How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
Losing your car keys can be a nightmare scenario. 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 bring evidence of ownership to the dealership to get a new one programmed. Keys can be lost in a variety of ways, which can affect the ease or difficulty it is to replace them.
1. Key Worn Out
Over time, car keys are subject to a lot of wear and wear and tear. They are often inserted into locks and pockets, then jiggled around and smacked against one another. This causes them to lose their shape, which could result in them not fitting into the ignition cylinder correctly. The key could get stuck or stop turning in the event of this. Whatever the case, it could be extremely annoying.
It's simple to avoid this by creating multiple copies of your new car key. Then, you can rotate them and reduce the amount of wear each one goes through. You can also use the spare key if you lose your car keys.
Another reason why you may require a replacement is that the key fob you have is not working properly. These are extremely useful and can perform a variety of functions, such as opening doors, starting the engine, or even activating your alarm. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, but most commonly it is because the button has been worn out. They are small delicate and are often tossed around in your purse or pocket. The buttons can easily be broken or worn down.
If this occurs, the first thing you need to do is to thoroughly examine every place it could be, such as your jacket or bag and even in places you would not normally place them (like in a shoebox). Contact your dealership and inquire whether they have spare keys available. If they don't have a spare key in inventory, they can request it and pair it with your vehicle. This process can be costly but it's a lot better than the other.
You can also lower the likelihood of this happening by avoiding adding any other things to your key ring and regularly lubricating your keys and lock. This will help them last longer and function properly. It's also recommended to keep the spare key in a safe location in your home, such as with family or friends, so that you'll be prepared for the time you require it.
2. Damaged Lock
If the key fits in the lock but you can't turn it, it could be a problem with the lock itself. The tumblers in the lock may be clogged up with dirt and debris. This could cause the mechanism to feel stiff. A locksmith can use a special tool to clean out and lubricate the lock, making it feel smooth once more.
A car lock that doesn't turn could have been jammed by force. A burglar might have used a tool, such as a bump key or a pick to pry the door open. If you see any evidence of this on the door handle, you should take your vehicle to an experienced locksmith as quickly as possible. The locksmith can fix the damage and prevent further issues.
Certain locksmiths may provide a service to disable your old key inside the vehicle, which makes it much more difficult for someone to steal your vehicle. You'll need to provide proof of your identity and prove that you have ownership of the vehicle before the process can begin. A V5C form that has your name on it is likely to be accepted.
It is also advisable to keep an extra car key in your trunk or on your person in case you lose it. A spare key can allow you to get back on the road quickly and prevents you from having to pay for locksmith services.
Based on the type of vehicle and the key, you may have to contact a locksmith to repair it. Dealerships will provide you with keys to replace, however it may cost a towing fee and take several days to order. A professional locksmith will be able to create a key in a shorter time and less expensive. They may even be able program it to communicate with your vehicle on autopilot. They also offer various services to keep your car safe, including an resealing kit for doors and anti-theft alarms. Visit PolicyBachat to learn more about the services they offer.
3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder
Over time the ignition cylinder and key may wear out. A worn-out cylinder can be stuck or jam when it is inserted, removed or turned, which could cause problems with starting and recharging your vehicle. These problems can develop slowly, but become more noticeable over time.
This issue is usually caused by the inability to insert the key into the lock, or turn the ignition cylinder. This indicates that the cylinder must be replaced. You could try replacing the cylinder by yourself, however it is usually better to get it done by an expert.
The ignition cylinder consists of a small cylindrical piece of metal that is located within the lock housing for the cylinder. It contains two tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a specific location that is suited to the key bumps that are appropriate. Over time, tumblers may get worn out or clogged with dirt. To resolve this issue, you'll need to clean the ignition port. This can be done with a small bottle of graphite oil. You can buy this at your local auto parts store and follow the instructions on the label.
Remove the dashboard and steering-wheel covers from your vehicle. lost key for car will allow you to have more clarity of the port for the cylinder. Find a pin that is inserted into the back of the cylinder. This is a safety feature that prevents your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder will not turn, you'll need to remove the retention pin to allow it to slip out of the housing.
The process is straightforward enough, but requires some time. Make sure the pin is in accessory position before drilling. It is also important to note that there is a risk of causing damage to the car's electronic and electrical systems if you drill into the wrong place. Before drilling, make sure to mark the area of the drill bit protruding from the keyway using tape. This acts as an indicator to prevent you from causing damage to the cylinder by 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 may think that you're in a mess, but it's important to remain calm as there are many options and methods that you can get back into your vehicle without damaging the window or calling an emergency tow truck. If you're using shoelaces, packaging tape, bobby pins Slim Jims, or modified wire coat hangers, most of these methods can be used with the right tools or tricks. However, it's important be aware that not every method will work, and you may need to call a professional for assistance in some cases.
The key is to take the most non-destructive approach first. You may not like the idea of someone else helping you unlock your car, but if you're in an emergency situation, it may be the best option. A lot of roadside assistance plans give members the ability to open their car without the need for a car key.
Another great idea is to take a deep breath and walk around the exterior of your vehicle to determine whether your keys are in any other door or in the trunk. It's easy for you to forget even the simplest things like the handle on a door or rearview mirror when you're in a rush, so be sure to check everywhere.
If you're not able to unlock your car, stay calm and call a neighbor or friend who is nearby to help. A stranger may be able to assist you if they don't wish to leave you in a bind. If they're not able help you, then you should consider calling roadside assistance or checking if your car insurance will cover it.
To avoid losing a key in the future, make sure to check the app provided by your car manufacturer or use a smart device turn your phone into a key fob. You can also buy a magnetic keysafe to store your spares keys and keep them out of sight and safe from theft.
