How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
It's an absolute nightmare to lose your car keys. It's not the most stressful scenario when you know how to deal with it.
You can either bring in proof of ownership or a spare key to the dealer in order to get a new one programmed. There are a few different ways to lose your keys, and this will determine how simple or difficult it is to replace them.
1. Keys that are worn out
Over time, keys to cars are subjected many wear. They are jingled in pockets, rubbing against each others, and then put into locks repeatedly again. They can lose their shape and not fit in the cylinder of ignition. The key could become stuck or not turn in the event of this. Whatever the case, it could be extremely frustrating.
It's easy to avoid this by creating multiple copies of your brand new car key. You can then rotate them to lessen the wear on each one. You can also make use of the spare key in case you have lost your car keys.
Another reason you might need an upgrade 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, or even activating your alarm. It can happen for a variety of reasons, but most often it is due to the button has been worn out. They are tiny 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 to do is to thoroughly examine every place it could be, such as 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 in stock. If they don't have it in the store, they can purchase it and attach it to your vehicle. This isn't cheap but it's a lot better than the other.
You can further reduce the chance of this happening by avoiding adding any other items to your key ring and regularly lubricating your keys and lock. This will make them both last longer and perform as they should. It's also an excellent idea to keep the spare key in a safe location, like with your family or with your friends, so 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 could be a problem with the lock. The tumblers of the lock could be blocked by dirt and debris, which could make the mechanism feel stiff. Locksmiths can make use of an oil-based tool to clean and lubricate a lock. This will make it feel more comfortable.
Another reason why a car lock doesn't turn is that it was jammed by force. The thief could have employed a tool like bump keys or a pick to pry the door open. If you see any evidence of this on the door handle, take your vehicle to an experienced locksmith as quickly as you can. The locksmith can fix the damage and prevent future problems.
Certain locksmiths offer the option of disabling your old key inside your vehicle. This makes it more difficult for someone to steal your vehicle. You'll need proof of your identity and prove that you own the vehicle before the process can begin. Usually, a V5C with your name is 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 back on the road in a hurry and prevents you from needing to pay for locksmith services.
Based on lost car key and no spare of car and key, you might need to call a locksmith to repair it. Dealerships can supply 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 produce a new key much more quickly and at a lower cost, and may even be in a position to program it to your vehicle on autopilot. They can also provide a range of services to keep your car secure, including the door seal kit and alarms that prevent theft. Learn more about them by visiting PolicyBachat.
3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder
Over time the ignition cylinder and key will wear out. A worn-out cylinder can be stuck or jammed when it is it is removed, inserted, or turned which can interfere in starting and powering up your vehicle. It is typical for these problems to take time to develop and then become more noticeable over time as the cylinder continues to wear.
lost car key and no spare is usually indicated by the inability to insert the key into the lock, or rotate the ignition cylinder. This is a sign the cylinder needs to be replaced. You can attempt to replace the cylinder by yourself, however it is usually better to have 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 is assigned a certain position that only fits the correct key bumps. Over time, the tumblers can become worn down or clogged with dirt. To get rid of this, you will need to clean the ignition cylinder port. This can be accomplished with the use of a small bottle of graphite oil. You can buy this product from your local auto parts store. Follow the directions on the bottle.
First, take off the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will let you see the cylinder port more clearly. Find a pin that is put into the back of the cylinder. This is a safety feature that prevents your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder does not turn, you will need remove the retention pin in order to allow it to slide out of the housing.
The procedure is easy however, it takes patience. Before drilling the pin, make sure 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. Note the part of the drill that protrudes from the keyway before drilling. This will serve as a warning to stop you from drilling too deep and causing damage to the housing of the cylinder.
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 crucial to stay calm because there are a variety of solutions and ways that you can get back in your vehicle without breaking the window or calling a tow truck. You can make use of shoelaces, bobbypins, packaging tape or Slim Jims to get into your vehicle. It is important to keep in mind that there are many different methods that be effective, and you may require help from a professional in some instances.
The key is to try the least destructive solution first. If you are in a situation that requires immediate attention you might not be a fan of the idea of having someone else will let you into their vehicle for you, but it's your best option. A lot of roadside assistance plans give their members the option to open their car without the need for a car key.
Another suggestion is to take deep breaths and walk around the exterior of your car to determine if your keys are inside any other door or in the trunk. When you're in a rush, it's easy to overlook something as simple as the door handle or the rearview mirror. Make sure to look everywhere.
If you're unable to get your car open Try to remain calm and ask for help from a friend or neighbor who is near. A stranger might be able to help you should they not want to leave you 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.
Use the app of the manufacturer of your car or use a smart phone to convert your phone into a key fob to avoid having your key locked out in the future. You can also purchase a key safe that is magnetic to store your spare keys in the safe, keeping them away from thieves and out of sight.