How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
It's a nightmare to lose your car keys. It's not the most stressful scenario when you know how to deal with it.
First, find a spare key and keep it in a safe place or take evidence of ownership to the dealership to have a replacement programmed. You can lose your keys in a variety of ways, which can affect the ease or difficulty it is to replace them.
1. Keys that are worn out
Over time, keys for cars are subjected to a lot of wear and tear. They are jingled in pockets, rubbing against one others, and then put into locks over and over again. This can cause them to lose their shape, which can lead to them no longer fitting into the ignition cylinder correctly. The key will either be stuck or not turn in the event of this. It can be a hassle in both instances.
Luckily, it's easy to prevent this from happening by making 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 undergoes. Plus, if you ever lose your car keys, there's a spare to use.
Another reason to consider a replacement is that your key fob isn't functioning properly. They are extremely useful and can perform a variety of functions, such as unlocking doors, starting the engine, and triggering your alarm. It can happen for a variety of reasons, but the most common reason is it's because the button has been worn out. They are small and delicate, frequently being jostled around in your bag or pocket and can easily be snatched down or have buttons ripped off.
In this case you should look into all possible places, including your jacket, bag, and places you would not normally keep them (like in a shoe shine box). Next, call your dealership to see if they have an extra key available. If not, they'll purchase one for you and then have it installed in your vehicle. This process can be costly, but it's much superior to the alternatives.
You can also lower the likelihood of this happening by not adding any other items to your key ring and regularly lubricating your key and lock. This will ensure that they last longer and work properly. It's also an excellent idea to keep the spare key in a safe location such as with your family or friends, so that you'll always have it available when you need it.
2. Damaged Lock
If the key fits in the lock but you can't turn it, it might be a problem with the lock itself. The tumblers in the lock may be blocked by dirt and debris. This can cause the mechanism to feel stiff. A locksmith can use a special tool to clean and lubricate the lock, helping it feel smooth again.
replace lost car key that isn't able to turn could have been jammed by force. A thief might have used a tool, such as bump keys or a pick to open the door open. If you notice any evidence of this on the door handle, you should take your car to an experienced locksmith as quickly as you can. The locksmith can repair the damage and prevent future problems.
Some locksmiths offer a service that disables your old key inside the vehicle, making it much more difficult for someone to take your car. You'll need proof of your identity and that you have ownership of the vehicle before you can do this. Usually, a V5C that bears your name is accepted.
You should also keep an extra car key in your trunk or on your person in the event that you lose it. A spare key will allow you to get back on the road quickly and prevents you from needing to pay for locksmith.
You might need to contact a professional locksmith to change the key depending on the vehicle. Dealerships can supply replacement keys, however they'll need a towing cost and you may have to get one from you, which can take days. A professional locksmith will be able to make a key faster and at a lower cost. They may even be able program it to connect to your vehicle automatically. They can also offer various additional services that can help you ensure your vehicle is secure including the door seal kit or alarms that prevent theft. Find out more on PolicyBachat.
3. Clogged ignition Cylinder
Over time, your key and ignition cylinder will wear out. A worn-out cylinder can be stuck or jammed when it is inserted, removed, or turned which can interfere in starting and powering up your vehicle. It is normal for these problems to develop slowly and get more severe over time as the cylinder wears.
One of the most typical symptoms of this issue is when the key cannot be inserted into the lock, or is unable to be rotated within the ignition cylinder. This is a clear sign that your cylinder has gotten worn out and needs to be replaced. It is possible to replace the cylinder on your own, but it's usually best to seek out an expert.
The ignition cylinder is a tiny metal cylindrical part that is located inside the lock cylinder housing and has two tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a particular position that is only compatible with the correct key bumps. Over time the tumblers will be worn out or blocked with dirt. To get rid of this, you will need to clean the cylinder port of the ignition. You can do this using a small bottle graphite lubricant. You can buy this product from your local auto parts store. Follow the directions on the bottle.
Remove the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your car. This will let you view the cylinder port more clear. Find a pin that is inserted into the back of the cylinder. This is a security feature that prevents your vehicle from being taken. If the ignition cylinder does not turn, you will need to remove the retention pin in order to allow it to slip out of the housing.
The process is easy but it requires patience. Make sure that the pin is in accessory position before drilling. You can also cause damage to your car's electrical or electronic systems if you drill in the wrong place. Make sure you mark the portion of the drill that extends from the keyway prior to drilling. This will act as a warning to stop you from damaging the cylinder by drilling too deeply.
4. Locked out
If you've accidentally locked your keys in your car, the very first step is to try not to panic. Stay calm. You might think you're in a mess but there are a variety of solutions to get back into your car without damaging the windows or calling a tow truck. Whether it's using shoelaces, bobby pins, packaging tape, Slim Jims or modified wire coat hangers The majority of these options will work if you have the correct tool or trick. It's important to remember that not all methods be effective, and you may need professional help in certain instances.
It is crucial to select the least damaging option first. It's possible that you don't like the idea of a stranger helping you get into your car, however in an emergency situation, it could be the best option. Many roadside assistance plans provide their customers the option to access their vehicle without having a car key.
Another excellent tip is to take a deep breath and walk around the entire exterior of your car to see if your keys are inside any other door or in the trunk. It's easy to forget something as simple as the door handle or rearview mirror when you're in a hurry Be sure to look everywhere.
If you are still not able to unlock your car, stay calm and contact your neighbor or a friend who is nearby to help. Oftentimes someone will be willing to help you out of a jam since they don't want you to be stranded. If they're not able to assist you and you are stuck, it is best to contact roadside assistance. You can also determine 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 to avoid having your key locked out in the future. You can also buy keys with magnetic locks to store your spares keys, which will keep them out of sight and away from thieves.