ultimately, the safest option is to contact 911. They can send police to the scene, which can sometimes open your car’s door or, if not, they will call a tow truck on your behalf. Car Key Replacement You’re loading your groceries into the trunk of your car, only to realize you forgot your keys. You search through your purse, pockets, and bags, but it’s no use. Your keys are gone, and now you’re locked out of your car! This is a stressful situation, but don’t panic. You can call an auto locksmith chicago to help you out. How much will a locksmith charge for car key replacement? It depends on a number of factors. First, the year, make, and model of your vehicle will determine the cost. Also, the type of key you have will affect the price. The most expensive are remote key fobs, which require special equipment to program. A good way to save money on a new key is to find a company online that sells aftermarket replacement keys for your vehicle at a fraction of the dealership cost. However, you’ll need to have the key number and immobilizer code in order to get a working replacement. chicago locksmith car keys
