Broken Car Key in Slough – Fast, Non-Destructive Help
A broken car key can stop your day in its tracks. If you’re dealing with a broken car key in Slough or anywhere in the SL postcode area, we can help quickly with safe, non-destructive methods wherever possible. Whether the key has snapped in the door or ignition, the blade is bent, the fob housing is cracked, or the transponder chip is damaged, our mobile auto locksmiths come to you with dealer-level tools to extract, repair, or replace your key and get you moving again.
We’re a trusted, local auto locksmith serving Slough and nearby areas including Langley, Cippenham, Burnham, Windsor, Maidenhead, and Stoke Poges. With over 10 years of experience, full public liability insurance, and DBS-checked technicians, you’re in safe hands.
When You Need Help With a Broken Car Key
Broken car keys show up in many ways. If any of these sound familiar, we can resolve it on the spot:
- Key snapped in the door lock or ignition
- Key blade twisted, bent, or worn out
- Plastic fob case split or cracked
- Key won’t turn in the ignition or keeps sticking
- Remote buttons worn or not responding
- Key fob not detected, or immobiliser light flashing
- Transponder (chip in the key) stopped communicating
- Boot/rear door won’t unlock with the key
- Flip key spring broken or key blade falls out
Common scenarios we attend in Slough:
- Car key snapped while trying to unlock in cold weather
- Key stuck in ignition after years of wear
- Remote key fob dropped and no longer works
- Spare key needed after the original breaks
- Company van key broken on a job in SL1 or SL2
If you’re unsure whether your key is repairable, we’ll assess it on arrival. Often, repairing or rebuilding the key is faster and more affordable than replacing everything.
How We Fix Broken Car Keys – Our Process
We aim to use non-destructive entry and repair methods in nearly all cases. If a rare exception is unavoidable (for example, a severely damaged lock or a security-locked ignition), we’ll explain the reason and cost before any work.
- On-site Diagnosis
- We identify whether the issue is the key blade, the remote housing, the transponder chip, or the vehicle’s lock/ignition.
- We connect dealer-level diagnostics where required to check immobiliser status and key recognition.
- Non-Destructive Extraction (If Snapped or Stuck)
- Using specialist broken key extractors, we remove snapped fragments from the door, boot, or ignition without drilling.
- For tight tolerances, we use precision picks and lubrication, protecting surrounding components.
- Key Repair or Rebuild
- If the blade is damaged, we cut a new blade (including laser cut and high-security vehicle keys).
- We can replace cracked fob shells, worn buttons, or a broken flip mechanism.
- Where the transponder chip is intact, we migrate it into a new shell; if it’s faulty, we supply and program a new chip.
- Car Key Programming
- We programme transponder keys, remote fobs, and smart/proximity keys using OBD2 key programming and, where needed, EEPROM or ECU/immobiliser programming.
- We’ll sync remote central locking and confirm the car starts and locks/unlocks correctly.
- All supported for leading makes including Ford, Vauxhall, Volkswagen, BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Nissan, and more.
- Final Testing and Handover
- We test mechanical operation, remote locking, and immobiliser recognition.
- You’ll get guidance on caring for the new or repaired key and, if required, we can provide a spare.
What We Can Repair or Replace
- Broken car key extraction from lock or ignition
- New key blades cut and matched to your locks
- Flip key repair, new pivot pins and springs
- Fob shell replacements and button repairs
- Key fob battery replacement and testing
- Transponder chip cloning or replacement
- Remote key programming and smart key programming
- Ignition and lock repairs if damage has occurred
If your broken key has left you locked out, our safe car unlock service Slough opens your vehicle without drilling or damage wherever possible. If the key is beyond repair or missing pieces, we can provide a full car key replacement the same day in most cases.
Why Drivers in Slough Choose Us
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Local Expertise
Based in Slough, covering SL1, SL2, and across the SL postcode area including Langley, Cippenham, Colnbrook, Eton, Windsor, Maidenhead, Taplow, Burnham, and Stoke Poges. -
10+ Years’ Experience
We’ve resolved thousands of broken car key, lock, and ignition issues across all major manufacturers. -
Dealer-Level Tools and Training
OBD2 diagnostics, EEPROM key programming, ECU/immobiliser programming, and high-precision cutting for laser cut keys. -
Insured and Vetted
Fully insured with public liability cover; all technicians are DBS checked for your peace of mind. -
Non-Destructive Methods
Wherever possible, we use non-destructive entry and extraction. If drilling or component replacement is the only safe option, we’ll explain clearly first. -
Mobile and Convenient
We come to your home, workplace, or roadside across Slough and the SL area—no towing to a dealership. -
Warranties and Quality Parts
Our workmanship and supplied keys/fobs come with clear warranties. We only use quality parts suitable for your vehicle. -
Transparent Quotes
We provide clear, no-obligation quotes before work begins. For help understanding costs, see our guidance on auto locksmith prices in Slough.
Broken Key vs Replacement – What’s Best?
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Repair or Rebuild
If the transponder and electronics are fine, we can often rebuild the key with a new blade and shell, saving time and cost. -
Replacement
If the chip is faulty, the remote is water-damaged, or the key is snapped beyond repair, a new key is usually best. We can create a working key without the original by decoding the lock and programming a new transponder.
Not sure which route you need? We’ll advise on arrival and explain the options clearly.
Supported Vehicles and Systems
We regularly help with:
- Ford (Fiesta, Focus, Kuga, Transit) key blade breaks and Tibbe/laser systems
- Vauxhall and Volkswagen flip key repairs and transponder cloning
- BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz smart/proximity keys and immobiliser syncing
- Toyota and Nissan remote key programming and ECU pairing
- Peugeot, Renault, Kia, Hyundai, Honda, Skoda, Volvo, Land Rover/Range Rover, Mini, Jaguar, Citroën, and more
If you drive a van or commercial vehicle, we also offer a dedicated van and commercial locksmith service for fleets and trades.
Next Steps and Related Services
If your key has snapped, is stuck, or simply won’t turn, we’ll come to you and sort it. For related issues, you might also find these helpful:
- For unresponsive remotes, see key fob not working
- If you’ve misplaced or lost parts of the key, explore lost or stolen car keys
- Need a fresh key programmed from scratch? Read about our car key programming
Prefer to speak to a person? You can also contact our Slough team for friendly advice.
FAQs About Broken Car Keys
Can you remove a broken key from my ignition without damage?
Yes, in most cases. We use specialist broken key extraction tools and non-destructive techniques to remove fragments from ignitions and door locks. If an ignition is already worn or damaged, we’ll explain the safest repair or replacement before proceeding.
My car key has snapped in two. Can you rebuild it?
Often, yes. If the electronics and transponder chip are intact, we can cut a new blade, fit a new shell, and transfer or clone the chip. We’ll test remote locking and starting before handing it back.
The key won’t turn in the ignition. Is it the key or the ignition?
It could be either. A worn or bent key can stop turning, and worn wafers inside the ignition can also jam. We’ll diagnose on site and either recut/replace the key or carry out ignition repair. See more about car lock and ignition issues.
Can a locksmith make a car key without the original?
Yes. We can decode the lock and cut a new key, then programme the transponder to your immobiliser using OBD2 or EEPROM methods depending on the model. This avoids dealer delays and towing.
How long does it take to fix a broken car key?
Many broken keys are repaired or replaced during a single visit. Extraction and rebuilds can be completed quickly; full replacements vary by make and key type. We’ll give you a realistic timeframe when you call.
Will my car be damaged during the process?
Our priority is non-destructive entry and repair. In rare cases where a component is already damaged or a security design requires drilling, we’ll discuss it first and get your approval.
Do you provide a warranty on repaired or new keys?
Yes. We guarantee our workmanship and provide clear warranties on supplied keys and fobs. We’ll confirm the terms on site.
Get a Free, No-Obligation Quote
If you’re stuck with a broken car key in Slough or anywhere in the SL postcode area, we’re ready to help. We’ll come to you, extract or repair the key, and programme replacements on the spot where needed. For urgent lockouts, please call for immediate assistance.
Need help now? Call 01753 303 101 or Email us.
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