How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
The loss of car keys is a nightmare scenario. But it's not the end of the world, if you know what to do.
First, find an extra key and store it in a safe location or bring proof of ownership to the dealer to have a replacement programmed. Keys can get lost in a variety of ways, which will affect how easy or hard it is to replace them.
1. Keys That Are Worn Out
Over time, keys for cars are subject to a lot of wear and tear. replacing lost car keys are jingled in pockets, rubbing against each others, and then put into locks over and over again. This causes them to lose their shape, which may result in them not fitting into the ignition cylinder in a proper way. The key may be stuck or not turn if this happens. It can be frustrating in both cases.
It's simple to avoid this by creating multiple copies of your new car key. Then you can rotate them, reducing the amount of wear each one undergoes. You can also make use of the spare key in case you have lost your car keys.
You may also need to replace your key fob if it has stopped working properly. As you've probably guessed that they are extremely handy to have and can perform various tasks, from unlocking your doors, and even starting your engine to activating the alarm. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, but most often it is because the button has been worn out. They are small and delicate, frequently being tossed around in your bag or pocket and are able to be worn down or have buttons ripped off.
If this occurs the first thing you need to do is to thoroughly examine all places that it could be, such as your jacket or bag and even places where you would not normally place them (like inside a shoeshine box). Contact your dealership and inquire whether they have spare keys on hand. If they don't have a spare key in inventory, they can request it and attach it to your vehicle. It's not cheap however it's better than the alternatives.
You can reduce the risk by avoiding adding any other items to your key ring, and by regularly lubricating your lock and key. This will ensure that both last longer and perform as they should. It's also an excellent idea to keep an extra key in a secure location in your home, such as with family or friends, so that you can always have it available when you need it.
2. Damaged Lock
If the key fits into the lock but you can't turn it, it might be an issue with the lock itself. The lock tumblers may be clogged up with dirt and other debris. This can cause the mechanism to feel stiff. A locksmith can use an instrument that is specifically designed to clean out and lubricate the lock to make it to feel more smooth.
Another reason why that a car lock won't turn is that it was forced to close. A thief might have used a tool, such as bump keys or a hammer to force the door open. If you see any evidence of this on the door handle, take your vehicle to an experienced locksmith as quickly as you can. The locksmith can fix the damage and prevent future issues.
Certain locksmiths offer the option of disabling your old key inside the vehicle. This makes it more difficult for thieves to take your vehicle. You'll need to provide proof of your identity as well as proof that you have ownership of the vehicle before this can be done. Usually, a V5C that bears your name is accepted.
It's recommended to carry a spare key on your person or in the trunk of your car in case you lose yours. Having a spare can help you get back on the road in a hurry and also prevents you from having to pay for locksmith services.
You may need to call a professional locksmith to replace keys based on your car. Dealerships can provide keys for replacement, but they'll need a towing cost and you may have to get one from you, which can take days. A professional locksmith will typically make a new key faster and cheaper and might even be able to program it to your vehicle automatically. They can also provide a range of services to ensure your vehicle is secure, including an resealing kit for doors and alarms that prevent theft. Visit PolicyBachat to find out more.
3. Clogged ignition cylinder
Over time, your key and ignition cylinder can wear out. A worn-out cylinder could block or become stuck when it is inserted, removed or turned, which may cause problems starting and powering up your vehicle. These issues can be gradual but they will become more apparent over time.
This problem is typically indicated by the inability to insert the key into the lock, or turn the ignition cylinder. This indicates that the cylinder must be replaced. You could try replacing the cylinder by yourself, however it is generally better to get it done by a professional.
The ignition cylinder consists of a small, cylindrical piece of metal that is housed inside the lock cylinder housing. It contains two tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a particular location and is only suited to the key bumps that are correct. In time, tumblers could get worn out or clogged with dirt. To get rid of this issue you'll need to clean the ignition port. You can do this with the smallest bottle of graphite lubricant. You can purchase this at your local auto parts store and follow the directions on the label.
Take off the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your car. This will provide you with more clarity of the port for the cylinder. Find lost keys that is inserted into the back of the cylinder. This is a security feature that keeps your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder does not turn, you'll need to remove the retention pin to let it slide out of the housing.
The process is easy, but it requires patience. Before drilling the pin, ensure that the pin is in the accessory position. It is also important to note that there is a possibility of causing damage to the car's electronic and electrical systems by drilling into the wrong spot. Before drilling, make certain to mark the part of the drill bit that is protruding from the keyway with tape. This acts as a flag to prevent you from drilling too deep and causing damage to the cylinder housing.
4. Locked Out
The first thing you need to do when you lock your keys in your car is not to panic. You might think you're in a mess, but it's important to stay calm because there are many options and methods that you can get back in your vehicle without breaking the window or calling an emergency tow truck. You can make use of shoelaces, packaging tape, bobbypins or Slim Jims to get into your vehicle. It is important to keep in mind that there are many different methods that work, and you may need professional help in certain situations.
It is important to always pick the safest option first. If you are in an emergency, you may not like the idea of having someone else will be able to open your car for you, but it is the best choice. Many roadside assistance plans provide their members the option to access their vehicle without having a car key.
Take a deep breath, and then go around the outside of your car to determine if you've got your keys in any of the doors or in the trunk. It's easy to lose even the simplest things like a door handle or a rearview mirror when you're in a rush So, make sure you look everywhere.
If you're still unable to get your car open Try to remain calm and seek help from a family member or friend that is nearby. Oftentimes, a stranger will be willing to help you out of a jam because they don't want to be left stranded. If they're unable to help you, you must take a look at calling roadside assistance, or determining if your vehicle insurance covers it.
To avoid a locked out key in the future, be sure you check your car manufacturer's app or use a smart device transform your phone into a car key fob. You can also buy an electronic keysafe to keep your spares keys to keep them out of the way and away from thieves.