Locksmiths who specialize in cars offer a broad array of services to their clients. However, what are the most frequently requested services? Being a specialized field within the locksmithing sector, these automotive locksmith deal with various types of vehicles, including cars, vans, pickup trucks, and SUVs, focusing mainly on their key and lock mechanisms. This should help narrow down the list, but certain services are more frequently sought after than the rest.
Typical services offered by car key experts
Various issues can arise with your car’s locking mechanisms and keys, but certain problems are more prevalent among car owners in the US.
Car key experts are skilled in a broad range of tasks, but the services they offer most frequently include:
Emergency key extraction service
The leading reason drivers seek the help of car key experts is emergency key extraction. If you’ve ever found yourself locked out of your car, whether from misplacing the keys or forgetting them as you closed the door, reaching out to a car key expert is often the quickest and most effective solution. In almost all cases, except for emergencies that pose an immediate threat (such as a violent crime or children being trapped in the car), contacting a car key expert to unlock a vehicle will swiftly get you back on the road.
A study by AAA in 2014 revealed that almost one-third of Americans have encountered a car lockout situation at some point in their lives. The exact number of car lockouts is difficult to determine, but it’s estimated that around four million Americans lock themselves out of their cars annually.
You might view car lockout situations as more of a ‘reactive’ issue compared to preventive services, similar to those for homes or businesses. This is why many car key experts in the US are available 24/7 and can offer same-day services, as it’s a crucial and common service.
Replacing car keys & key sets
A frequently offered service by car key experts – which often overlaps with the first service mentioned (lockouts) – is the replacement of car keys. Losing or misplacing car keys can be a hassle, particularly if you don’t have a backup key available. Moreover, there are several security concerns if you’ve lost or misplaced your keys in a location where they could be stolen.
Thankfully, skilled car key experts can create and program various types of replacement car keys, duplicate car keys, key fobs, and physical keys for older vehicles or the trunk or glove compartment, for instance. This includes programming transponder keys with the vehicle’s immobilizer as well as programming advanced security keys for newer vehicles.
It’s important to note that some car key experts only offer key duplication and replacement services for the most popular domestic cars, as the process of duplicating car keys is quite different from laser-cutting a home key, for example. Indeed, a modern car key expert needs a lot of high-tech equipment costing hundreds of thousands of dollars to cut and duplicate keys for most makes and models.
Fixing ignition issues & ignition key replacements
If your car won’t start when you turn the key in the ignition, there could be several reasons for the problem. This might involve issues with the engine’s immobilizer, the transponder chip in your key, or problems with the physical key itself. Solving the issue is more complex than just ordering a new key – even if the problem is just the physical key, it will likely need to be reprogrammed to work with the vehicle’s immobilizer.
Car key experts offer a variety of ignition repair services, including fixing the pin and tumbler mechanisms in the ignition cylinder, removing the steering column to replace the ignition lock, and cutting new ignition keys, among other services.
While remote entry and ignition keyless start systems have gained popularity in recent years, the repair and replacement of ignition cylinders and keys are still in high demand for older vehicles and for some newer models as well.
Key programming for transponder keys
Transponder keys have transformed the way we think about car safety, and to this day, they remain the leading feature for preventing theft and enhancing security in vehicles across the US. Essentially, if your car was made between the mid-1990s and now, it’s likely equipped with some form of transponder key and immobilizer technology.
In a nutshell, transponder keys interact with your car’s computer, and when inserted into the ignition, they send a unique identification code to the computer. If this code matches the one recognized by the computer, the immobilizer is unlocked, allowing the car to start. If your transponder key isn’t working properly, automotive locksmith are skilled in fixing or replacing it.
The Vehicle Anti-Theft System (VATS), initially introduced by GM for the Corvette in 1985, has been a major success in reducing vehicle theft in the US. It quickly became the norm by the 1990s and early 2000s, with other manufacturers like Ford developing their versions such as the Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS). GM, for instance, has continuously improved VATS with newer anti-theft technologies like MATS and PASSLOCK. Regardless of their specific name, automotive locksmiths in the US often refer to all transponder key systems as VATS.
Repairing and replacing car door locks
Most of the services offered by automotive locksmiths focus on keys, and this is understandable since car locks are stationary, while keys are prone to loss, theft, or misplacement. However, car door lock repair is a common need for vehicles with broken or damaged locks.
Repair and replacement of locks are usually suggested or necessary when locks have been damaged by a break-in, have worn out, or when there’s a need for an upgrade. Installing locks on work vehicles like vans can be both practical and cost-effective. Additionally, many individuals who live on the road may wish to enhance the security of their ‘home’ by adding deadbolts, storage compartment locks, or other security features.
Should you consider employing an Auto locksmith?
The majority of individuals seek the services of a car locksmith due to necessity rather than desire. In today’s world, attempting to unlock your car without causing damage is either extremely difficult or impossible, especially if you’ve lost your car keys, for instance. Therefore, it’s advisable to contact a skilled car locksmith in your area to address the issue.
Opting for an Automotive locksmith over attempting to pry open your car door yourself is a wise decision, yet, understandably, you might have concerns about working with a locksmith in an emergency. Regrettably, there are a few dishonest individuals in the field who can tarnish the reputation of the entire profession. Moreover, numerous unqualified “locksmith” fraudsters employ deceptive tactics, such as the bait-and-switch scam, to take advantage of unsuspecting customers.
Seeking fast and budget-friendly Automotive locksmith services from a dependable Automotive locksmith in your area, opt for SLS Locksmith Services. Our group of Automotive locksmiths works throughout the entire United States.