What's the Key? A Website About Locks and Safes

One of the most frustrating things that a car owner can face is their vehicle not starting. This can invoke panic due to the possibility of mechanical failure. It can also cause panic if there are important duties that need to be attended to such as a school, work, or a doctor's appointment. New technological advancements are often the culprit for vehicles not starting and keys not working. This is often overlooked by vehicle owners in the midst of crises. The following information will help you to identify potential signs that your vehicle may have a key issue.

Misshapen Key

Keys can get warped or bent due to a number of issues. It is often due to damages such as mishandling. For example, a person might lose or drop their keys and something heavy such as a vehicle driving over the keys could cause them to bend out of shape. It is possible to correct a bent key issue yourself if it is a minor issue. However, care must be exercised because it is possible for you to break the key. This is particularly important if it is a key that is used for your ignition. Forcing a bent key into an ignition could result in the key breaking within the ignition and creating a more costly repair.

Bad Keys

Your key issue may be related to having keys that have been used for years and need to be replaced. This is particularly true when it comes to older vehicles. The pins and grooves in the keys may wear down over time. This can make it difficult for the key to start the car. The ideal solution would be to replace the key.

Transponder Issues

If you have a vehicle that operates using a transponder key, it can be a convenience and a hassle. Transponder keys are mechanical keys. This makes them sensitive to heat, moisture, and rough handling. If they get damaged, you will likely need to replace or repair them, which is something that a locksmith or emergency tow service can do.

A locksmith is a good resource to use to verify whether you are having a mechanical issue or one that is related to your keys. These professionals can make replacement keys on-the-spot in many cases. This is a convenience that can save you time and money due to avoiding costly diagnoses. If necessary, you can also benefit from additional services offered by some locksmiths such as towing services if the issue with your vehicle extends beyond needing replacement keys. This is a convenient way to get your vehicle to the location of your choice.