When you find yourself locked out of your car, it can be a stressful and frustrating experience. That’s where the experts at Durham Towing Company come in. Our team of skilled car locksmiths is equipped with the most innovative tools in the industry, ensuring that we can get you back on the road quickly and safely.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the cutting-edge tools our locksmiths use to provide top-notch mobile locksmith services in Durham, NC. If you ever find yourself in need of a reliable car locksmith, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 919-805-3344.
Traditional Car Locksmith Tools
Before diving into the high-tech tools, let’s touch on the traditional essentials that every car locksmith should have in their toolkit. Lock picks and tension tools are the classic go-to for unlocking car doors when keys are lost or locked inside. These tools come in various shapes and sizes, each designed to manipulate the tumblers inside a lock until it opens.
Slim Jims and wedges are also useful for maneuvering into tight spaces and manipulating lock mechanisms. These long, thin pieces of metal can slip between the window and weather stripping to access the lock. And when a key breaks off in the lock, key extractors are the saviors that can remove the broken pieces without damaging the lock. These tools have small hooks or barbs that can grab onto the broken key fragment and pull it out.
Modern Car Locksmith Tools
As vehicle technology advances, so do the tools used by car locksmiths. Gone are the days when a simple key could unlock most cars. Today’s vehicles often have complex security systems that require specialized tools to bypass.
Transponder key programmers are essential for dealing with modern car keys that have built-in chips. These chips communicate with the vehicle’s computer system to prevent theft. If the key’s chip isn’t programmed correctly, the car won’t start. Locksmiths use programmers to synchronize new keys with the vehicle’s computer system, ensuring a seamless operation.
Another crucial tool in a modern car locksmith’s kit is the key cutting machine. These machines use laser or mechanical cutting methods to create precise duplicates of car keys. Some advanced key cutting machines can even cut keys based on digital images or scans, ensuring an exact match to the original key.
For vehicles equipped with VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System), locksmiths rely on VATS passcode detectors to retrieve the necessary codes for key programming. These detectors connect to the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system and read the codes needed to create a new key.
Diagnostic scanners are also invaluable for troubleshooting complex lock-related issues in modern vehicles. These scanners can read error codes and help locksmiths pinpoint the source of the problem quickly, saving time and frustration for the customer.
What Does a Locksmith Need to Make a Car Key?
If you’ve ever wondered what goes into making a car key, here’s a quick rundown. Locksmiths need key blanks specific to your vehicle’s make and model. These blanks are the starting point for creating a new key. Along with the blank, a reliable key cutting machine is necessary to create an accurate duplicate.
For transponder keys, locksmiths also need the appropriate programming tools to sync the key with your car’s computer system. This process involves connecting the programmer to your vehicle’s diagnostic port and inputting the necessary codes.
Lastly, the locksmith will require your vehicle identification information to ensure they’re creating the correct key for your car. This information can be found on your vehicle’s registration or insurance card, or sometimes on a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb. The locksmith will use this information to look up the specific key codes for your vehicle, ensuring that the new key will work flawlessly.
Will Car Insurance Pay for Locksmith Services?
It’s a common question: will your car insurance cover the cost of locksmith services? The answer depends on your specific policy. Some comprehensive coverage plans may include locksmith services, while others offer optional roadside assistance packages that cover lockouts.
If you have comprehensive coverage, it’s worth checking your policy documents or contacting your insurance provider to see if locksmith services are included. If you don’t have comprehensive coverage, you may still be able to add a roadside assistance package to your policy for an additional fee.
Even if your insurance doesn’t cover locksmith services, it’s still important to choose a reputable and qualified locksmith to ensure the job is done right. Attempting to unlock your car yourself or using an inexperienced locksmith could lead to damage to your vehicle’s locks or security system, resulting in costly repairs down the line.
Conclusion
When you find yourself in need of a car locksmith in Durham, NC, you can trust the experts at Durham Towing Company to have the most innovative tools and the expertise to use them effectively. Call 919-805-3344 at any time for help.
From traditional lock picking to advanced key programming, our team is prepared to handle all your locksmith needs. We understand that being locked out of your car can be a stressful experience, which is why we strive to provide fast, reliable service with a friendly smile.
