Just recently, Apple and Samsung came under fire after allegations of planned obsolescence started to surface. They admitted that their devices are intentionally designed to slow down and wear out as they grow old, encouraging consumers to
upgrade to the latest model (read: make more $$$!).

Fortunately, you can rest easy knowing that your local auto locksmith doesn’t cut your car keys so they’ll give out on you after two years!

That said, that doesn’t mean that they (along with your ignition) are immune to wear-and-tear.

Like anything man-made, your car keys and ignition can suffer damage. So when you should talk to a locksmith? And what can you do to when your keys and
ignition start causing you grief?

Auto locksmith Melbourne

An auto locksmith explains: why is my ignition wearing out?

Buckle up, it’s time for a lesson in how locks work.

We covered how the humble house key keeps you safe,
and while automotive keys use a different type of lock – and therefore a different type of key – the basic principle is more or less the same.

Much like your house key, your car ignition uses pins and tumblers that physically block everything except the correct key – if the ridges and points don’t
fit that exact combination of pins, you’re not going anywhere, so book an Uber!

Over time, these pins or the key itself (or both) can wear out – especially if you’re rough with your ignition. If you’re a fan of ramming the key in and
turning it aggressively, don’t be surprised if your ignition fails sooner rather than later.

Even if you are gentle with your keys, think about how often you drive your car each week, and how many times you insert and remove the key. Multiply that
by however many years the car lasts and you’ve got a lot of potential wear-and-tear.

 

How do I know if my ignition is wearing out?

Here are just some of the common symptoms of a worn-out key or ignition, as well as an explanation of how each of them work.

Your keys won’t turn

The most obvious sign your ignition is starting to show its age is when you try as hard as you might, your car keys Just. Won’t. Turn.

It’s probable that either your car key or your ignition are worn out.

Each groove on your car key needs to fit perfectly with a pin in the lock. If your keys won’t turn or won’t fit in the ignition cylinder it’s probably
because one (or both of them) have worn out to the point where they no longer fit together.

Fortunately, auto locksmiths in Melbourne will help get you moving again with car key and ignition repair and replacement. If one day you hop into your
car for the drive home and realise that your keys won’t fit, you won’t be stuck for long. Call Galmier’s auto locksmiths when you’re stranded! Call
Alex now: 0407 022 234.

You can’t quite start your car first time

Finding yourself jostling your key until it starts working?

This is usually an indicator that either your key or the cylinder is getting old and won’t fit anymore… at least, not without quite a bit of struggling!

If this sounds like your ignition cylinder, we strongly recommend you talk to an automotive locksmith in Melbourne to investigate the problem.

“Help! My car won’t start!”

Have you ever turned your key only to be rewarded with, well, nothing?

We’re not talking your engine not starting – we mean no response at all. No chugs, no lights… absolute silence.

Sometimes the problem doesn’t lie with your lock – it might not even be a problem with the keyhole. If this scenario sounds familiar to you, there’s good
odds that it’s another part of your ignition system playing up!

In most modern cars (including your trustworthy Holden or Toyota),
the ignition lock cylinder is connected to an electronic ignition switch. This sends electrical signals down to your car battery, giving it the signal
to trigger the starter switch and turn on your engine.

If your key fits perfectly and the car just won’t start, chances are it’s a problem with the electronic ignition switch. If this is the case, there’s not
much you can do except replace your ignition switch entirely. Call your mechanic or roadside assistance.

 

Need a car locksmith in Melbourne?

Contact Galmier Locksmiths today!

If the problem has anything to do with keys, your car locksmith can fix it… and that includes car key and ignition problems.

An auto locksmith will be able to diagnose your ignition problems at the very least – and in most cases, can perform repairs and replacement on the spot!

Galmier Locksmiths also offers an out-of-hours emergency locksmith service
after all, key and ignition disasters don’t wait for business hours to strike.

An auto locksmith can solve key and ignition problems

If you find your car keys not fitting as they should, get in touch with the professionals at Galmier Locksmiths.

Our focus is on fixing your ignition problems, quick and smart. We are big believers in minimising the risk of damage and maximising peace-of-mind. Whether
it’s an ignition problem or a residential lock, we deliver prompt and trustworthy service to car, home and business owners across Melbourne’s southeast.

Do you think your keys or ignition are starting to look a little bit worn? Give us a call on 0407 022 234, or use this
contact form to get in touch with us!