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Reasons Why A Dealership Is Not The Answer For Car Key Replacement

Posted by on May 16, 2016

Reasons Why A Dealership Is Not The Answer For Car Key Replacement

So you’ve misplaced your car keys or they’ve just stopped working, and you just can’t seem to decide whether to contact your local locksmith or the dealership. Well, most experts recommend using a local locksmith because even though dealerships offer great car key replacement services due to their ties with the auto manufacturers, they have a number of setbacks.

 

This article provides you with detailed information about the main disadvantages of using dealerships for your car key replacement. It also explains the reasons as to why local locksmiths are a better option when it comes to car key replacement. Special thank you to AZ Car Keys for all the information provided.

 

Dealership Prices are High as Compared to Local Locksmiths

 

One of the biggest and most inconveniencing disadvantages of using a dealership is the high price you’ll be asked to pay for your replacement car keys. Dealerships are infamous for their inflated prices, which often inconveniences clients. If you’re on a budget and want to have your car key replaced fast, it might not be a good idea to contact a dealership.

 

And that’s not all there is to the inflated prices. There are towing fees. Yes. Towing fees and replacement fees are separate. This is because unlike a locksmith who comes wherever you are to replace the keys for you, the dealership does not send someone over. This means you’ll have to pay extra for towing. Of course, this leads to time wastage and of course, you end up spending extra money.

 

In this case, contacting a locksmith might be a great idea, especially if you’re on a tight budget.

 

Time Wastage

 

Save TimeThe fact that you’ll have to get your car serviced right at the dealership leads to time wastage. For example, if you happen to misplace your keys at home and have to get to work in an hour’s time, you can imagine how long it’s going to take to tow the car to the dealership, wait for the replacement, and then drive to work. It would save more time if you just hired a trusted local locksmith who will arrive and replace your car keys in no time.

 

Inconvenience

 

Having your car keys replaced at a dealership can be inconveniencing to your work schedule or any other plans you may have. The fact that you have to tow your car to the dealership and wait for it to be fixed can be very inconvenient. Many people have failed to turn up for interviews or important activities after taking their cars to the dealerships.

 

The good thing about having a reputable locksmith is that you’ll never have to experience such ugly incidences. It’s usually even much better because locksmiths waste no time attending to emergencies such as lost keys.

 

Inconsistent Service

 

Different car owners often have different experiences after visiting a new car dealership. Some regret even using their services in the first place due to the shoddy services they got.

 

A technician may simply ignore you because you’re new and even offer no explanation about the services he is about to offer you. This is just so unprofessional. Others might treat you well. Visiting a new dealership can be a hit or miss experience.

 

To avoid such bad experiences, it’s always advisable to use a local locksmith’s services. Local locksmiths are renowned for their courteousness and professionalism since they are serious about their profession and work hard to build a solid reputation.

 

Inconvenient Delays

 

Besides the fact that you’ve to have your car towed to the dealership, which of course leads to time wastage, there are certain cases where you might have to wait several days for your replacement keys to arrive from overseas. You might also have to wait for the technician to re-programme a new set of keys for your car.

 

Locksmiths are always set with tools, replacement keys, and every other equipment required to get your vehicle moving. Their services are quick, fast, and very reliable.

 

No Personal Connections

 

When you visit a dealership every time for servicing or car replacement keys, it’s possible that you’ll meet a new technician every time. This simply means that you’ll never get acquainted with a single technician who you can always feel comfortable talking to or servicing your car. This might make you uncomfortable.

 

Auto LocksmithWith a locksmith, it’s possible to establish a long-term relationship with him especially if he is local. There are people who’ve used the same locksmiths for years. Having a locksmith you can trust and depend on can save you the trouble of going to a dealership every time you lose your car keys or have some car problems.

 

 

 

It’s pretty clear that dealerships are not always the best option when it comes to having your car keys replaced. It’s always wise to establish a good relationship with a local locksmith.

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Is It Common To Get Your Key Stuck In The Ignition?

Posted by on Feb 16, 2016

Is It Common To Get Your Key Stuck In The Ignition?

Is it common to get your key stuck in the ignition? This question has been asked by nearly everyone, especially car owners. While people may have different views, the answer to the question is “yes”. Yes, it is common to get your key stuck in the ignition. Like many machines, certain things in a car can occasionally go wrong. Some gadgets in a car can go wrong if they are not well maintained or taken care of properly. Ideally, some can also experience occasional hiccups despite proper maintenance and care. In other words, it is not easy and it is nearly impossible to prevent your key from being stuck in the car’s ignition. But good news is you can fix the whole situation without much hassle. Thanks to statenislandlocksmith.net for the useful information.

Common Reasons for a Stuck Key in the Car’s Ignition

However, before you begin figuring out how to get your stuck key from the car’s ignition, you must first, understand what is making your key be stuck in there. Because a key that will not turn is time consuming, stressful, and frustrating, you may be desperately in need of a solution. While some solutions are effective, others are not, and may make the whole situation more difficult. It is crucial to check for causes that make your key be stuck in the car’s ignition, as this will help prevent more problems. Some of the common reasons include:

Loose cablesLoose Cables: Loose cables are either located behind the ignition or inside the dashboard. When your key is stuck in the car’s ignition, one of the first places to visit is the loose cable. If you find that a loose cable is the reason for a stuck key, replacing it may be the best bet.

A worn out Wheel Lock Cylinder: Another thing that can make your key be stuck in the car’s ignition is a worn out wheel lock cylinder. One effective way to detect a worn out wheel lock cylinder is by inserting a fob or key into the wheel lock cylinder and try to turn it. If there is difficulty turning the key or fob, your wheel lock cylinder may be worn out. There is one less turn for the key or fob to go in its lifetime every time you insert it (key or fob) into the wheel lock cylinder.

Dead Car BatteryBattery is dead: Dead battery can also be another reason for a stuck key. You may consider checking your battery if a key is stuck in the car’s ignition. Although this is not that common, a dead battery can make a key remain stuck in the ignition of some cars (especially modern cars).

Vehicle is not in Park: Like others, this can also make your key remain stuck in the car’s ignition. You may need to replace your car’s shift solenoid or another related mechanism even if the gearshift lever appears to be in park.

How to Fix a Stuck Key in the car’s Ignition

While it may be impossible to prevent your key from being stuck in the car’s ignition, it is relatively easy to fix the whole situation. First, you must understand that in most cases, the ignition key is not often at fault when such a problem arises. Before you start to turn and twist the key all you want, consider these three simple techniques. They include:

  1. Testing the Parking Position

It is common for your car to fail to lock into the parking position. If you are still able to move the gearshift lever after turning the car off, your linkage may be worn out or out of adjustment. You must always lock the shifter in park in order to remove the key.

  1. Checking the Position of your Key

Take a look at the car’s ignition switch to make sure the key is in the lock position. As wheel lock cylinders age and wear out, it gets simpler to turn the key beyond the lock position. This is particularly true if your key has been attached to various heavy objects that gradually promote excessive wear by adding pressure on the wheel lock cylinder.

  1. Moving the Steering Wheel Back and Forth

Try moving the steering wheel system back and forth, and at the same time gently remove the key from the lock position. The steering wheel can sometimes lock, thereby, making the car’s ignition switch to keep the key locked in place until it (steering wheel system) is unlocked. While doing this, be keen not to pull hard on the key and simply focus on getting the much-needed movement from the steering wheel system.

Although it is common to get your key stuck in the car’s ignition, it is relatively easy to fix the situation. In most cases, the ignition key is usually not at fault; thus, you should check for other aspects that are making your key be stuck in the car’s ignition. If you are unable to figure out what is really making your key remain stuck in the car’s ignition, contact your local locksmith for help. The locksmith will come to your office or home to help solve the problem.

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How To Open A Kwikset Key Lock In 10 Seconds

Posted by on Feb 16, 2016

How To Open A Kwikset Key Lock In 10 Seconds

Kwikset happens to be a US based company that is highly noted for offering a wide variety of security products to its customers. Some of their most popular of these products is the line of re-programmable SmartKey locks that this firm provides. These particular locks have been certified to be grade 1 security locks that are specifically designed for residential homes utilization. This certification has been executed by the builders hardware manufacturer’s association. As such, Kwikset markets them as been totally immune to any hacking or tampering by wires and screwdrivers. Or for that matter virtually any other object which may be inserted into the keyways of these locks in an effort to unlock them.
Resources:
www.tigardlocksmith.org
kwikset.com
homedepot.com

What is the major selling point of Kwikset SmartKey locks?

kwikset keyless1The main appeal of this variety of key locks completely lies in the re-programmable cylinders they come with. This feature presents the user with the handy capability of re-programming them to work any key that may be introduced in them after the re-programming has been executed. This naturally means that landlords aren’t necessitated to physically replace locks whenever their tenants move out and new ones move in. At the same time, it can also provides secure temporary access for construction workers or anybody else who might need to gain entry into a house for a limited length of time.

In essence, the SmartKey lock from Kwikset is a 5 pins lock, which comes with 6 depth increments. It can be reprogrammed by inserting the original key into it, prior to inserting a tool into a specified slot on its face. Doing this shifts its assembly back at a distance of around 1/8 of an inch. This process separates the pins and sliders of this lock, which holds them apart from each other. When a new key is introduced into the lock, it then registers its impressions and effectively resets the relationship of the pins and sliders to seamlessly correspond with the new key.

Is the Kwikset SmartKey lock invulnerable?

Like earlier mentioned, kwikset boldly asserts that the SmartKey lock is extremely secure and therefore totally impenetrable to any device which may be introduced in its keyway. This, however, is not completely true. The fact still remains that this product comes with several vulnerabilities, which skilled hackers have been able to identify. Most of which make the Kwikset SmartKey lock less secure than what its maker would like consumers to think.

Just how to open a Kwikset SmartKey lock in 10 seconds

Kwikset ElectronicYou may be probably very eager to discover just how you can easily unlock the Kwikset SmartKey lock in the given time span that the title of this paragraph states. Well, never fear. The following happens to be a step by step guide on just how to open a Kwikset key lock in 10 seconds which may come in very handy in executing such a task.

To begin with, you will be required to get your hand on a piece of thin, blank object that comes with a very sharp end. You will also need a paperclip or if for one reason or the other, this is not possible, a simple wire that has a looped end. A hammer will also be needed. With these three simplistic tools, you will be able to efficiently tackle any Kwikset SmartKey lock in just under ten seconds. It is critical for you to fully understand that these types of key locks have rotating tailpiece, which can move independently of the plug. This, in most circumstances, makes the function of a key almost superfluous.

First and foremost, get your hand on the blank object, and introduce it, with the sharp end first, into the keyway. Next, making use of the hammer, proceed to punch out the plug, which is found at the back of the plug. It is important to note that basically this plug is just a thin piece of metal, and hammering the blank, sharp object into the plug, pierces a hole into the lock’s tailpiece. After accomplishing this, introduce the paperclip or the thin wire with a looped end, into the tailpiece and proceed to turn it. Doing this will effortlessly enable you to effortlessly unlock the lock without any problem. Finally, it is important for to note that when all this accomplished, the SmartKey lock will not be in a position of been re-programmed again. Well, now you definitely know just how to open a Kwikset key lock in 10 seconds and in a completely stress-free manner.

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6 Top Tips on How to Find Good Locksmiths

Posted by on Feb 4, 2016

6 Top Tips on How to Find Good Locksmiths

Choosing the best professionals is not easy because the service provision industry has been invaded by both impostors and quacks. Painstaking legwork is therefore necessary as you tooth-comb the service provision industry for the most reliable specialists for your assignments. The same applies when looking for seasoned locksmiths. As such, this article explores a few tips that to bear in mind as you look for experienced and competent locksmithing services. Continue reading to discover the 6 top tips on how to find good locksmiths.
Resources:
www.auroralocksmith.org
locksmiths-search.com
wikipedia.org

  1. Experience

First, you should pick experienced professionals who have severally handled similar locks issues before. Although this does not mean that you cannot hire promising starters, picking old hands who with a remarkable wealth experience in handling locks increases your chances of enjoy top notch services. To prove that a certain locksmith is indeed experienced, ask them to give you a list of the clients they have served before. Call the clients personally to verify that they were actually served by the locksmiths in question. This helps you verify that the locks professional you hire has satisfactorily served other people before.

  1. Reputation

A service provider who doesn’t have impenetrable integrity cannot be trusted to faithfully perform work a decent job. There are some fraudulent locks specialists who even take client’s money and disappear. As such, go for individuals or companies whose track record is unquestionable. If they have a website, go over the client reviews posted by others to make sure that the locksmiths you hire discharge their responsibilities with unimpeachable integrity and with a strict adherence to the terms of engagement agreed upon. However, be careful because some of them may fake their own client feedback and purport that the same were written by ostensibly satisfied past clients. Any genuine customer review should include some important details such as the client’s image or their physical/email address.

  1. Communication Skills

Although some locksmithing professionals may have the capability to undertake your project, you should not hire them if they have communication problems. This is because you need to be communicating with the locksmiths every once in a while as they continue working. Sometimes, you may not be around the working area but you need to be constantly informed about their progress. There some professionals who do not understand the importance of regularly updating their clients about how the job is getting. Avoid such locks service providers and go for those that seem to know the essence of contractor-client communication.

  1. Qualifications and Registration

locksmith scamTo avoid being swindled by impostors, go for locks experts who are both qualified and registered. Do not settle for mere verbal claims that a certain individual is qualified or registered. Insist until they show you the documents that attest to their qualifications and registration status. Follow up to confirm that the credentials were issued by recognized institutions or chartered statutory bodies that regulate service provision in the industry. Dealing with registered experts cushions from being mishandled by indiviuals who who are not recognized by the law and gives you an upper if the deal does not go as planned.

  1. Referrals

Referrals are also very important when looking for the best locks handling technicians to repair or destroy existing locks. Of course, you are not the first person to look for locksmithing services in the area. As such, ask your neighbors, friends, and colleagues to suggest a few names of reliable locks service providers in the area. Come up a list of about 5-10 competent locks technicians and then whittle down the long list to about three or four names; and then finally pick the most promising locksmith.

  1. Cost

expensiveAlthough it is universally accepted that the cheapest is not necessarily the best, be on the look-out to avoid being overcharged by unscrupulous locks repair technicians while you could have paid less. Do not settle on the very first locksmith you come across. Instead, consult various specialists and ask for quotes for a final comparison to ensure that you nail the most favorable deal. However, be careful not to prioritize cost over the quality of the locksmithing services offered. Because most of these technicians will not quote a final price at first, use your negotiation abilities to talk down the charges as much as possible.

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Who Can I Call For Key Replacement?

Posted by on Feb 3, 2016

Who Can I Call For Key Replacement?

Replacing keys does not have to be a nightmare job that it currently is for many people. it should be part of an ordinary process arising due to human error or a precaution against the eventuality of losing a key. Anyone is allowed to replace keys and the most commonly replaced ones are car keys and door lock keys. You are therefore not alone. Having said that, keys come in unique shapes and they all have unique features that make them specific to particular locks. Therefore, you cannot just order a key replacement; you need to know who to call for your particular case.
Resources:
www.evkeys.net
Wikipedia
comsumerreports.org

Who can I call for key replacement?

1. A locksmith who provide key duplicates

Twin Car KeysHere, the key replacement is meant to prevent emergencies in future. You are interested in having an alternative in case you forget or lose your current keys. When you are calling for replacement, you will have to provide your present key for it to be duplicated by the locksmith. Duplication will cover keys that are in electronic format and use special codes to open. It will also cover ordinary keys that rely on a unique engraving on their longitudinal side.

2. A professional service with the capability of making duplicates from unique lock and key numbers

Padlocks will come with unique key numbers that are specific to the keys that open them. The vendors of these padlocks and locksmiths have the ability to identify replacements that may be used on the padlocks. However, the padlocks must be of the category that supports the use of specific numbers as unique identifiers for their keys. Therefore, when you have such as padlock and have lost your keys or just need replacements, you can simply provide the number to a professional key replacement service and you will be able to get a proper functioning replacement key.

3. Lock repair technician

Car LocksmithSometimes you leave your keys in the house or inside your car. To get them back, you have to find replacement keys or tamper with your lock to have it open so that you can fetch keys. Upon fetching keys, you realize that they no longer fit well to the lock. This can happen for various reasons including the physical tampering or use of overriding codes in the case of electronic keys. Thus, you will need recalibration of the lock so that it can work well again. Often, you will also need replacement keys that fit the repaired lock because it will be operating as new. Be prepared for the eventuality that your original keys fail to work on a tampered lock and when it happens, call your lock repair technician.

4. General key replacement service provider

For security reasons, key replacement services will be skeptical is you are not the lock owner. They would not want to facilitate unauthorized entry into houses or cars. As part of their ethical conduct for doing their business, they will request that you provide additional verification information when presenting your case of key replacement. Thus, it is helpful for owners to be the ones that make the call for key replacement. The service should be faster because the owner will have the necessary information needed by the locksmith. In some cases, a family member with express orders from the key owner might make the call and will need proper identification to show that the relation of the caller and they key owner is trustworthy. In cases where there specific combination codes or input codes involved with keys, only the person knowing these combinations should make the call. Key replacement service providers list their details on the internet and you can find your local vendor easily from a location specific search.

There are other numerous scenarios for seeking a key replacement. Irrespective of the time of need, the examples offered are the most common solutions to refer to when you need a key replacement. The good news is that there is assistance for you when you know what to bring forth when seeking a replacement. Besides, calling is the best action you can take to find out whether your situation is covered and what it is going to take to have your replacement keys availed to you. Always offer accurate and practical information when you call because that will lead to faster outcomes for your key replacement.

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