It is a very frustrating morning when you are rushing to work and hear a loud “click.” You look down and realize your key has broken off inside the car door or ignition. This usually happens because the metal becomes brittle and weak in the freezing weather. Because of this, you need to know what to do when your car key snaps in the cold immediately. Our team wants to help you get back on the road without any extra stress. We provide rapid support for drivers who are stranded with a broken key. Do not try to dig the piece out yourself with a pen or a knife. We are proud to be the Best Locksmith Services Ottawa for automotive emergencies.
Avoiding Further Damage to Your Car
The most important rule is to stop touching the lock once the key breaks. If you push the broken piece further inside, it becomes much harder for us to remove. You might also scratch the internal wafers of the ignition or the door lock. This could turn a simple repair into a very expensive replacement. Just leave the piece where it is and give us a call right away. Our professional technicians have specialized tools designed for this exact problem.
We use thin extraction hooks to grab the teeth of the broken blade and pull it out. This process only takes a few minutes when done by an expert. We want to protect your vehicle from any unnecessary damage during the repair. Our team treats your car with the same care as we would our own. You can trust us to handle the situation with professional skill. We have helped hundreds of drivers in the city with this same issue.
Getting a Replacement Key on the Spot
Once we remove the broken piece, you still need a way to start your car. Our team provides a mobile car locksmith service that can cut a new key right at your location. We carry the latest technology to program transponder chips and fobs for most makes and models. You do not have to worry about towing your car to a dealership and waiting for days. We get you moving again in one simple visit to your driveway or parking lot.
Our keys are made of high-quality materials that stand up better to the local weather. We can even provide you with a spare key so you have a backup for next time. Having a spare is the best way to prevent a future emergency. We make sure the new key turns smoothly in all your locks before we leave. Your convenience is our main goal during every service call. We want to turn your bad morning into a much better afternoon.
Why Keys Break in the Winter
Extreme cold makes the molecules in the metal slow down and stay tight. This makes the key less flexible and more likely to snap under pressure. If your lock is a bit frozen, you might use too much force to turn it. This combination of a stuck lock and a brittle key is a recipe for a break. We suggest using a lock de-icer to melt any ice before you try to turn your key.
Worn-out keys also have tiny cracks that you cannot see with your eyes. Over time, these cracks grow until the key finally gives up. We can check the health of your keys and suggest a replacement if they look thin. It is much better to replace a worn key than to deal with a broken one in a snowstorm. Our team believes in being proactive to keep your life running smoothly. We are here to provide the advice you need to stay safe.
Maintaining Your Car Locks Regularly
A little bit of lubrication goes a long way in preventing car key issues. We suggest using a dry spray in your car locks at the start of every winter. This keeps the internal parts moving freely and prevents them from seizing up. It also helps to keep your keys clean and free of pocket lint or dirt. Small habits like these can save you a lot of money over the life of your vehicle.
If you are stuck right now with a broken piece in your hand, please Contact Us. We dispatch our professional technicians immediately to help you out. Our mobile vans are fully equipped to handle any automotive lock problem. We look forward to getting you back behind the wheel safely. Do not let a broken key ruin your entire day.
FAQ
Can you extract a key from the ignition?
Yes, our professional technicians are experts at removing broken pieces from ignitions. We use delicate tools to ensure your ignition switch remains functional and safe.
Do I need to tow my car to your shop?
No, we are a fully mobile service and come directly to your location. We can do everything on the street or in your driveway, saving you the cost of a tow truck.
How much does it cost to get a new car key?
The cost depends on the type of key and if it needs a chip programmed. We provide clear and fair pricing before we start any work. Our rates are much lower than the dealership.