How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
It's an absolute nightmare to lose your car keys. However, it's not the end of the world provided you know what to do.
You can bring evidence of ownership or a spare key to the dealer for a new one programmed. Keys can be lost in different ways, which will affect how easy or hard it is to replace them.
1. Worn Out Key
Over time, keys to cars are subjected a lot of wear. They are jingled around in pockets, rubbing against each with each other, and then inserted into locks over and over again. This causes them to lose their shape, which may cause them to stop fitting into the ignition cylinder in a proper way. The key could be stuck or not turn if this happens. In either case, it can be extremely annoying.
It's easy to avoid this by creating multiple copies of your brand new car key. Then, you can rotate them, reducing the amount of wear each one undergoes. Plus, if you ever do lose your car keys, there's another spare.
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 can perform various tasks such as unlocking your doors and launching your engine, to triggering the alarm. It can happen for a variety of reasons, but most often it is because the button is worn out. They are small and delicate, often being jostled around in your pocket or bag and can be easily worn down or have buttons broken off.
If this happens the first thing you should do is thoroughly check every place it could be, including your bag or jacket and even in places you wouldn't normally store them (like inside a shoeshine box). The next step is to call your dealer to inquire if they've got a spare key in stock. If not, they can order one for you and then have it paired with your vehicle. It's not cheap, but it is better than the alternative.
You can reduce the risk by not putting any other items to your key ring, and also by regularly lubricating your lock and key. This will ensure that they last longer and function properly. It's also an excellent idea to keep the spare key in a safe 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 can turn the key, but it doesn't fit in the lock, there could be an issue with the lock. The tumblers of the lock could be clogged with dirt and debris, which could make the mechanism feel stiff. Locksmiths can employ a specific tool to clean out and lubricate the lock to make it feel smooth once more.
Another reason why the lock on your car doesn't turn is that it was jammed by force. A thief might have employed a tool like a bump key or a hammer to force the door open. If you find evidence of this on the door handle, take your car to an experienced locksmith as quickly as you can. The locksmith can repair the damage and prevent further problems.
Some locksmiths offer a service to disable your old keys in the vehicle, making 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 you can do this. A V5C form with your name on it will usually be accepted.
It's also a good idea to carry a spare key on your person or in the trunk of your car just in case you lose yours. A spare key will help you get to the road more quickly and can save you money by preventing you from needing to call a locksmith.
You may need to call a professional locksmith to replace keys based on your vehicle. Dealerships will provide you with an alternative key, however it could cost an additional towing fee and can take several days to order. A professional locksmith can usually create a new key more quickly and at a lower cost, and may even be capable of programming it to your vehicle in a way that is automatic. They also provide various additional services to help ensure your vehicle is secure including the door seal kit or alarms that prevent theft. Visit PolicyBachat to find out more about the services they offer.
3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder
Over time your ignition key and cylinder may wear out. A worn-out cylinder could jam or bind when it is removed, inserted, or turned, which could cause problems with powering on and starting your vehicle. These issues may develop slowly but will become more noticeable over time.
One of the most typical signs of this problem is when the key cannot be put into the lock or unable to be rotated in the cylinder for ignition. This is a clear sign that the cylinder has damaged and requires replacement. replace lost key for car can try to replace the cylinder yourself, but it is generally better to have it done by a professional.
The ignition cylinder consists of a small, cylindrical piece of metal that is located within the lock cylinder housing. It is comprised of two tumblers. Each tumbler has a distinct position and can only fit the right key bumps. Over time the tumblers will get worn down or clogged with dirt. To fix this problem, you'll need to clean the ignition port. You can do this using tiny bottles of graphite oil. You can buy this product at your local auto parts store. Follow the directions on the bottle.
Take off the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will give you an easier view of the port for the cylinder. Find a pin that is placed in the back of the cylinder. This is a security feature that stops your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder does not turn, you'll need remove the retention pin in order to allow it to slip 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 cause damage to your car's electrical or electronic systems if you drill in the wrong spot. Mark the part of the drill that extends from the keyway prior to drilling. This will serve as a warning to stop you from damaging the cylinder drilling too deeply.
4. Locked out
The first thing you should do when you lock your keys in your car is to not panic. You might think that you're in a huge mess, but it's essential to stay calm because there are plenty of solutions and methods you can get back into your vehicle without breaking the window or calling an emergency tow truck. It doesn't matter if you're using shoelaces packaging tape, bobby pins Slim Jims, or modified wire coat hangers Most of these strategies will work if you have the correct tool or trick. It's important to note that there are many different methods that work, and you might require assistance from a professional in certain cases.
It is important to always select the least damaging option first. If you're in an emergency you might not like the idea that a stranger will open your vehicle for you, but it is the best choice. A lot of roadside assistance plans give their customers the option to open their car without the need for a car key.
Relax, and then take a walk around the exterior of your car to check if you have your keys in other doors or in the trunk. When you're in a rush it's easy to miss something that is as simple as the door handle or rearview mirror. Make sure you check everywhere.
If you're unable to get your car open, try to remain calm and seek help from a friend or neighbor that is nearby. Sometimes, a stranger will be willing to help you out of a jam because they don't want to be left in a bind. If they're not able help you, then take a look at calling roadside assistance, or determining if your vehicle insurance covers it.
Check the app of the manufacturer of your car or use an android phone to convert your phone into a key fob in order to keep your keys from being locked out in the future. You can also purchase an electronic key safe to keep your keys in the safe, keeping them safe from thieves and out of view.