Why You Need A Good Automotive Locksmith
For decades, if you locked your keys in your car
, you could use a "Slim Jim" and some patience and often get it open yourself, but that is not the case anymore. In fact, trying to use such a device on many modern cars will damage or destroy the locking mechanism. Today's cars use transponder keys, which give you a double layer of protection against car thieves. The downside is that it's a bit more complicated to get replacement keys than it used to be.Today, a car locksmith has to cut the key so that it is mechanically correct, and program it so that it electronically synchronizes with a receiver inside the car before the key can be used to start the engine. Car locking and ignition systems are made this way so that a thief would have to not only overcome the physical lock, but also have the equipment needed to overcome the electronic locking system in the ignition in order to steal the car.
If you've been told by your car dealer that you have to call them if you need replacement car keys, it's not true in the vast majority of cases. They'll do it, but they'll charge you somewhere between $200 and $400 for the service, and they may not be able to do it right away. A qualified Chicago area locksmith can do the same job, usually quicker, and at a cost that's only a fraction of what car dealers usually charge.
When you lose your car keys and call on a Chicago locksmith, he'll have a two-part job to get you rolling again. First of all, you need a key cut so that it is mechanically correct and will fit in the door locks and the ignition. If you know your key code (sometimes found on one of the door locks itself in many Asian cars), the locksmith can use this to program the key cutting equipment. Sometimes it can be done from information in the VIN. But even if neither of these work, a qualified Chicago local locksmith can decode the keys on the spot and get to work.
Once the mechanical key is cut and you can get into your car, the key has to be programmed so that it synchronizes with your car's computer, letting it know that you have a valid key for starting the vehicle. Your Chicago locksmith will have the hardware and software necessary to program the key properly. Once the key is cut and programmed, you can be on your way.
Of course, your best strategy is to have a spare set of keys stored with someone trustworthy who's easy to get in touch with. This can save you from a middle of the night call to a locksmith. But if you elect not to do this, you should at least check out local locksmiths and find one that is honest, trustworthy, and professional, and program their number into your phone (and that of your spouse, your mother, your little sister, etc.).
It's no fun to lose your car keys after a night out, especially if it's cold or raining. But if you know that a good locksmith has your back, you can have some peace of mind should you find yourself in that situation.
by: Jason Bacot