How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
It's a nightmare to lose your car keys. It's not the most stressful scenario If you know how to deal with it.
First, find a spare key and keep it in a safe place or bring proof of ownership to the dealer to have a replacement programmed. There are a few different ways you can lose keys, which will determine how simple or difficult it is to replace them.
1. Keys that are worn out
Over time, keys for cars are exposed to a lot wear and wear and tear. They are often jingled in pockets, rub against each other, and inserted into locks repeatedly again. They can lose their shape and no longer fit into the ignition cylinder. The key may get stuck or stop turning when this happens. Either way, it can be extremely frustrating.
It's a good thing that you can prevent this from happening by creating extra copies of your car key when it's new. You can then rotate them in order to reduce the wear on each. You can also use the spare key if you have lost your car keys.
You may also need to replace your key fob if it's stopped working properly. They are extremely useful and do many things, including unlocking doors, starting the engine, or even activating your alarm. It can happen due to several reasons but the most frequent is that it's worn down from daily use. They are small fragile and can be easily smashed in your pocket or bag. The buttons are prone to be broken or worn down.
If this happens, the first thing to do is thoroughly check all places that it could be, such as your bag or jacket and even in places you wouldn't normally put them (like inside a shoeshine box). Contact your dealership and inquire if they have spare keys available. If not, they'll order one for you and have it installed in your vehicle. This can be expensive but it's a lot better than the alternative.
You can also reduce the risk of this happening by avoiding adding any other things to your key ring, and regularly lubricating your keys and lock. This will ensure that they last longer and perform as they should. You should also keep an extra in a secure place, such as with your family or close friends. This ensures that you always have the key when you require it.
2. Damaged Lock
If you are able to turn the key but it isn't able to fit into the lock, there may be an issue with the lock. The tumblers of the lock could be clogged with dirt and debris. This can cause the mechanism to feel stiff. Locksmiths can employ a specific tool to clean and lubricate the lock to make it feel smooth once more.
A car lock that doesn't turn may have been blocked by force. A thief might have employed a tool like a bump key or a pick to open the door open. If you find evidence of this on the door handle, take your vehicle to a professional locksmith as soon as you can. The locksmith will be able to repair the damage and prevent future issues.
Some locksmiths provide the option of disabling your old key inside the vehicle. This makes it more difficult for thieves to take your vehicle. You'll need proof of your identity as well as proof that you have ownership of the vehicle before this can be done. A V5C form that has your name on it will usually be accepted.
You should also keep an extra car key in your trunk or on your person in the event that you lose it. A spare key can allow you to get back on the road quickly and avoid needing to pay for locksmith.
You might need to contact a professional locksmith to replace the key depending on the car. Dealerships will provide you with an alternative key, however it could cost you an additional towing fee and can take several days to order. A professional locksmith will be able to create a key in a shorter time and cheaper. They might even be able to program it to connect to your vehicle automatically. They can also provide a range of services to keep your car secure, including a door resealing kit and anti-theft alarms. Visit PolicyBachat to learn more about the services they offer.
3. Clogged ignition cylinder
Over time your key and ignition cylinder may wear out. A worn-out cylinder may be stuck or jam when it is removed, inserted or turned, which can cause problems starting and recharging your vehicle. It is typical for these issues to take time to develop and then become more noticeable over time as the cylinder wears.
One of the most frequent symptoms of this issue is when the key cannot be put into the lock or is not able to rotate in the cylinder for ignition. This is a sign the cylinder is in need of being replaced. replacement lost car keys is possible to replace the cylinder yourself however it is generally recommended to get a professional.
The ignition cylinder is a small cylindrical piece of metal which is contained within the lock cylinder housing. It is comprised of two tumblers. Each tumbler has a specific position and only fits the key bumps that are correct. In time, tumblers could become worn or clogged up with dirt. To get rid of this issue you'll need to clean the ignition port. This can be done using tiny bottles of graphite oil. You can purchase this product from your local auto parts store. Follow the instructions on the bottle.
First, remove the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will let you see the cylinder port more clearly. Look for a pin in the back of the cylinder. This is a safety feature that keeps your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder does not turn, you'll have to remove the pin to allow it to slide out of the housing.
The process is easy, but it requires patience. Make sure the pin is in the accessory position before drilling. You could also cause damage to your car's electrical or electronic systems if you drill in the wrong place. Make sure you mark the portion of the drill that protrudes from the keyway before drilling. This acts as a flag to prevent you from drilling too deeply and damaging the cylinder housing.
4. Locked out
The first thing you should do when you lock your keys inside your car is to not panic. Keep calm. You may think you're in a bind however, there are plenty of ways to get back in your car without breaking the windows or calling a tow truck. You can make use of shoelaces, packaging tape, bobbypins, or Slim Jims to get into your vehicle. However, it's important be aware that not all methods can be successful and you may need to call a professional for assistance in some cases.
It is important to always pick the safest option first. If you're in a crisis, you may not like the idea that someone else will be able to open your car for you, but it's the best option. A lot of roadside assistance plans give members the ability to open their car without the need for a car key.
Another excellent tip is to take deep breaths and walk around the entire exterior of your vehicle to see whether your keys are in any other door or in the trunk. When you're in a rush it's easy to forget something as basic as the door handle or the rearview mirror. Make sure to look everywhere.
If you're still unable to open your car keep your cool and seek help from a friend or neighbor who is near. Most of the time someone will be willing to assist you out of a jam since they don't want you to be stranded. If they're not able to assist you, you must consider calling roadside assistance or determining if your vehicle insurance covers it.
Use the app of the manufacturer of your car or use an android phone to convert your phone into a key fob in order to keep your keys from being locked out in the future. You can also purchase keys with magnetic locks to store keys you have left over, which will keep them out of sight and away from thieves.