How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
It's a nightmare to lose your car keys. However, it's not the end of the world provided you know what to do.
The first step is to locate an extra key and store it in a safe location or take proof of ownership to the dealership to have a replacement programmed. There are many ways to lose your keys, and this will determine how easy or difficult it is to replace them.
1. Worn Out Key
Over time, keys for cars are subjected to a lot of wear and wear and tear. They are jingled around in pockets, rub against each with each other, and then inserted into locks over and over again. They can lose their shape and won't fit into the ignition cylinder. The key may be stuck or not turn if this happens. Whatever the case, it could be extremely annoying.
It's simple to avoid this by creating multiple copies of your new car key. Then you can rotate them to reduce the amount of wear and tear each one goes through. In addition, if you lose your car keys, there's an extra.
Another reason to consider replacement is if your key fob has stopped working properly. As you know, these are very handy to have, and they can do various tasks, from unlocking your doors and starting your engine to activating the alarm. This could be due to a few reasons but the most frequent is that they've damaged from use. They are small, delicate and often jostled in your purse or pocket. The buttons can easily be damaged or worn down.
If this occurs, the first thing you should do is to thoroughly examine all places that it could be, such as your bag or jacket, and even in places you wouldn't normally store them (like inside a shoeshine box). Next, contact your dealer to see if they have an extra key in stock. If they don't have one in stock, they can order it and attach it to your vehicle. This process can be costly, but it's much superior to the alternatives.
You can also lower the chance of this happening by not adding any other items to your key ring and regularly lubricating your keys and lock. This will ensure that both last longer and function properly. It's also a good idea to keep a spare key in a safe place, like with your family or friends, so that you can always have it when you need it.
2. Damaged Lock
If the key fits in the lock but you're unable to turn it, it could be an issue with the lock itself. The tumblers of the lock could be clogged with dirt and other debris. This can cause the mechanism to feel stiff. Locksmiths can employ an instrument that is specifically designed to clean and lubricate the lock, helping it feel smooth once more.
Another possible reason the lock on your car doesn't turn is because it was forced to close. A burglar might have employed a tool like bump keys or a hammer to force the door open. If you notice any evidence of this on the door handle, you should take your vehicle to a professional locksmith as soon as you can. The locksmith will be able to repair the damage and avoid future problems.
Some locksmiths can offer a service that disables your old key in the vehicle, making it harder for thieves to take your car. You will need to provide proof of your identity and prove that you own the vehicle before the process can begin. A V5C form with your name on it will usually be accepted.
lost vehicle keys 's also a good idea to carry an extra key on your person or in the trunk of your car, in case you lose yours. A spare key will allow you to get back on the road in a hurry and avoid having to pay for locksmith.
You might need to contact an expert locksmith to replace the key based on the vehicle. Dealerships can supply replacement keys, however they'll need a towing cost and may need to order one for you, which can take days. A professional locksmith can produce a key much quicker and less expensive. They might even be able program it to work with your vehicle automatically. They also provide a range of additional services to help ensure your vehicle is secure like an re-sealing kit for doors or alarms to prevent theft. Visit PolicyBachat to find out more.
3. Clogged Ignition cylinder
Over time the ignition cylinder as well as key will wear out. A worn-out cylinder can block or become stuck when it is removed, inserted or turned, which can cause problems with starting and powering up your vehicle. It is common for these issues to take time to develop and then become more noticeable over time as the cylinder wears out.
One of the most frequent symptoms of this issue is when the lock key cannot be put into the lock or is not able to rotate in the ignition cylinder. This indicates that the cylinder needs to be replaced. You can attempt to replace the cylinder on your own, but it is generally better to have it done by professionals.
The ignition cylinder is a small cylindrical piece of metal that is housed inside the lock housing of the cylinder. It has two tumblers. Each tumbler has a distinct position and only fits the key bumps that are correct. In time, tumblers could get worn out or clogged with dirt. To fix this, you will have to clean the cylinder port of the ignition. This can be accomplished with tiny bottles of graphite lubricant. You can buy this at a local auto parts store and follow the instructions on the label.
First, remove the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will let you view the cylinder port more clear. Look for a pin which is put into the cylinder's back. This is a security measure that stops your vehicle from being taken. If the ignition cylinder will not turn, you'll have to remove the pin in order to allow it to slide out of the housing.
The process is easy but it requires patience. Make sure the pin is in accessory position prior to drilling. You could also cause damage to your car's electrical or electronic systems if you drill in the wrong spot. Before drilling, make sure to mark the area of the drill bit protruding from the keyway with tape. This acts as a flag to prevent you from drilling too far and causing damage to the housing of the cylinder.
4. Locked Out
The first thing you should do when you lock your keys inside your car is to not panic. Be calm. You might think you're in a mess however, there are plenty of ways to get back in your car without breaking the windows or calling a tow truck. You can use shoelaces bobbypins, packaging tape or Slim Jims to get back into your vehicle. It's important to remember that there are many different methods that work, and you might need professional help in certain cases.
The most important thing is to look for the least destructive solution first. If you are in a situation that requires immediate attention, you may not like the idea of having someone else will open your vehicle for you, but it's the best choice. Many roadside assistance plans offer members the ability to open their car without the need for a car key.
Another great idea is to take an inhale and walk around the exterior of your vehicle to check whether your keys are in 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 rush So, make sure you be sure to check everywhere.
If you are still not able to unlock your car, stay calm and call your neighbor or a friend who's nearby for help. Most of the time, a stranger is willing to help you to get out of the jam since they don't want you to be left stranded. If they're unable to help you, then you should think about calling roadside assistance or determining if your vehicle insurance will cover it.
To avoid having a locked out key in the future, make sure you are checking the app provided by your car manufacturer or utilize a smart device to transform your phone into a car key fob. You can also buy an electronic keysafe to keep keys that you don't use, which will keep them out of sight and safe from theft.