Expert advice from Atlanta's car locksmith. Prevent lockouts, save money, and know what to do when emergencies happen.
This is the #1 tip Atlanta drivers ignore. Here's the math: A spare key costs $75-$200 when you have a working key. An emergency replacement (all keys lost) costs $200-$500. That's a potential $300+ savings just for having a backup.
Pro tip: If you bought your car with only one key (common with private sales or some used car dealers), get a spare immediately. You're one lockout away from a costly emergency.
Modern key fobs have features you might not know about:
Atlanta's car theft rates make these mistakes extra costly:
Atlanta summers reach 90°F+ regularly. Leaving your key fob in direct sunlight (dash, visor clip) can damage the battery and electronics. The heat can also cause the battery to leak. Keep your fob in a cooler spot, especially in parked cars during summer.
Atlanta gets plenty of rain too. If your fob gets soaked, remove the battery immediately, dry it out for 24-48 hours (rice or silica gel packets work), then try a fresh battery. If it still doesn't work, you'll need a replacement.
Atlanta has countless parking decks (airports, malls, office buildings). Stepping away to grab a ticket or wash hands, then realizing your keys are in the car, is extremely common. Always take your keys out before exiting the vehicle in parking structures.
If you're locked out of your car in Atlanta, here's your action plan in order:
Don't try DIY methods: Coat hangers, tennis balls, and screwdrivers can cause $300-$500 in damage. A professional lockout costs $75-$150 — a fraction of the repair cost from a failed DIY attempt.
Atlanta's trusted mobile car locksmith. We come to you anywhere in metro Atlanta — Chamblee, Buckhead, Marietta, Alpharetta, and beyond.