When to Call a Car Locksmith for Your Vehicle

If you've been locked out of your car, you always want to call a car locksmith rather than trying to break back in by yourself. You could easily damage the lock to the door or break a window by trying to get into the car; in turn, you may spend more money to repair the car than you would on the locksmith. However, being locked out and seeing your keys sitting in the ignition is not the only time you want to call a car locksmith. Note when you may need their services at other times and why it can be good to call them.

1. When the alarm goes off at odd times

If your car's alarm goes off at odd times such as when you're driving or trying to start the car with your own key, you want to call a car locksmith. Very often the alarm will sound when the transponder or computer chip in your key fob isn't communicating properly with the computer in your car. In turn, your car may think that you're using a fake key rather than a real key, or the program for the alarm itself may have been damaged and is causing it to sound. A car locksmith can often note if the key fob and computer are not communicating and then correct this problem for you.

2. When you want a new key made

Car keys are not like keys to your home's entryways; as noted above, they need to communicate with a car's computer in order for the alarm to work and in some cases, even for the key to start the car. Rather than taking your current key to a key maker at your local hardware store, it's good to call an auto locksmith to get new keys made.

3. If your car has been broken into

If someone has broken into your car, an auto locksmith might note if you need to upgrade the car's locks so it's more difficult to open without a key; a keypad with a code might be a good way to protect your car, and a car locksmith can usually install this for you. If the anti-theft or alarm system failed to alert during a break-in, the auto locksmith can note if there is a problem with wiring or something else that caused it to fail, and fix the problem for you.