How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
It’s a nightmare to lose your car keys. But it’s not the end of the world when you know what to do.
The first step is to locate 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 several ways you can lose your keys, which will determine how easy or difficult it is to replace them.
1. Keys that are worn out
Over time, keys to cars are subjected a lot of wear. They are frequently inserted into locks and pockets, then jiggled around and smacked against one another. They may lose their shape and won’t fit in the cylinder of ignition. If this happens, the key will either get stuck or it will not turn. It can be a hassle in both instances.
It’s simple to avoid this by making multiple copies of your brand new car key. You can then rotate them to reduce the wear on each. Plus, if you ever do lose your car keys, there’s an extra.
Another reason you might need a replacement is that the key fob you have is not functioning properly. As you know that they are extremely handy to have and can perform many things including unlocking your doors, and even starting your engine to activating the alarm. It can happen due to a few reasons but the most frequent is that it’s just damaged from use. They are small, delicate and often jostled in your bag or pocket. The buttons could easily be broken or worn down.
If this happens the first thing you should do is thoroughly check every place it could be, including your bag or jacket and even places where you would not normally place them (like in a shoebox). Contact your dealer and ask whether they have spare keys in stock. If they don’t have it in the store, they can purchase it and pair it with your vehicle. This process can be costly, but it’s much better than the other.
You can also lower the chance of this happening by not adding anything else to your key ring and regularly lubricating your key and lock. This will make them both last longer and work properly. It’s also a good idea to keep the spare key in a safe location in your home, such as with family or friends, so that you’ll always be prepared for the time you require it.
2. Damaged Lock
If the key fits into the lock but you can’t turn it, it might be a problem with the lock itself. The tumblers of the lock could be blocked by dirt and debris. This can cause the mechanism to feel stiff. A locksmith can use an oil-based tool to clean and lubricate a lock. This will make it feel smoother.
A car lock that isn’t able to turn could have been jammed by force. A burglar might have tried to pry open the door by using a tool like an axe or a bump key. If you can see evidence of this on your door handle, you should bring the vehicle to a locksmith right away. The locksmith will be able to repair the damage and avoid future problems.
Some locksmiths provide a service to disable your old key in the vehicle, which makes it more difficult for anyone to steal your car. You will need to provide proof of your identity and that you own the vehicle before this can be done. Usually, a V5C with your name is accepted.
It’s also a good idea to keep a spare 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 to the road more quickly and can save you money by preventing from needing to call locksmith.
You may have to call a professional locksmith to change the key based on the vehicle. Dealerships will give you a replacement key, but it could cost a towing fee and take a few days to make. A professional locksmith can make a key faster and cheaper. They might even be able program it to communicate with your vehicle on autopilot. They also provide a range of additional services that can help you keep your car secure, such as an re-sealing kit for doors or alarms to prevent theft. 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 block or become stuck when it is removed, inserted or turned, which could cause issues with starting and powering up your car. It is typical for these problems to progress slowly and become more pronounced over time as the cylinder wears out.
This problem is most often manifested by the inability of insert the key into the lock or rotate the ignition cylinder. This is a clear sign that the cylinder has worn out and needs to be replaced. It is possible to replace the cylinder yourself, but it’s usually best to seek out an expert.
The ignition cylinder is a tiny metal cylindrical piece which is found within the lock cylinder housing. It includes a pair of tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a particular position and only fits the right key bumps. In time, tumblers could be worn out or blocked with dirt. To get rid of this, you will have to clean the cylinder port of the ignition. This can be accomplished with tiny bottles of graphite oil. You can purchase this product at your local auto parts store. Follow the directions on the bottle.
The first step is to remove the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will give you a clearer view of the port for the cylinder. Look for a pin in the back of the cylinder. This is a security measure that protects your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder does not turn, you will have to remove the pin in order to allow it to slip out of the housing.
The procedure is easy enough but requires some patience. Before drilling the pin, make sure that the pin is in the accessory position. It is also important to note that there is a risk of damaging your car lost key‘s electronics and electrical systems if you drill into the wrong spot. Make sure you mark the portion of the drill that protrudes from the keyway before drilling. This will act as an indicator to prevent you from damaging the cylinder by drilling too deeply.
4. Locked Out
When you accidentally lock your keys in your car, the first thing to do is try not to be in a panic. You might think you’re in a huge mess, but it’s essential to be calm because there are a variety of options and methods that you can get back into your vehicle without damaging the window or calling an emergency tow truck. It doesn’t matter if you’re using shoelaces bobby pins, packaging tape Slim Jims, or modified coat hangers made from wire The majority of these options will work with the right tools or tricks. It’s important to note that there are many different methods that be effective, and you may require help from a professional in some instances.
The most important thing is to look for the least destructive solution first. If you are in a crisis, you may not like the idea that someone else will be able to open your vehicle for you, but it’s the best choice. It’s worth noting that a lot of roadside assistance plans, like the NRMA provide members with the option of entering their vehicle without having a key.
Another suggestion is to take a deep breath and walk around the exterior of your vehicle to check whether your keys are located in any other door or in the trunk. It’s easy to forget something as simple as the handle on a door or rearview mirror when you’re in a hurry, so be sure to be sure to check everywhere.
If you’re still struggling to get your car open keep your cool and seek assistance from a friend or neighbor that is nearby. Oftentimes strangers will be willing to help you out of a jam because they don’t want you to be left without a home. If they’re not able to help then you should call roadside assistance. You may also inquire whether your insurance covers this.
Check the app of the car key lost replacement‘s manufacturer, or use a smart phone to convert your phone into a key fob in order to ensure that your key is not locked out in the future. You can also purchase an electronic key safe to store your spare keys in the safe, keeping keys safe from thieves and out of sight.
