An emergency auto locksmith is key (no pun intended) to have on hand. Whether you’ve lost your keys, shut them in your car, or your locks have been damaged, having a specialist helps you get back on the road quickly.
These days, car ownership is at a high. 2020 saw dramatically more households owning one or two cars. As such, an automotive locksmith will inevitably be busy.
Here are five ways an emergency auto locksmith can help you might not have thought about before.
Replacing lost, broken or stolen vehicle keys
Okay, let’s start with the most obvious. An emergency auto locksmith can cut you a new key (or set of keys) for your vehicle if your old one gets lost, broken or stolen.
Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to lose or misplace keys or have someone steal them. We’ll probably all be there at some point in our lives. With time or in accidents, metal can also warp and degrade. All these situations call for a new key.
There’s no need to fret. Call out a local emergency auto locksmith to get a new key cut and match the transponder frequency to your vehicle. This usually takes up to a day due to the complexities of vehicle theft prevention measures, although the locksmith will let you know a time estimate. If your key has no transponder, it’ll most likely be done while you wait in the shop.
Opening a locked car
Sometimes, car doors lock themselves with the key in the ignition. You might also suddenly find your key doesn’t work. Ideally, you could use your spare to open the doors, but if you don’t have one or are out shopping and don’t have it to hand, this might not be an option.
In this situation, you’ll need to call out an emergency auto locksmith. There are a few ways to get into your vehicle. At Grays Locksmiths in Nottingham, we use non-damaging lock-picking techniques to gently open your door, so you can get in. You might also need a new lock (see below).
Replace vehicle locks
Vehicle locks can break due to wear and tear, attempted break-ins, or trying to use a damaged key. In this case, they’ll need replacing. Expect this job to take up to an hour or two, depending on your model and whether the locksmith can access the cabin.
Call out an emergency auto locksmith to resolve this for you if you can’t access your car. If you can get in using the central locking system, driving your car to them often makes more sense.
Remove keys stuck in the ignition
Old or damaged keys can get stuck in the ignition. If this happens, it’s imperative to be gentle. Trying to force the key out could do irreparable damage to your ignition cylinder. This is a particularly pricy part to replace, so it should be avoided at all costs.
Instead, automotive locksmiths will use tried and tested techniques to gently remove the key without damage. You’re likely to need a new key at this stage (see above). Unfortunately, sometimes the damage has already been done to the ignition cylinder, and you’ll need to get a new one.
Spare key cutting and programming
Having a spare key is the best way to avoid needing to rely on emergency auto locksmiths. They’ll allow you to drive your car if you lose the original set and give you access if the doors automatically lock you out. If a friend needs to borrow your car, you can lend them the spare (although ensure you get it back!). Also, handing it over when you come to sell your vehicle adds value.
Basically, ensure you have a spare key. It’s essential to keep it in a safe location separate from your main set. Hidden away in a drawer or cupboard in your home should do it. It’s then ready for whenever you need it.
Take your key and car to an MLA-approved automotive locksmith near you to have a spare cut and programmed.
Get in touch with Grays Locksmiths today
Based in Nottingham, Grays Locksmiths is an MLA-approved master locksmith. We have a wealth of experience dealing with 24/7 emergency auto locksmith callouts in the area and are always on hand if you need us.
While we’re always available, we’d recommend preparing in advance by ensuring you have a spare key. Having one of these should mean you won’t need to use our emergency locksmith services often, thereby saving you money. If you don’t have a spare key, visit us in-store (245 Ilkeston Road, NG7 3FX) or contact us to get one cut.
It’s never nice to feel locked out of your car, but our experienced team is more than pleased to help. We know these things happen to the best of us.
For emergency auto locksmith callouts, please give us a ring on 0115 942 2315. We’ll provide you with a no-obligation quote then and there. If you’re happy, we’ll send a friendly member of our team to come and help.
We hope you don’t need to use us, but if the situation arises, we’d be delighted to help!