Chicagoans. We’ve all been there. You’re fumbling around in your purse or pockets, trying to find your car keys, and you have that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach when you realize they’re nowhere to be found. Now what? Do you call a key locksmith with expertise in automotive locksmith services or do you try to break into your own car?
Here’s what you need to know about car key repair in Chicago.
What to Do if You Lose Your Car Key
The first thing you should do if you lose your car key is to check all the obvious places—your purse, your pockets, the floor of your car, etc. If you still can’t find it, your next step is to call a locksmith. A qualified automotive locksmith will be able to make you a new key on the spot. They may also be able to program it so that it works with your car’s computer system, but that will depend on the make and model of your vehicle.
What to Do if Your Car Key Is Damaged or Broken
If your car key is damaged or broken, the best course of action is to again call an auto locksmith. They will be able to assess the replacement car keys requirement and tell you whether they can fix the existing key or if they need to make a new one.
What to Do if You Break Your Car Key Off in the Ignition
If you break your car key off in the ignition, again, the best course of action is to call a car locksmith service. They have the tools and expertise necessary to remove the broken key and make a new key replacement for you.
How to Get Into Your Car If You’ve Locked Yourself Out
If you’ve locked yourself out of your car, don’t panic! The first thing you should do in a car lockout is to check if you have a spare key hidden somewhere on the premises—under a doormat, in a potted plant, etc. If not, then your next step is to call a local locksmith who will be able to open your car door lock without damaging it.
How much does it cost to get remote keys made?
The cost of getting remote keys made will depend on a few factors, including whether or not you have insurance and what type of vehicle you drive. In general, however, it shouldn’t cost between $200-$300 dollars to have a new set of transponder keys made by a professional locksmith or auto dealership.
How can I prevent needing a car key replacement service in the future?
There are a few things you can do to prevent needing replacement key service in the future.
First and foremost, always make sure that you have at least two sets of keys for your vehicle—one for yourself and one for a spare that’s kept somewhere safe (like at work or with a friend). That way if one set or the key fob gets lost or damaged somehow, there’s no need to panic because you’ve got backup keys that can be used instead.
Additionally, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your keychain and make sure that it isn’t overloaded with too many houses or car keys, or other heavy objects which can cause damage.
Lastly, try not to fidget with your keys too much—twirling them around in your fingers or using them as makeshift tools for opening things up as this can also lead to damage over time that will eventually require car key duplication service.
Whether you’ve lost your keys, damaged them, or broken them off in the ignition, the best course of action is always going to be to call a professional locksmith. They have the certified locksmith tools, car key cutting, and key programming expertise necessary to get you back on the road quickly and efficiently.
Do yourself a favor and save yourself the headache by calling Chicago Car Keys at (773) 521-7000 for all of your automotive locksmith service needs! We offer emergency locksmith service too!
