How to Deal With a lost key What to do Key in Your Car
The loss of car keys is replacing a lost car key nightmare scenario. It’s not the worst thing that could happen when you know how to handle it.
First, find a spare key and put it in a safe location, or bring evidence of ownership to the dealership to have a replacement programmed. There are many ways you can lose your keys, and this will determine how easy or difficult it is to replace them.
1. Worn Out Key
Over time, keys to cars get to a lot of wear. They are repeatedly inserted into locks and pockets, then jiggled around and smacked against one another. This can cause them to lose their shape, which can result in them not fitting into the ignition cylinder correctly. If this occurs, the key will either become stuck or will not turn. In either case, it can be extremely difficult.
It’s easy to avoid this by making multiple copies of your brand new car key. You can then rotate them to reduce the amount of wear and tear each one goes through. You can also make use of the spare key in case you have lost a car key your car keys.
You might also have to replace your key fob in case it has been unable to function properly. As you’ve probably guessed they are extremely useful to have and they do many things, from unlocking your doors and starting your engine to activating the alarm. This can happen for several reasons however the most common is that it’s just worn out from regular use. They are tiny fragile and can be easily smashed in your bag or pocket. The buttons could easily be broken or worn down.
If this occurs the first thing to do is check thoroughly in every place you might find it, including your bag or jacket and even the places you wouldn’t normally put them (like inside a shoeshine box). Next, contact your dealer to inquire if they’ve got an extra key available. If not, they’ll make one for you and get it fitted to your vehicle. This can be expensive, but it’s much superior to the alternatives.
You can lower the risk by not putting any other items to your key ring and also by regularly lubricating your lock and key. This will help them last longer and work properly. It’s also recommended to keep an extra key in a secure location, like with your family or friends, so that you can always be prepared for the time you require it.
2. Damaged Lock
If you are able to turn the key, but it doesn’t fit in the lock, there may be a problem with the lock. The tumblers in the lock may be blocked by dirt and debris, which can make the mechanism feel stiff. A locksmith can use a special tool to clean and lubricate the lock to make it to feel more smooth.
A car lock that isn’t able to turn might have been jammed by force. A thief might have used a tool, such as a bump key or a pick to pry the door open. If you see evidence of this on the door handle, take the car to a locksmith as soon as possible. The locksmith will be able to repair the issue and avoid further problems.
Some locksmiths provide a service that disables your old keys inside your 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 to be able to avail this service. A V5C form that has your name on it is likely to be accepted.
It is also advisable to keep a spare car key in your trunk or on your person in case you lose it. Having a spare can allow you to get back on the road quickly and avoid having to pay for locksmith services.
You may have to call a professional locksmith to replace the key depending on the vehicle. Dealerships can supply replacement keys, but they require a towing charge and will likely need to order one for you, which can take days. A professional locksmith can produce a key much quicker and at a lower cost. They may even be able to program it to communicate with your vehicle on autopilot. They also provide various additional services to help keep your car secure including a door re-sealing kit or anti-theft alarms. Learn more about them by visiting PolicyBachat.
3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder
Over time your ignition key and cylinder will wear out. A worn-out cylinder could be stuck or jammed when it is inserted, removed, or turned which can interfere with powering on and starting your vehicle. It is typical for these problems to develop slowly and become more pronounced over time as the cylinder wears out.
This issue is usually indicated by the inability to insert the key into the lock, or turn the ignition cylinder. This is a sign the cylinder needs to be replaced. You can attempt to replace the cylinder on your own, but it is generally better to get it done by an expert.
The ignition cylinder is a small metal cylindrical part that is located inside the lock cylinder housing. It has a pair of tumblers. Each tumbler has a specific location and is only suited to the correct key bumps. As time passes, tumblers can be worn out or blocked with dirt. To resolve this issue it is necessary to clean the ignition port. You can do this with tiny bottles of graphite oil. You can buy this at your local auto parts store and follow the instructions on the label.
Remove the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your car. This will provide you with an easier view of the cylinder port. Look for a pin into the back of the cylinder. This is a security feature that protects your vehicle from being taken. If the ignition cylinder isn’t able to turn, then you will have to take off the pin that holds it in place 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. It is also important to keep in mind that there is a chance of damaging the car’s electronic and electrical systems if you drill into the wrong spot. Before drilling, make certain to mark the part of the drill bit protruding out of the keyway with tape. This acts as a warning sign to keep you from damaging the cylinder by drilling too deeply.
4. Locked out
The first thing you need to do when you lock your keys in your vehicle is to not get scared. Keep calm. You may think that you are in a mess however, there are plenty of options to get back into your car without breaking the windows or calling a tow-truck. You can use shoelaces packaging tape, bobbypins, or Slim Jims to get into your vehicle. It is important to keep in mind that not all methods be effective, and you may need professional help in certain cases.
It is important to always choose the least destructive option first. If you’re in a crisis, you may not like the idea of having someone else will let you into their car for you, but it is your best option. Many roadside assistance plans offer members the ability to enter their vehicle without having a car key.
Relax, and then walk around your car’s exterior to see if you have your keys in any of the doors or the trunk. It’s easy to forget even the simplest things like a door handle or a rearview mirror when you’re in a rush So, make sure you be sure to check everywhere.
If you’re unable to open your car keep your cool and ask for help from a neighbor or friend who is near. A stranger might be able to assist you if they don’t wish to leave you in a bind. If they’re unable to help you, then you should consider calling roadside assistance or checking if your car insurance will cover it.
Make sure you download the app from the manufacturer of your car or use your smart phone to turn your phone into a key fob in order to avoid having your key locked out in the future. You can also buy a magnetic keysafe to store your spares keys to keep them out of the way and safe from theft.
