Hello from Fort Collins, Colorado. I run Choice City Locksmith, a small mobile locksmith service, and I will use this blog to share practical tips about car keys and locks.
Locked your keys in the car? Before you call anyone, check every door and the trunk, and ask whether someone at home has a spare. If not, avoid prying at the door or window. A bent frame or torn weather seal costs far more to fix than a lockout visit.
Lost your only car key? Most cars made in the last twenty years use a transponder chip in the key head, so a new key has to be both cut and programmed to the car. A mobile automotive locksmith can usually do both in your driveway, which saves a tow to the dealer.
Key stuck in the ignition? Make sure the car is fully in park, then turn the steering wheel gently back and forth while you turn the key. A locked steering column often holds the key in place.
If you are in northern Colorado, you can read more about our automotive locksmith service, including lockouts, car key replacement and key fob programming.