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 thing that could happen if you know how to deal with it.
You can either bring in evidence of ownership or a spare key to the dealer to have 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. Worn Out Key
Over time, keys to cars get to a lot of wear. They are jingled around in pockets, rubbing against one with each other, and then inserted into locks over and over again. They may lose their shape and no longer fit into the ignition cylinder. If this happens, the key could be stuck or isn't turning. It can be a hassle in both instances.
Fortunately, it's simple to avoid this from happening by creating extra copies of your car key once it's brand new. You can then rotate them to reduce the wear on each one. In addition, if you lose your car keys, you'll have another spare.
It is also possible to replace your key fob if it has stopped working properly. These are extremely useful and perform a variety of functions, such as unlocking doors, launching the engine, and triggering your alarm. It can happen for a variety of reasons, but most commonly it is because the button has worn out. They are small and delicate, frequently being tossed around in your pocket or bag and can be easily worn down or have buttons that break off.
If this occurs the first thing you need to do is to thoroughly examine all the places it could be, including your jacket or bag and even places where you would not normally place them (like inside a shoeshine box). Next, contact your dealer to inquire if they've got an extra key available. If they don't have a spare key in stock, they can order it and then pair it with your vehicle. This can be expensive, but it's much better than the other.
You can also reduce the risk of this happening by avoiding adding anything else to your key ring, and regularly lubricating your key and lock. This will help them last longer and perform as they should. It's also an excellent idea to keep a spare key in a safe location, like with your family or friends, so that you'll have it available when you need it.
2. Damaged Lock
If you are able to turn the key, but it isn't able to fit into the lock, there may be a problem with the lock. The tumblers of the lock could be clogged by dirt and debris, which could make the mechanism feel stiff. A locksmith can use an oil-lubricated tool to clean and lubricate the lock. This will make it feel more comfortable.
Another possible reason a car lock doesn't turn is because it was forced to close. The thief could have used a tool, such as a bump key or a hammer to force the door open. If you notice any evidence of this on the door handle, take your vehicle to an experienced locksmith as quickly as you can. The locksmith will be able to repair the damage and prevent further issues.
Certain locksmiths offer the option of disabling your old key inside your vehicle. This makes it much more difficult for thieves to take your vehicle. You'll need proof of identity and evidence that you are the owner of the vehicle to get this done. Usually, a V5C that bears your name is 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 will help you get back on the road quicker and save you money by preventing you from needing to call a locksmith.
You might need to contact an expert locksmith to replace keys based on your car. Dealerships are able to provide replacement keys, however they'll need a towing cost and may need to purchase one for you, which could take days. A professional locksmith will typically produce a new key much more quickly and at a lower cost and could be able to program it to your vehicle automatically. They also provide a range of additional services to help keep your car safe like a door re-sealing kit or anti-theft alarms. Learn more about them by visiting PolicyBachat.
3. Clogged Ignition cylinder
Over time your key and ignition cylinder can wear out. A worn-out cylinder can be stuck or jam when it is inserted, removed or turned, which can cause problems starting and powering up your car. These issues may develop slowly but they will become more apparent as time passes.
One of the most common signs of this problem is when the key cannot be put into the lock, or is unable to be rotated in the cylinder for ignition. This is a clear indication that your cylinder has gotten worn out and needs to be replaced. It is possible to replace the cylinder yourself however it is generally recommended to hire a professional.
The ignition cylinder is a tiny metal cylindrical piece that is located inside the lock cylinder housing. It includes two tumblers. Each tumbler has a distinct position and only fits the correct key bumps. Over time, the tumblers can become worn down or clogged with dirt. To resolve this issue you'll need to clean the ignition port. This can be done using the smallest bottle of graphite oil. You can buy this product at your local auto parts store. Follow the instructions on the bottle.
Remove the dashboard and steering-wheel covers from your vehicle. This will provide you with a clearer view of the port on the cylinder. Look for a pin inserted in the back of the cylinder. This is a security feature that stops your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder will not turn, you'll need to remove the retention pin in order to allow it to slip out of the housing.
The process is straightforward enough but requires some patience. Be sure to check that the pin is in accessory position before drilling. replace lost car key is also important to keep in mind that there is a possibility of damaging your car's electronics and electrical systems if you drill into the wrong place. Mark the part of the drill that extends from the keyway prior to drilling. This will act as a flag to prevent you from drilling too deeply and causing damage to the cylinder housing.
4. Locked Out
The first thing to do when you lock your keys in your car is not to panic. Keep calm. You may think that you're in a mess but there are a variety of ways to get back in your car without damaging windows or calling a tow truck. If you're using shoelaces, packaging tape, bobby pins, Slim Jims or modified wire coat hangers, most of these methods will work if you have the correct tool or trick. It is important to keep in mind that not all methods will work, and you may require help from a professional in some cases.
The most important thing is to take the most non-destructive approach first. It's possible that you don't like the idea of a stranger helping you get into your car, however when you're in a crisis situation, it could be the best solution. It's important to note that a number of roadside assistance plans, like the NRMA offers members the option of entering their vehicle without a key.
Relax, and then walk around your car's exterior to check if you have your keys in other doors or 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 hurry, so be sure to check everywhere.
If you are still stuck in the process of unlocking your car, stay calm and contact a neighbor or friend who's nearby for help. A stranger may be willing to help you should they not want to leave you in a bind. If they're not able help you, then you should take a look at calling roadside assistance, or checking if your car insurance will cover it.
Use the app of your car's manufacturer or use a smart phone to convert your phone into a key fob to keep your keys from being locked out in the future. You can also purchase keys with magnetic locks to store your spares keys and keep them safe and safe from theft.