How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
Losing car keys is an unimaginable scenario. But it's not the end of the world, if you know what to do.
You can bring proof of ownership or a spare key to the dealer to have a new one programmed. Keys can be lost in various ways, which will impact how easy or hard it is to replace them.
1. Keys that are worn out
Over time, keys to automobiles are subjected to many wear. They are repeatedly put into locks and pockets, jiggling around and rubbed against each other. This can cause them to lose their shape, which may result in them not fitting into the ignition cylinder correctly. If this occurs, the key will either become stuck or won't turn. It can be frustrating in either case.
Luckily, it's easy to prevent this from happening by making additional copies of your car key when it is new. Then, you can rotate them to reduce the amount of wear and tear each one experiences. You can also make use of the spare key in case you lose your car keys.
Another reason you might need replacement is if the key fob you have is not functioning properly. As you've guessed that they are extremely handy to have, and they can do various tasks including unlocking your doors, and even starting your engine, to triggering the alarm. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, but the most common reason is it is due to the button is been worn out. They are tiny and delicate, often being tossed around in your bag or pocket and are able to be worn down or have buttons that break off.
If this occurs, the first thing to do is thoroughly check every place it could be, such as your bag or jacket and even in places you would not normally place them (like inside a box for shoeshine). Contact your dealership and inquire whether they have spare keys available. If not, they'll make one for you and have it fitted to your vehicle. This isn't cheap, but it's much better than the alternative.
You can lower the risk by not adding any other items to your key ring, and by regularly lubricating both your lock and key. This will ensure that they last longer and work properly. Also, keep a spare in a safe location, such as with your family or close friends. This means that you will always have the key at hand when you require it.
2. Damaged Lock
If you are able to turn the key but it's not able to fit inside the lock, there could be an issue with the lock. 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 oiled tool to clean and lubricate the lock. This will allow it to feel more smooth.
Another possible reason that a car lock won't turn is because it was jammed by force. A burglar might have tried to open the door using a tool like a pick or a bump key. If you see evidence of this on the door handle, bring your vehicle to a locksmith as soon as possible. The locksmith will be able to repair the damage and prevent future issues.
Some locksmiths offer a service that disables your old keys inside the vehicle. This makes it more difficult for someone to steal your vehicle. However, you'll need proof of your identity and evidence that you are the owner of the vehicle in order to have this done. Usually, a V5C with your name is accepted.
It's also a good idea to keep an extra key on your person or in the trunk of your car just in case you lose your key. A spare key can allow you to get back on the road quickly and prevents you from having to pay for a locksmith.
You may have to call a professional locksmith to change the key based on the car. Dealerships are able to provide replacement keys, however they'll need a towing cost and will likely need to get one from you, which can take a few days. A professional locksmith will typically create a new key faster and cheaper and could be able to program it to your vehicle on autopilot. They can also offer a range of additional services to help you keep your car safe like an re-sealing kit for doors or alarms to prevent theft. Find out more by visiting PolicyBachat.
3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder
Over time the ignition cylinder as well as key can wear out. A worn-out cylinder could jam or bind when inserted, removed, or turned, which could cause problems with the powering-on and starting of your vehicle. It is common for these problems to develop slowly and get more severe over time as the cylinder wears.
One of the most common symptoms of this problem is when the lock key cannot be inserted into the lock or incapable of rotating within the ignition cylinder. This is a clear indication that your cylinder has gotten damaged and requires replacement. It is possible to replace the cylinder yourself, but it's usually best to get a professional.
The ignition cylinder is a small, cylindrical piece of metal that is housed within the lock cylinder housing. It has two tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a particular position and can only fit the right key bumps. Over time the tumblers may be worn out or blocked with dirt. To get rid of this issue it is necessary to clean the ignition port. You can do this using a small bottle graphite lubricant. You can purchase it at a local auto parts store and follow the instructions on the label.
Remove the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your car. This will allow you to observe the cylinder port clear. Look for a pin inserted in the back of the cylinder. This is a security measure that stops your vehicle from being stolen. If lowest price doesn't turn, then you will have 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, make sure that the pin is in the accessory position. You could also damage your car's electrical and electronic systems if you drill in the wrong location. Mark the part of the drill that extends from the keyway prior to drilling. This acts as a signal to prevent you from drilling too far 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 may think that you're in a mess, but it's crucial to be calm because there are plenty of options and methods that you can get back into your vehicle without damaging the window or calling the tow truck. Whether it's using shoelaces, bobby pins, packaging tape, Slim Jims or modified wire coat hangers The majority of these options will work if you have the correct tool or trick. But, it's important to keep in mind that not all methods will work and that you may need to contact an expert for assistance in certain instances.
The most important thing is to look for the least destructive solution first. If you're in an emergency, you may not like the idea that someone else will be able to open your vehicle for you, but it is your best option. Many roadside assistance plans offer their customers the option to access their vehicle without the need for a car key.
Another suggestion is to take deep breaths and walk around the exterior of your vehicle to determine if your keys are inside any other door or in the trunk. It's easy for you to forget something as simple as a door handle or a rearview mirror when you're in a hurry, so be sure to look everywhere.
If you're still stuck in the process of unlocking your car, remain calm and call a neighbor or friend who is nearby for assistance. Sometimes strangers will be willing to help you out of a bind because they don't want you to be without a home. If they are unable to help you, you may want to call roadside assistance. lost car keys may also inquire whether your insurance covers this.
Make sure you download the app from the manufacturer of your car or use an android phone to convert your phone into a key fob to keep your keys from being locked out in the future. You can also buy an electronic keysafe to keep keys you have left over to keep them out of sight and safe from theft.