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, find a spare key and keep it in a safe location or take evidence of ownership to the dealer to have a replacement 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 for cars get a lot of wear. They are jingled in pockets, rub against each with each other, and then inserted into locks repeatedly again. They can lose their form and not fit inside the ignition cylinder. If this happens, the key will either become stuck or will not turn. It can be a hassle in both instances.
Fortunately, it's simple to stop this from happening by making duplicate copies of your vehicle key once it's brand new. Then, you can rotate them and reduce the amount of wear each one experiences. In addition, if you do lose your car keys, there's another spare.
Another reason to consider replacement is if the key fob you have is not functioning properly. As you've probably guessed they are extremely useful to have and can perform various tasks including unlocking your doors and launching your engine to activating the alarm. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, but most often it is due to the button is been worn out. They are small, delicate and often jostled in your purse or pocket. The buttons could easily break or wear down.
In this case you must check all possible locations, including your jacket, bag, and other places where you would normally keep them (like in the shoe shine box). The next step is to call your dealer to inquire if they've got a spare key in stock. If not, they'll order one for you and then have it fitted to your vehicle. This isn't cheap however it's far superior to the alternatives.
You can reduce the risk by avoiding adding any other items to your key ring and also by regularly lubricating your lock and key. This will ensure that both last longer and perform as they should. You should also keep a spare in a safe area, like with your family or close friends. This ensures that you always have the key at hand when you require it.
2. Damaged Lock
If you can turn the key but it isn't able to fit into the lock, it could be an issue with the lock. The tumblers of the lock could be blocked by dirt and debris. This could cause the mechanism to feel stiff. A locksmith can use an oil-based tool to clean and lubricate a lock. This will allow it to feel more smooth.
replace lost car key why the lock on your car doesn't turn is because it was forced to close. A thief may have attempted to the door open using a device such as an axe or a bump key. If you can see evidence of this on the door handle, bring the vehicle to a locksmith immediately. The locksmith will be able to repair the damage and prevent further issues.
Some locksmiths can offer a service to disable your old key in the vehicle, which makes it more difficult for anyone to steal your vehicle. You will need to provide proof of your identity and prove that you own the vehicle before the process can begin. Usually, a V5C with your name is accepted.
You should also keep an extra car key in your trunk or on your person in case you lose it. A spare key can help you get to the road more quickly and can save your money by preventing you from needing to call a locksmith.
You may need to call an expert locksmith to replace the key depending on the vehicle. Dealerships can supply replacement keys, however they will require a towing fee and may need to order one for you, which could take a few days. A professional locksmith can typically produce a new key much quicker and less expensive, and may even be able to program it to your vehicle in a way that is automatic. They also provide a range of additional services that can help you ensure your vehicle is secure including a door re-sealing kit or alarms to prevent theft. Visit PolicyBachat to find out more.
3. Clogged ignition cylinder
Over time your ignition key and cylinder can wear out. A worn-out cylinder can block or become stuck when it is inserted, removed or turned, which could cause issues with starting and powering up your vehicle. It is normal for these issues to progress slowly and become more pronounced over time as the cylinder continues to wear.
This problem is typically indicated by the inability to insert the key into the lock or turn the ignition cylinder. This is a sign the cylinder is in need of being replaced. It is possible to replace the cylinder yourself however it is generally recommended to seek out an expert.
The ignition cylinder is a small metal cylindrical piece which is found within the lock cylinder housing and has two tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a particular location and is only suited to the key bumps that are correct. Over time, tumblers may be worn out or blocked with dirt. To get rid of this issue, you'll need to clean the ignition cylinder port. This can be accomplished with a small bottle of graphite oil. 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 provide you with more clarity of the cylinder port. Find a pin that is placed in the cylinder's back. This is a safety feature that keeps your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder does not turn, you'll need to remove the retention pin to allow it to slip out of the housing.
The procedure is easy enough but requires some patience. Before drilling the pin, ensure that the pin is in the accessory position. It is also important to keep in mind that there is a risk of causing damage to the car's electronic and electrical systems by drilling in the wrong location. Mark the part of the drill that protrudes from the keyway before drilling. This will act as a warning sign to keep you from damaging the cylinder drilling too deeply.
4. Locked out
The first thing to do when you lock your keys inside your car is to not panic. Keep calm. You might think you're in a bind but there are a variety of ways to get back in your car without damaging windows or calling a tow-truck. You can use shoelaces, packaging tape, bobbypins or Slim Jims to get into your vehicle. But, it's important to be aware that not every method can be successful and you may need to call a professional for help in certain instances.
The most important thing is to try the least destructive solution first. You may not like the idea of someone else helping you unlock your car, but if you're in an emergency situation, it might be the best option. A lot of roadside assistance plans give their members the option to access their vehicle without having a car key.
Relax, and then take a walk around the exterior of your car to check if you have your keys in any other doors 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 be sure to look everywhere.
If you're not able to unlock your car, stay calm and call a neighbor or friend who is nearby for assistance. Most of the time, a stranger will be willing to assist you out of a jam because they don't want to be left stranded. If they're unable to help then you should contact roadside assistance. You can also check if 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 keys with magnetic locks to store your spares keys and keep them safe and away from thieves.