Services Offered By Locksmiths Automotive Locksmiths Automotive offer a range of services that can help you save money and time They can assist in getting locked out of cars, provide lock repairs and even install single-key access to homes and businesses Locksmiths can also recode the key fobs of modern automobiles that do not have traditional keys This involves using special equipment to reprogram the code on the electronic chip inside the car key Duplicate and Car Keys Replacement Auto locksmiths are frequently called upon to create duplicate keys or replace keys for automobiles Losing your keys can be very inconvenient especially at the gas station when you're trying to pay for your fuel or at the supermarket when you're loading up your trunk A spare key can be handy in the event that you happen to lock yourself out of your vehicle Modern cars come with transponder chips embedded in the keys These chips are used to identify the car and allow it to start when you insert the key into the ignition If you have an older car with an ordinary, double-edged key replacing it is generally easy and cheap at most locksmiths The locksmith will need to know the year, make, and VIN number For more advanced models, however the procedure can be a bit more difficult In this instance the locksmith will need to first get the key's cuts out of the cylinder and then take the key off and rebuild it The locksmith must employ a specific programming tool to match the key with the information stored in the chip It is more expensive to program a key than just cutting one, but it is cheaper than buying a replacement from a dealer In some cases, you may only be able replace a key for a car equipped with an electronic push start by using a dealer This is because only dealers have access to the tools and software required to reprogram a new key to your particular vehicle If https//wwwg28carkeyscouk/ contact a locksmith, they may not be able to do this for you, but they will be able to inform you whether or not the dealership is the best option They will also probably charge less than a dealership would, and will generally complete the work on-site Installation of a Single-Key Entry If you're looking for a high-security system that stops unauthorized duplicate keys and blocks access to sensitive areas you can get the most effective solution from locksmiths who are an authorized Medeco ASSA ABLOY Master Key Center These systems are perfect for businesses that require strict security regulations and reporting as well as for those who have sensitive information or valuable assets to guard This type of system essentially uses innovative bar code technology, similar to that you see on the products It has an individual, unique barcode for each lock After entering, the barcode is read and recognized to unlock the door This offers a high degree of security without the use of electronic readers or a complicated IT setup Repair or replacement of the locks on car doors Many people have to have their car door locks replaced or replaced This could be due normal wear and tear, getting locked out of their vehicle, or simply because they're not working properly It is recommended to contact an expert locksmith to fix the lock, rather than attempting to do it yourself This could mean paying more money and worsening the issue If you have an auto lock that is manual and you're able to gain entry to the vehicle via another door, try using a tool to wedge open the lock's cylinder This is a risky method when you aren't sure of the procedure however, and it is a risk to try if your car is equipped with an alarm You should use this method in a safe area where you won't be seen by neighbors or anyone else You can also try to enter the vehicle by taking an interior side panel from the door by using the lock that is malfunctioning The procedure is dependent on the model of the vehicle In general, you need to remove the hardware that is holding in place the door handle plate and the door panel After that find the rod that controls the lock and remove it with a screwdriver or long pick Then, you can move the lock control rod upwards and downwards to move the mechanism around and see if it is able to be unlocked If this fails, try using wire hangers or a piece of thin metal to wedge the lock open Be cautious if you're doing this in public, as it could look like you are attempting to steal someone's car or vehicle, which is not legal If you aren't comfortable doing this, it's recommended to call a locksmith to come fix the lock that is broken or replace it completely There are a few organizations that provide free car lockout assistance for members, including AAA If you're a AAA member, an expert can visit you to assist you They'll have tools designed to be used on vehicles that are usually less expensive than paying a locksmith for this same service Reprogramming Electronic Key Fobs If your vehicle is equipped with an advanced security system and remote key fobs instead of traditional keys, you'll require a locksmith with special equipment for working on these types of vehicles This equipment enables the locksmith to plug into the computer in your car and use a software program to program your remote fob or proximity key It's a fairly easy procedure However, the reprogramming process will depend on your specific car model You should also be aware that reprogramming your car will erase any existing key fobs that you have programmed You'll need to reset any other keyfobs after you've completed the reprogramming procedure This will ensure that the existing key fobs aren't accidentally erased during the process Another service that many locksmiths provide is to reset your car's security system after a lost or stolen key fob The security systems of a variety of vehicles rely on a handshake process between the key fob and the vehicle to unlock and start the engine This is designed to prevent other key fobs from gaining access to your vehicle by capturing the signal and then trying to match it with an older, previously registered one A locksmith with years of experience and expertise will be able to reprogram key fobs for the majority of automobile models They can also help you in reprogramming other types of electronic key fobs, such as alarm systems for your home or door locks Some people attempt to hack their own car with a tool known as slim Jim, however it only works with older models With newer vehicles that utilize key fobs to open the doors they are no longer effective A locksmith can bypass these sensors with a VATS code detector This is a computer application that allows a locksmith to reprogram your key fob's code This allows the locksmith to create a duplicate or clone of the original key fob that then works with your vehicle