Suppose you are in a hurry. You insert the key into the car, but it doesn’t turn the ignition. You are frustrated. You start thinking of all manner of things that could possibly be wrong with your automobile. You can’t readily think of any. You call a mechanic; they fix the problem, and they bill you a fortune.
But could it be that the problem with your car was a simple one, and had you been able to diagnose it correctly, you wouldn’t have coughed up so much money?
Thankfully, most ignition problems are common and very quick to fix. You’ll need to remember a few things if the ignition switch is having a problem: there possibly could be a problem with the ignition switch’s supporting components; or a problem with the car key; or a problem with the ignition lock cylinder.
Problems With The Ignition Switch’s Supporting Components
One of the foremost reasons why a key won’t turn in the ignition switch is a problem with the ignition switch’s supporting components. Fortunately, these problems are the easiest to identify. There are three components that you should be aware of: the battery; the steering wheel; and the gear selector.
–The battery- if the car’s battery is dead, then the key won’t turn, especially in the high-end automobiles. Therefore, if there is an ignition problem, ascertain that the battery is not dead before attempting to diagnose the problem any further.
–Gear selector- some cars, especially the automatic driving ones, cannot let the key turn if the car is not in park or neutral gear.
–Steering wheel- since in many vehicles removing the key locks the steering wheel, the steering wheel can sometimes get stuck, meaning that the car key can get stuck as well and can’t move to release it. If this is the case, a little jiggling of the steering wheel while trying to turn the key can remove the lock pressure, thus, allowing the key to turn.
But the problem is not always with the supporting parts of the car…
The problem could also be the key itself
If A Key Is Bent, Worn Out, Or Incorrect, Then It Won’t Turn The Ignition Switch.
Bent keys can enter the cylinder, sometimes, but once there, they will not line up appropriately to permit the car to start. So what do you do if you can see your car key is bent? Use a non-metal hammer and try to flatten it down. A non-metal hammer is the safest as it will not damage the key- therefore, the non-metal hammer should be made of wood or rubber. Place the key on a some piece of level wood to cushion the blow, and then, cautiously, tap the key until it becomes straight. Then you can attempt to start the car again.
On the other hand, if your car key is worn, then the pins inside of the cylinder may not drop correctly to start the vehicle. So, the most prudent thing to do in this case is to run for the spare key. But if you don’t have a spare key, then you can contact your car’s dealership to have a new key made.
Using the incorrect key will obviously not turn the ignition switch as well. You need to double check to be sure you are sure the correct key when starting the vehicle as many keys, more often than not, look similar.
Ignition Lock Cylinder Problems
Another reason the key may not be turning over is possibly a problem with the ignition lock cylinder. Some of the common problems with the ignition lock cylinder include obstruction and stuck springs.
If there is an obstruction inside the key cylinder, the key may not turn the ignition switch properly. Take a spotlight, and look inside the key cylinder to see if there is any obstruction inside. In cases where the key cylinder has failed completely, you might see metal debris inside.
There can also be issues with the ignition switch thanks to actual pins or springs in the key cylinder. If that is the case, you can, with the aid of a small tack hammer, tap gently on the key ignition. This will in most cases loosen any stuck springs or pins. Don’t hit hard: you only need the vibration, not the force of the tap.
Therefore, instead of pouring a lot of money to mechanics, attempt to diagnose the problem with your automobile’s ignition switch, try to solve it before calling for help.
Cars With Ignitions That Locksmiths Repair
Buick
Cadillac
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ford
GMC
Hummer
Jeep
Lincoln
Mercury
Oldsmobile
Plymouth
Pontiac
Saturn
Acura
Audi
BMW
Daewoo
Daihatsu
Honda
Hyundai
Infiniti
Isuzu
Kia
Lexus
Mazda
Mercedes
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Rover
Saab
Scion
Subaru
Suzuki
Toyota
Volvo
Losing your car key or the key to your house can be very heartbreaking and stressing. More often than not, a person in such circumstances is left with the option of looking for a reliable locksmith. Below, therefore, are ten crucial points you need to consider before you solicit the services of a lock technician:
1. Find out if the locksmith is licensed and insured
Inquire if the technician has a clean license from accredited license bodies. You cannot afford to entrust your lock replacement to an unregistered locksmith. Taking precaution will guard you against rogue locksmiths who may be out to make a fortune from where they did not sow.
On the other hand, hiring a registered and insured technician is a smart idea as they are probably both legitimate and more qualified.
2. Ask the locksmith to quote their rates
It is vital to understand the rates of their services so that you can budget your finances upfront. This is an important piece of information as some technicians charge a fixed fee while others charge per hour. You should also investigate what their trip fee is so that you prepare yourself. It is advisable to choose a locksmith who charges a fixed rate as hourly rates tend to be expensive.
3. Ask about the warranty period
Reputable locksmiths offer a period of 30 or more days as the warranty period. If they don’t provide this, you are better off not hiring them. By so doing you will avoid incurring additional expenses should unintentional lock issues arise later on.
4. Ask the locksmith if they perform background checks on their employees
The technician you are entrusting with your lock repair and replacement will have undeterred access to your property. For this reason, it is important that your technician, together with their employees, be reliable and trustworthy individuals. All lock technicians should go through this process. Remember, it is of significant importance to keep your employees and property safe. You never know, you could be dealing with ex-convicts or hardcore criminals!
5. Find out the lock technician’s level of expertise
Before you tell the locksmith what you require to be done, ask them the jobs they can complete. The answers they provide will help you access if they have the necessary skills and experience for your task. Locksmiths should handle all types of locks, be it keyless or regular locks.
However, tasks like installation, repair and replacement require specialized skills and high levels of professionalism. Knowing your locksmith’s specialty will save you both time and money.
6. Relevant education and certificates
Reputable technicians update themselves from time to time as far as technology and innovation are concerned. With numerous pieces of training come multiple certifications. If a locksmith lacks such certificates, chances are, they don’t attend such workshops, and as such, they are not well-versed with the current trends in the industry.
7. Ask if the locksmith operates locally
Approximately 92% of the locksmiths on the internet are nonexistent. For this reason, investigate if they have a physical address in the area. In case they don’t provide a physical address or confirm their retail location, don’t offer them the job.
8. Professionalism
Every business requires a high level of professionalism. Likewise, a professional locksmith should take their time to give a detailed explanation of how he purposes to do the job. While on it, he should regularly provide updates on the progress.
9. What is the locksmith’s schedule
It is of utmost importance to hire a technician who is reliable and has a flexible schedule. You should hire a professional locksmith who goes out of his way to meet the needs of his clients regardless of the circumstances. Finding a locksmith who has a flexible schedule will ensure your work is done even when you have a tight working schedule.
10. Provision of estimates
A professional technician will give you details of all calculations before getting down on a project. Enquire about this and if he does not provide, don’t hire him because you do not want to be left wobbling in the dark about how much money to set aside for your project.
Considering the above points will ensure you get a professional technician who will offer you value for your money. Consequently, it will not only save you money and time but a headache and heartache as well.
So the news was made official, Tesla to make losing your car key a thing of the past. There is now an app that you can download for free on the app store (Don’t get the one that costs $9.99) that allows you to log in as a Tesla owner and unlock your car with a few security questions and a password. The app also allows you to get into your car, press another button on the app and start your car without a key present. That is correct; you will be able to drive away without your keys, no problem what so ever. They are also developing a feature on the app that is a key finder through Bluetooth. This sounds like a possibly successful feature if it can get off the ground, but it all comes down to connectivity and if you have the service or the battery power for it. Tesla is trying to make life easier for all of those forgetful types who get into sticky situations where their car keys are nowhere to be found. This should be exciting news for not only Tesla owners, but for all future cars owners eventually.
The question has to be posed though, what if you don’t have your smartphone on you, or perhaps what if the battery of your smart phone is dead? Or maybe it’s as simple as you don’t have any service where you are and you can’t connect to the Bluetooth connectivity that the car needs to read from your phone. There are also the common instances that the Tesla app could be under maintenance or that it just might not be working at the moment that you need it. And what if any of these instances happen while you’re in an area that might not be as safe or it’s late at night after you’re done with an event and you’re alone? Then what do you do? Is this the best time to use someone else’s phone to call a lock smith if your keys are locked in your car? Or if you don’t know where your keys even are, maybe a locksmith can come with a tow truck and at least get you and your vehicle home safe until your keys are found. You still need something that is reliable when you’re in a vital situation and aren’t sure what to do. These days most locksmiths are only a few minutes away from whatever location you may be stranded at anyway (unless you’re in the desert in the middle of nowhere, then it might take them a tad longer to get to you). Locksmiths still sound like the safer and more reliable option.
The other security question still remains, what if someone else gains access to your phone and is able to drive away with your car while the keys are still nestled safely in your pants pocket? It would definitely take a lot of knowhow, maybe they know your passwords or they know how to hack your phone, but the fact still remains that it’s a security measure which shouldn’t be overlooked when it comes to the safety of the vehicle that you have invested so much money in and is your primary source of transportation.
This is a great, innovative piece of technology that could prove a hundred percent effective in the years to come. It’s a start, but it’s still heavily relying on Bluetooth and smartphone technology. Even though we are in a society that already uses our smart phones for just about everything, this could still end in disaster. As of right now it is not fool proof and there is still going to be a need for assistance if something is to go wrong with your smart phone and you can’t gain access to your car. This is why the demand for locksmiths will continue to grow. All it takes is just one call and someone will arrive shortly to help get you back into your car without having to sacrifice any of your personal security. And it will be an actual human being that arrives to help you in your time of need, not the recorded computer voice of an app or machine. Remember to always keep a locksmiths number on a card in your wallet or purse just in case. They are a trusted and reliable service that you can still count on when it comes to the security of your car.
The technique of changing a lock so that it can use different keys is referred to as a house re-key. It is considered different than just changing a lock because changing a lock means that the whole lock and its hardware is swapped. However, in re-keying, the only thing that is changed is the lock mechanism, and new keys are made. Usually, re-keying a lock is much more cost effective than replacing the whole lock. Moreover, if both the lock and hardware are still in a good state then there is no need whatsoever to replace them. The main reason why you should ever desire to re-key your house is to upgrade the security there.
Definitely, there is nothing as meaningful as taking care of your home and possessions from harm and trespassers. The traditional lock and key setup enable you to protect and maintain the safety of your family and assets. Regrettably, the keys used in this conventional setup can be obtained by unwanted intruders and it can be a hard task to identify the parties that uses them and the time that they are correctly used. Basically, keys are easily duplicated, and this creates a practically unnoticeable security threat. This is why re-keying all your locks is the most effective and beneficial way to protect your family and belongings.
Why is it Necessary to Re-key Your Locks?
Relocating to a New Residence
When moving to a new home, office or apartment, it is highly advisable to re-key the house mainly for security reasons. The previous occupants or the tenants may have made key duplicates which gives them easy access to your personal space. Furthermore, even if the prior residents of the house had returned the keys, it is still hardly possible to know for a fact if they gave a copy of the key. This exposes your family and assets to potential risks by intruders.
Misplaced/Lost Keys
In case you have ever lost or misplaced your keys, re-keying is recommended for you. It is particularly important if you have lost your bag or purse that had not only the keys but also your personal information such as your home address details. The security of your loved ones and your belongings could be at risk if the keys fall into the hands of a dubious character.
Past Relationships
This includes ex-spouses, fiancées’ and lovers. Another reason why you should have your keys re-keyed is a fall out between someone you were romantically involved with. It does not matter if your ex returned the key, they could have made duplicates. It is very common for revengeful ex’s to break into their spouses’ house. As soon as the breakup takes place, your first priority should be to re-key your locks. It is much cheaper to seek the services of a locksmith to re-key your locks than having to handle all the expenses that come with replacing all your stolen items by a spiteful ex. The charges for re-configuring a lock are pretty reasonable. At least you are guaranteed of protection because locksmith companies are insured and bonded.
Hateful and Bitter Employees
This applies to someone who has recently fired an employee that had access to the office keys. It is very necessary to have the office/building keys re-keyed. It is usual for a hostile employee to use the keys to break into the company and access confidential informational that could lead to big losses and damages, all simply out of revenge for being fired.
Personal Services (e.g. cleaning services)
It is common to forget to ask for your keys back from a home service company once you are done seeking their services. If you have ever used the services of a cleaning company, babysitter, etc. it is essential to have your house re-keyed. Even if it is a trustworthy company, you should not take any risk when it comes to your safety.
In case you do not feel comfortable with your buildings conventional lock system, you have only two options: Replace your locks or re-key them. Replacing the entire key system is only recommended when you feel that the current locks are not trustworthy and you need to upgrade to more secure and convenient locks.
On the other hand, if you happen to be satisfied with the lock system in your home but wish to take extra precautions, then you ought to reconsider re-keying the locks. Once the lock system has been re-keyed, the new key will be able to work on all lock and the old key will become void.
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
The 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.
With 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.
One of the foremost reasons why a key won’t turn in the ignition switch is a problem with the ignition switch’s supporting components. Fortunately, these problems are the easiest to identify. There are three components that you should be aware of: the battery; the steering wheel; and the gear selector.
Bent keys can enter the cylinder, sometimes, but once there, they will not line up appropriately to permit the car to start. So what do you do if you can see your car key is bent? Use a non-metal hammer and try to flatten it down. A non-metal hammer is the safest as it will not damage the key- therefore, the non-metal hammer should be made of wood or rubber. Place the key on a some piece of level wood to cushion the blow, and then, cautiously, tap the key until it becomes straight. Then you can attempt to start the car again.
Another reason the key may not be turning over is possibly a problem with the ignition lock cylinder. Some of the common problems with the ignition lock cylinder include obstruction and stuck springs.
Before you tell the locksmith what you require to be done, ask them the jobs they can complete. The answers they provide will help you access if they have the necessary skills and experience for your task. Locksmiths should handle all types of locks, be it 
It is of utmost importance to hire a technician who is reliable and has a flexible schedule. You should hire a professional locksmith who goes out of his way to meet the needs of his clients regardless of the circumstances. Finding a locksmith who has a flexible schedule will ensure your work is done even when you have a tight working schedule.
The question has to be posed though, what if you don’t have your smartphone on you, or perhaps what if the battery of your smart phone is dead? Or maybe it’s as simple as you don’t have any service where you are and you can’t connect to the Bluetooth connectivity that the car needs to read from your phone. There are also the common instances that the Tesla app could be under maintenance or that it just might not be working at the moment that you need it. And what if any of these instances happen while you’re in an area that might not be as safe or it’s late at night after you’re done with an event and you’re alone? Then what do you do? Is this the best time to use someone else’s phone to call a lock smith if your keys are locked in your car? Or if you don’t know where your keys even are, maybe a locksmith can come with a tow truck and at least get you and your vehicle home safe until your keys are found. You still need something that is reliable when you’re in a vital situation and aren’t sure what to do. These days most locksmiths are only a few minutes away from whatever location you may be stranded at anyway (unless you’re in the desert in the middle of nowhere, then it might take them a tad longer to get to you). Locksmiths still sound like the safer and more reliable option.
This is a great, innovative piece of technology that could prove a hundred percent effective in the years to come. It’s a start, but it’s still heavily relying on Bluetooth and smartphone technology. Even though we are in a society that already uses our 
In case you have ever lost or misplaced your keys, re-keying is recommended for you. It is particularly important if you have lost your bag or purse that had not only the keys but also your personal information such as your home address details. The security of your loved ones and your belongings could be at risk if the keys fall into the hands of a dubious character.
This includes ex-spouses, fiancées’ and lovers. Another reason why you should have your keys re-keyed is a fall out between someone you were romantically involved with. It does not matter if your ex returned the key, they could have made duplicates. It is very common for revengeful ex’s to break into their spouses’ house. As soon as the breakup takes place, your first priority should be to 
The 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.
With 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.