What Can An Auto Locksmith Do?

When many people think an auto locksmith they think "unlock my car" if I'm locked out. But you might be surprised that an auto locksmith can do so much more! They create new keys (key cutting and re-keying), they can remove a broken key from your car ignition and replace locks on your car door as well as the ignition system.

The locksmith industry has become much more complex over the past 10 years due to all of the technological advances in security systems for vehicles. Auto locksmiths must have special training to keep up within the industry and to successfully unlock, rekey, reprogram, and replace locks on cars and ignition systems. Below are some of the details of what an auto locksmith can do, and some of the specialty services they offer.

So, what are some of these specialty services? 

A primary specialty of an auto locksmith in Westminster lies in their mobile services. This means the locksmith will come arrive quickly and directly to your location. This can be especially helpful when you're stranded in some parking lot and need to be somewhere else fast. Fast mobile locksmith service in Westminster is highly appreciated by customers that need an auto locksmith when they're inconveniently locked out of their car at some random location. A second locksmith specialty offered by an auto locksmith requires in-shop services which include duplicating a car key or solving a related issue. Keep in mind that a locksmith is almost always cheaper than the dealership, which charges exponentially for these auto services.

Auto locksmiths primarily work with two kinds of keys. First is the traditional key. It is not attached to a fob or electrical piece. These keys are not complicated to make and are just like a typical house key- it's quite simple to get a duplicate or make a new car key from this kind of key.  

Things can be more complex when it comes to the key known as a key fob. Some fobs are also a transponder key, which means that they contain a chip that is uniquely programmed to a specific car. Many of these keys are also transponder keys, meaning that they have a chip that is programmed uniquely to that car.

If the ignition can read the code programmed into the chip, then your car will start. If not, you'll need a auto locksmith that can duplicate just the key part of the key fob. There is an increasing number of transponder keys and keyless ignition fobs that don't allow you to lock your keys in the car while that key is in the vehicle. Regardless, we recommend that you have a duplicate key in case of an emergency. 

Because car keys experience natural wear they can snap of due to a sudden wrong turn. Even if this is not very common, it can happen and requires a locksmith to retrieve the key from the ignition, otherwise known as key extraction.

It can be hard to remove a broken car key because it usually breaks at a place where the crevices of the thin part of the key are exposed. An auto locksmiths must use a key extraction tool that attaches to these crevices to remove the key successfully. This kit is specially designed to be used by a locksmith, who can use the special tools to grasp both sides of the key. Trained locksmiths will have the tools necessary to extract the key from your ignition.

We strongly suggest that you never try to extract the key yourself. If you damage your ignition in the attempt, you can be looking at a much higher cost of work to be done. 

If you hire an experienced locksmith in Westminster, they will know how to reprogram your transponder key. Because of the increasing number of transponder keys and ignition fobs, locksmiths now have access to training in how to not only reprogram many kinds of these keys, but also make an entirely new programmed key, so that you can get back in your vehicle, or have an extra key for emergencies which we highly recommend.  

5. Fixing or replacing ignition switches  see our article titled "Can a Locksmith Replace my Car Ignition?"

An auto locksmith can fix and replace car ignitions. Often, the problem with the ignition is with the cylinder that you put the key into. Sometimes, the ignition needs an entire replacement (wiring and all). An auto locksmith can do that too. It's important to mention that because car ignitions can be specific to brand and model, your car locksmith might not be able to replace the ignition right then and there. Parts may need to be ordered and the repair completed at the shop. In a situation such as this, a car locksmith may be able to get your car running so you can get to where you need to be. 

An experienced Auto Locksmith is capable of replacing car door or trunk locks as well. It can be expected, with normal wear and tear, that locks simply wear down and become ineffective or non responsive to your key over time. To maintain the reliable security of your vehicle, have your locks replaced every so often to keep them in good working order.

Call Locksmith Westminster for all your auto locksmith needs!