Whether it’s the ignition or the door, it’s a fact that keys can sometimes get stuck in your vehicle. Let’s go over why this happens, some steps to take if this ever happens to you and how you can prevent it from happening again in the future.

Common Reasons Keys Get Stuck

First, let’s discuss why this happens. Here are a few of the most common reasons why key get stuck in vehicles:

• Obstructions like dirt and debris can get in the ignition
• Colder temperatures can cause a key to freeze to the ignition or door
• The steering wheel locks because a wrong key was inserted
• The car battery may die, and leave your key stuck or reduce the temperature
• The key could break off in the ignition or door preventing use of a spare key

What To Do When Your Key Is Stuck

When a key is stuck, you have to decide if this is a situation you can address yourself or if you need to call a professional auto locksmith. If there’s an obstruction, for example, you can attempt cleaning out the ignition yourself. (If it’s an emergency situation and anyone’s life is in danger, be sure to call 911 first!)

Battery issues, and troubleshooting steering wheel problems are also potential DIY issues. If the key is broken off in the ignition and you can’t get it out, however, it’s time to call a locksmith. This is probably also the best option if you’re not sure why the key is stuck, or you don’t feel confident in addressing the issue yourself. 

Preventing Keys From Getting Stuck

You can prevent many of the issues above by being a little proactive. Clean the interior of your car (and its ignition) regularly to prevent the buildup of dirt and debris. Keep a duplicate copy of your original key in a safe place, and maintain other elements of the car. Finally, make sure you’re using the right key, and don’t leave a key in the ignition when there are cold temperatures.

If you’re in need of automotive locksmith services, don’t hesitate to reach out to A-1 Locksmith. Give us a call at (972) 284-7500 or stop by any of our DFW-area locations today.

Also, did you know that going to a locksmith instead of a car dealership to duplicate your car keys is more affordable? We’ll cover this reason and three others you should choose a locksmith for auto key duplication in this blog post.

1. It’s More Affordable

For starters, every service at a dealership is typically more expensive than if you went somewhere else. This makes sense in a way, as the dealer handles components directly from car brands, and wants to protect the value of its brand, and the cars it sells. But you don’t need to pay Ferrari prices for a Honda-level need. An auto locksmith can duplicate keys of any kind, and give you a cheaper option that saves you money.

2. There Are More Options

Speaking of options, you don’t have to stick with the same key when you choose a locksmith for auto key duplication. A dealer might not give you any choice in the matter, but an auto locksmith will give you the option to upgrade to a high-security key, key fob or another type of car key. You can even make an extra spare key, if you so desire. 

3. It Can Be Faster

It’s often also more convenient and faster to choose a locksmith instead of a dealer for auto key duplication. Not only can a locksmith travel to your location if you need a key duplicated, they can help if you’re locked out of your vehicle, and get you back on the road faster. At a dealership, you might have to wait for other customers, and it usually takes much longer.

4. There’s More Peace of Mind

When it comes to car keys, you can expect the same level of quality from a locksmith that you would from a dealership. In fact, you might experience more peace of mind, as a locksmith lives, and breathes security, whereas a dealer focuses on all aspects of vehicle buying, selling and maintenance. You can trust that the key you’re getting from a locksmith will be of high quality.
These are just a few reasons to choose a locksmith for auto key duplication. If you need a key duplicated for your vehicle, give the A-1 Locksmith team a call today at (972) 284-7500.

One of those components is keys. Did you know that there is more than one type of car key? From mechanical, and self-programmable to transponder and laser-cut, there are a variety of different keys out there that can be used for automotive rekeying. Part of the reason for this is functional; part of the reason is preference. Either way, let’s take a closer look at seven of the most popular types of car keys to see why they’re out there.

Mechanical Keys

These keys used to be prevalent in most cars, but that’s no longer the case. Mechanical keys instead show up more often as house keys, locker keys, and other basic devices. You likely won’t find a mechanical key for a car unless it’s a basic or older model (or to access the door or trunk only). Why? They don’t include electronic components that the car uses to confirm the key is valid.

Programmable Remotes

Programmable remotes (or self-programmable as they’re more often called) aren’t really keys. Instead, they’re buttons that you use to lock your car, unlock your car, sound the alarm and/or open the trunk. Using special equipment, a locksmith or dealer can program one of these remotes to your vehicle to your vehicle, and replace or duplicate them if necessary. As a bonus, the best automotive locksmiths guarantee their programmed keys to work and may even include a 90-day warranty.

Transponder Keys

These are the most common car keys you’ll see out there. Transponder keys are like mechanical keys, but they have electronic components in the head that communicate with the car to confirm that the key is valid. Like remotes, these keys need to be programmed to the vehicle in order to start it, so they usually require the assistance of a locksmith or dealership.

Laser-Cut Transponder Keys

Think of laser-cut transponder keys as transponder keys with a bit of extra security. These are laser-cut to exact specifications, and require extensive knowledge of rekeying and locksmithing. A locksmith who specializes in automotive rekeying can often make laser-cut keys for a lot less than you’d pay at the dealership.

Remote/Key Combos

These are also more, and more common these days. Remote/key combos are exactly what they sound like: a combination remote, and key. You have the security of the key being programmed to your car, but the convenience of choosing between the button or key to access it.

Proximity FOBs

One of the newer car access options, proximity keys or FOBS look like remotes (and may even have buttons on them), but they can actually start the car or unlock the doors when you’re near the vehicle. You may need help replacing one of these if the battery dies, or you may just want to upgrade a basic key to a proximity FOB.

Tibbe Keys

Finally, Tibbe keys are unique in that they can’t be duplicated by anyone except a dealer or locksmith. Furthermore, they’re limited to certain types of vehicles, such as Ford, and Jaguar. But they’re common enough to make it on our list.

Need your automobile rekeyed? Or perhaps you just need an extra set of keys for your car? Give us a call at 972-284-7500 and we’ll get you taken care of today.

Online Services Take Financial Advantage

The biggest risk to using an online service for key duplication is that these companies often utilize tactics to take advantage of the customer. Often times, online key duplication companies will hook customers with the prospect of copying a key at a very low cost—often only a few dollars—and with very little work for the customer – in fact, all you have to do is send in a picture of your key! While this may sound tempting as a time, and money-saver, don’t be fooled; online services often over-promise, and under-sell. While you may be quoted a reasonable price, a bait-and-switch scheme is often in play – after you agree to have your key copied, you may really be charged dozens more than you were originally told.

Keep in mind that when you pay for a service online, handing over your credit card is often the only option; unlike a physical store, you can’t pay cash for online key copying. This means that if you do receive services from a fraudulent company, you may risk handing over your credit card information, which could result in a future credit card scheme with you as the victim.

Putting Your Home, and Family at Risk

In the worst of cases, a scam online key duplication service may use the photo of your key in order to make copies of your key with ill intentions. Because it can be very hard to track down who’s behind online companies, you may be sending a picture of your home or auto key to someone who’s involved in criminal activity, including burglary.

Not a Proper Cut

Another reason that choosing an online service for key duplication isn’t worth it is that often times, a basic photo of a key is not enough to yield a proper cut. This is especially true if the key has been used excessively, and is worn down in certain places. If your key isn’t cut properly, then you’ve not only wasted your money, but you’ve also wasted valuable time as well. In order to ensure that you get an accurate cut, it’s always best to have your key(s) duplicated in-person by a trusted professional.

How to Find a Trustworthy Key Duplication Service

So how do you find a trustworthy key duplication service near you? The best way to find a reputable key copying company in the DFW area is to look for one with years’ of experience, and positive customer reviews. If you need key duplication services today, the professionals at A-1 Locksmith can help. With 60 years’ experience helping customers just like you, we’re ready to get put our expertise to work for you today.