How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
The loss of car keys is an unimaginable scenario. However, it's not the end of the world when you know what to do.
You can bring proof of ownership or bring in a spare key to the dealer for a new one programmed. There are many ways to lose your keys, which will determine how easy or difficult it is to replace them.
- Key Worn Out
Over time, car keys are subject to a lot of wear and wear and tear. They are repeatedly inserted into locks and pockets, jiggling around and rubbed against each other. This causes them to lose their shape, which may result in them not fitting into the ignition cylinder properly. If this happens, the key will be stuck or won't turn. It can be frustrating in either case.
Luckily, it's easy to prevent this from happening by creating extra copies of your car key when it is new. Then, you can rotate them and reduce the amount of wear and tear each one experiences. Additionally, if you do lose your car keys, you have a spare to use.
Another reason you might need replacement is if your key fob has stopped functioning properly. As you've probably guessed they are extremely useful to have and they do various tasks, from unlocking your doors and launching your engine to activating the alarm. It can happen due to several reasons but the most frequent is that it's just worn out from regular use. They are tiny and delicate, frequently being jostled around in your bag or pocket and are able to be worn down or have buttons that break off.
If this occurs the first thing you should do is thoroughly check every place it could be, including your bag or jacket and even the places you wouldn't normally put them (like in a shoebox). Contact your dealership and inquire whether they have spare keys on hand. If they don't have one in inventory, they can request it and then pair it with your vehicle. It can be expensive, but it is better than the alternatives.
You can minimize the risk by avoiding adding any other items to your key ring, and by regularly lubricating your lock and key. 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 have it when you need it.
- Damaged Lock
If the key fits into the lock but you're unable to turn it, it might be an issue with the lock itself. The lock tumblers could be clogged by dirt and debris, which can make the mechanism feel stiff. A locksmith can use a specific tool to clean and lubricate the lock, helping it feel smooth once more.
A car lock that isn't able to turn could have been jammed by force. Someone may have tried to pry the door open using a tool, such as the pick or bump key. If you find evidence of this on the door handle, take your car to an experienced locksmith as quickly as possible. The locksmith will be able to repair the damage and prevent future problems.
Certain locksmiths offer a service that disables your old key inside your vehicle. This makes it more difficult for thieves to take your vehicle. You'll need proof of your identity and prove that you have ownership of the vehicle before this can be done. A V5C form that has your name on it will usually be accepted.
It's also a good idea to keep an extra key on your person or in the trunk of your car in case you lose yours. A spare key can help you get to the road more quickly and can save you money by preventing from having to call locksmith.
Depending on the model of vehicle and the key, you may have to call a locksmith to get a new key. Dealerships are able to provide replacement keys, however they require a towing charge and you may have to order one for you, which can take days. A professional locksmith can typically make a new key faster and cheaper, and may even be in a position to program it to your vehicle on autopilot. They also offer a range of services to ensure your vehicle is secure, including the door seal kit and alarms that prevent theft. Learn more about them by visiting PolicyBachat.
- Clogged Ignition cylinder
Over time the ignition cylinder and key may wear out. A worn out cylinder may block or become stuck when inserted, removed, or turned which can interfere with powering on and starting your vehicle. It is common for these problems to take time to develop and then become more noticeable over time as the cylinder continues to wear.
This problem is most often manifested by the inability of insert the key into the lock or turn the ignition cylinder. This is a sign that the cylinder is in need of being replaced. You can try to replace the cylinder by yourself, however it is generally better to get it done by a professional.
The ignition cylinder is a small metal cylindrical piece that is situated inside the lock cylinder housing. It has two tumblers. Each tumbler has a distinct position and only fits the right key bumps. Over time the tumblers may get worn down or clogged with dirt. To get rid of this issue, you'll need to clean the ignition port. You can do this using the smallest bottle of graphite lubricant. You can buy this product at your local auto parts store. Follow the directions on the bottle.
Remove the dashboard and steering-wheel covers from your car. This will give you more clarity of the port for the cylinder. Look for a pin which is inserted into the back of the cylinder. This is a security measure that keeps your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder does not turn, then you will have to remove the pin that holds it to allow it to slide out of the housing.
The process is simple enough, but it requires a bit of 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 possibility of damaging your car's electronics and electrical systems by drilling into the wrong place. Before drilling, make certain to mark the part of the drill bit protruding out of the keyway with tape. This will serve as an indicator to prevent you from causing damage to the cylinder by drilling too deeply.
- Locked Out
If you've accidentally locked the keys to your car, the first thing to do is not to be in a panic. You might think you're in a big mess, but it's crucial to stay calm because there are a variety of options and methods that you can get back into your vehicle without damaging the window or calling a tow truck. You can use shoelaces bobbypins, packaging tape or Slim Jims to get into your vehicle. keys lost to note that not all methods will work, and you may require assistance from a professional in certain cases.
It is crucial to pick the safest option first. If you are in a crisis you might not be a fan of the idea of having someone else will be able to open your vehicle for you, but it is your best option. Many roadside assistance plans offer their members the option to open their car without the need for a car key.
Take a deep breath, and then walk around your car's exterior to check if you have your keys in any of the doors or the trunk. If you're in a rush it's easy to miss something as simple as the door handle or the rearview mirror. Be sure to check everywhere.
If you're still stuck in the process of unlocking your car, remain calm and ask your neighbor or a friend who is nearby to help. A stranger may be willing to assist you in the event that they don't want to leave you stranded. If they're unable to assist you, you may want to contact roadside assistance. You can also check whether your insurance will cover this.
Make sure you download the app from your car's manufacturer or use your smart phone to turn your phone into a key fob in order to ensure that your key is not locked out in the future. You can also purchase a magnetic key safe to keep your keys in the safe, keeping them away from thieves and hidden from.
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