Automotive locksmiths provide a wide range of services to their customers. But which services are in high demand? As a specialized area within the locksmithing industry, these locksmiths work on different types of vehicles like cars, vans, pickup trucks, and SUVs, focusing primarily on their key and lock systems. This should help in narrowing down the list, but some services are more popular than others.

Common services provided by locksmiths for car keys

Different problems can occur with your car’s locking systems and keys, but some issues are more common among car owners in the US.

Automotive locksmiths are trained in a variety of tasks, but the services they provide most often include:

Emergency key extraction service

The primary reason drivers seek the assistance of an Automotive locksmith is emergency key extraction. If you’ve ever been locked out of your car, whether it was due to misplacing the keys or forgetting them as you closed the door, contacting an automotive locksmith is often the quickest and most effective solution. In almost all cases, except for emergencies that pose an immediate threat (like a violent crime or children being trapped in the car), calling a locksmith to unlock a vehicle will quickly get you back on the road.

A study by AAA in 2014 found that nearly one-third of Americans have experienced a car lockout situation at some point. The exact number of car lockouts is hard to pin down, but it’s believed that around four million Americans lock themselves out of their cars every year.

You might see car lockout situations as more of a ‘reactive’ issue compared to preventive services, similar to those for homes or businesses. This is why many locksmiths for car keys in the US are available 24/7 and can provide same-day services, as it’s a crucial and common service.

Replacing vehicle keys and key sets

A common service provided by experts in car keys – which often coincides with the initial service mentioned (lockouts) – is the replacement of vehicle keys. Losing or misplacing vehicle keys can be a nuisance, especially if you don’t have a spare key. Additionally, there are security risks involved if you lose or misplace your keys in a place where they could be stolen.

Fortunately, experienced car key experts are capable of creating and programming various types of replacement vehicle keys, duplicate keys, key fobs, and physical keys for older vehicles or the trunk or glove compartment, for example. This includes programming transponder keys with the vehicle’s immobilizer as well as programming advanced security keys for newer vehicles.

It’s important to note that some Automotive locksmith experts only provide key duplication and replacement services for the most popular domestic vehicles, as the process of duplicating vehicle keys is quite different from laser-cutting a personal key, for instance. Indeed, a modern car key expert requires a significant amount of high-tech equipment, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars, to cut and duplicate keys for most makes and models.

Addressing ignition issues and key replacements

If your vehicle fails to start when you turn the ignition key, there could be various reasons behind this problem. This might involve issues with the engine’s immobilizer, the transponder chip in your key, or problems with the physical key itself. Resolving the issue is more complex than simply ordering a new key – even if the issue is with the physical key, it will likely need to be reprogrammed to work with the vehicle’s immobilizer.

Automotive locksmith experts provide a range of services for ignition repair, including fixing the pin and tumbler mechanisms in the ignition cylinder, removing the steering column to replace the ignition lock, and cutting new ignition keys, among other services.

While remote entry and ignition keyless start systems have become popular in recent years, the repair and replacement of ignition cylinders and keys remain in high demand for older vehicles and some newer models.

Key programming for transponder keys

Transponder keys have revolutionized vehicle safety, and to this day, they are the primary feature for preventing theft and enhancing security in vehicles across the US. Essentially, if your car was manufactured between the mid-1990s and now, it’s likely equipped with some form of transponder key and immobilizer technology.

In summary, transponder keys communicate with your car’s computer, and upon insertion into the ignition, they transmit a unique identification code to the computer. If this code matches the one recognized by the computer, the immobilizer is unlocked, allowing the vehicle to start. If your transponder key is not functioning properly, automotive locksmiths are skilled in repairing or replacing it.

Fixing and swapping out car door lock mechanisms

The primary services provided by car lock specialists are centered around keys, which makes sense given that car locks are fixed in place, whereas keys are more likely to be lost, stolen, or misplaced. However, fixing car door lock mechanisms is a frequent requirement for vehicles with locks that are broken or damaged.

Repairing and replacing locks are often recommended or necessary when a break-in has compromised locks, have deteriorated, or when there’s a need for an upgrade. Putting locks on commercial vehicles like vans can be both practical and economical. Moreover, many people who are on the move might want to improve the safety of their ‘home’ by installing deadbolts, lockable storage compartments, or other security measures.

Should you consider employing an Auto locksmith?

The vast majority of people call upon the services of an Automotive locksmith if they need them, not because they want them. In the modern era, trying to unlock your car without damaging it is either incredibly difficult or not possible, especially if you’ve misplaced your car keys, for example. Thus, it’s recommended to reach out to a skilled car lock specialist in your area to resolve the issue.

Choosing an Automotive locksmith over trying to force open your car door yourself is a smart move, yet, it’s natural to have reservations about dealing with a locksmith in a crisis. Unfortunately, there are a few unscrupulous individuals in the trade who can damage the reputation of the entire profession. Additionally, many unqualified “locksmith” scammers use misleading strategies, such as the bait-and-switch scam, to exploit unaware customers.