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.
First, locate a spare key and put it in a safe location, or bring proof of ownership to the dealership 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. Worn Out Key
Over time, keys for automobiles are subjected to to a lot of wear. They are often jingled in pockets, rubbing against each others, and then put into locks over and over again. They may lose their shape and won't fit in the cylinder of ignition. The key could be stuck or not turn when this happens. It can be frustrating in both cases.
It's simple to avoid this by creating multiple copies of your brand new car key. Then you can rotate them to reduce the amount of wear and tear each one experiences. Additionally, if you lose your car keys, you'll have an extra.
It is also possible to replace your key fob if it has stopped working properly. As you know that they are extremely handy to have, and they can do many things including unlocking your doors and starting your engine, to triggering the alarm. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, but most often it is due to the button has worn out. They are tiny, delicate and often jostled in your bag or pocket. The buttons are prone to be damaged or worn down.
In this case you should look into every possible place such as your bag, jacket,
car lost key and even places you wouldn't normally put them (like in a shoe shine box). Contact your dealer and ask whether they have spare keys on hand. If they don't have it in the store, they can purchase it and pair it with your vehicle. This process can be costly however it's far better than the alternative.
You can further reduce the chance of this happening by avoiding adding any other things to your key ring, and regularly lubricating your key and lock. This will ensure that they both last longer and perform as they should. It's also a good idea to keep the spare key in a safe place in your home, such as with family or friends, so you'll always have it when you need it.
2. Damaged Lock
If the key fits in the lock, but you are unable to turn it, it might be an issue with the lock itself. The tumblers in the lock may be blocked by dirt and other debris. This could cause the mechanism to feel stiff. Locksmiths can employ an oil-based tool to clean and lubricate a lock. This will make it feel smoother.
A car lock that doesn't turn might have been jammed by force. A thief may have tried to pry open the door by using a tool like an axe or a bump key. If you find evidence of this on the door handle, take your vehicle to an experienced locksmith as quickly as possible. The locksmith will be able to repair the issue and prevent future problems.
Some locksmiths can provide a service to disable your old keys in the vehicle, which makes it harder for thieves to take your vehicle. You'll need proof of your identity and that you own the vehicle before this can be done. Usually, a V5C with your name will be accepted.
It is recommended to 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 also prevents you from having to pay for locksmith services.
Depending on the model of car and key, you may need to contact a locksmith in order to repair it. Dealerships will give you keys to replace, however it may cost towing fees and require several days to get. A professional locksmith can typically make a new key more quickly and at a lower cost and could be capable of programming it to your vehicle automatically. They can also provide a range of services to keep your vehicle safe, such as a door resealing kit and anti-theft alarms. Find out more on PolicyBachat.
3. Clogged ignition Cylinder
Over time your key and ignition cylinder may wear out. A worn-out cylinder can be stuck or jam when it is removed, inserted or turned, which may cause issues with starting and recharging your vehicle. These issues can be gradual, but become more noticeable as time passes.
One of the most common symptoms of this problem is when the key can't be put into the lock or not able to rotate within the ignition cylinder. This is a sign the cylinder needs to be replaced. You can attempt to replace the cylinder by yourself, however it is generally better to have it done by professionals.
The ignition cylinder consists of a small cylindrical piece of metal that is housed inside the lock cylinder housing. It has two tumblers. Each tumbler has a distinct location and is only suited to the key bumps that are correct. Over time, the tumblers can get worn down or clogged with dirt. To fix this problem you'll need to clean the ignition port. This can be done using tiny bottles of graphite oil. You can purchase it at a local auto parts store and follow the instructions on the label.
First, take off the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will provide you with a clearer view of the port for the cylinder. Find a pin that is inserted into the cylinder's back. This is a security measure that keeps your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder does not turn, you will need to remove the retention pin to allow it to slide out of the housing.
The procedure is easy however, it takes patience. Before drilling the pin, ensure that the pin is in the accessory position. It is also possible to damage your car's electrical and electronic systems if you drill in the wrong location. Before drilling, make sure to mark the portion of the drill bit that is protruding out of the keyway with tape. This acts as a signal 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 vehicle is to not get scared. You may think that you're in a mess,
car lost key but it's essential to be calm because there are many solutions and methods you can get back into your vehicle without damaging the window or calling a tow truck. It doesn't matter if you're using shoelaces bobby pins, packaging tape, Slim Jims or modified coat hangers made from wire, most of these methods can be used with the correct tool or trick. But, it's important to be aware that not all methods will work and that you might need to contact a professional for help in certain instances.
The key is to try the least destructive solution first. You may not like the idea of a stranger helping you get into your car, however when you're in a crisis situation, it could be the best option. Many roadside assistance plans provide members the ability to access their vehicle without having a car key.
Another great suggestion is to take deep breaths and walk around the entire exterior of your car to determine whether your keys are in any other door or in the trunk. When you're in a rush it's easy to miss something as basic as the door handle or rearview mirror. Make sure to look everywhere.
If you're still stuck in the process of unlocking your
car keys lost no spare, remain calm and ask your neighbor or a friend who is nearby to help. Most of the time someone is willing to help you out of a jam because they don't want you to be in a bind. If they're unable to help you, you must take a look at calling roadside assistance, or checking if your
Car Lost key insurance covers it.
Make sure you download the app from the manufacturer of your car or use a smart phone to convert your phone into a key fob in order to avoid having your key locked out in the future. You can also purchase an electronic keysafe to keep your spares keys to keep them out of the way and away from thieves.
