How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
It’s a nightmare to lose your car keys. But it’s not the end of the world when you know what to do.
First, locate a spare key and keep it in a safe place, or bring proof of ownership to the dealership to get a new one programmed. There are several ways you can lose your keys, which will determine how simple or difficult it is to replace them.
1. Key Worn Out
Over time, car keys are subjected to a lot of wear and tear. They are jingled in pockets, rub against each others, and then put into locks repeatedly again. They can lose their shape and won’t fit inside the ignition cylinder. The key could be stuck or not turn in the event of this. It can be frustrating in both cases.
It’s simple to avoid this by creating multiple copies of your brand new car key. You can then rotate them to reduce the amount of wear each one undergoes. You can also utilize the spare key in the event that you have lost your car keys.
You might also have to replace your key fob if it’s stopped working properly. As you’ve guessed that they are extremely handy to have and they do various tasks, from unlocking your doors and launching your engine, to triggering the alarm. It can happen due to various reasons but the most frequent is that it’s damaged from use. They are small and delicate, frequently being jostled around in your bag or pocket and can easily be snatched down or have buttons that break off.
In this situation, you should check all possible places like your bag, jacket and places you would not normally keep them (like in the shoe shine box). Contact your dealership and inquire if they have spare keys on hand. If they don’t have a spare key in stock, they can order it and attach it to your vehicle. It’s expensive, but it is better than the alternatives.
You can further reduce the risk of this happening by not adding any other items to your key ring, and regularly lubricating your keys and lock. This will help them last longer and function properly. You should also keep a spare in a safe area, like with your family or close friends. This ensures that you always have the key at hand when you need it.
2. Damaged Lock
If you can turn the key, local but it doesn’t fit in the lock, it could be an issue with the lock. The lock tumblers may be blocked by dirt and debris. This could cause the mechanism to feel stiff. Locksmiths can employ an oil-based tool to clean and lubricate a lock. This will make it feel smoother.
A car lock that doesn’t turn might have been jammed by force. A burglar might have attempted to open the door by using a device such as a pick or a bump key. If you see any evidence of this on the door handle, take your vehicle to a professional locksmith as soon as you can. The locksmith can repair the damage and prevent further issues.
Certain locksmiths offer a service that disables your old keys inside the vehicle. This makes it more difficult for thieves to take your vehicle. However, you’ll require proof of identity and proof that you’re the owner of the vehicle to have this done. Usually, a V5C bearing your name will be accepted.
It is also advisable to keep a spare 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 also save you money by preventing from needing to call a locksmith.
Based on the type of vehicle and the key, you may need to contact a locksmith to replace it. Dealerships can provide you with an alternative key, however it could cost you an additional towing fee and can take several days to order. A professional locksmith will be able to make a key faster and at a lower cost. They might even be able program it to connect to your vehicle automatically. They also provide various additional services to help you ensure your vehicle is secure like the door seal kit or alarms to 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 jam or bind as it is removed, inserted or turned, which could cause issues with starting and powering up your car. It is common for these issues to progress slowly and then become more noticeable over time as the cylinder wears.
One of the most common signs of this problem is when the lock key cannot be put into the lock or is incapable of rotating in the ignition cylinder. This indicates that the cylinder is in need of being replaced. You can attempt to replace the cylinder yourself, but it is recommended to have this done by professionals.
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 location and is only suited to the key bumps that are correct. Over time the tumblers will be worn out or blocked with dirt. To resolve this issue, you’ll need to clean the ignition port. You can do this using a small bottle graphite oil. You can purchase this at your local auto parts store and follow the directions on the label.
The first step is to remove the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will provide you with an easier view of the cylinder port. Find a pin in the back of the cylinder. This is a security measure that stops your vehicle from being taken. If the ignition cylinder isn’t able to rotate, you’ll have to take off the retention pin to allow it to slide out of the housing.
The procedure is simple however, it takes patience. Make sure that the pin is in the accessory position prior to drilling. It is also important to keep in mind that there is a risk of causing damage to the car’s electronic and electrical systems if you drill into the wrong spot. Before drilling, be certain to mark the part of the drill bit that is protruding from the keyway using tape. This acts as a warning to stop you from causing damage to the cylinder by drilling too deeply.
4. Locked Out
The first thing you need to do when you lock your keys inside your car keys lost is not to panic. You might think you’re in a mess, but it’s important to stay calm because there are many options and methods that you can get back into your vehicle without breaking the window or calling the tow truck. You can use shoelaces bobbypins, packaging tape or Slim Jims to get into your vehicle. It’s important to note that there are many different methods that work, and you might require assistance from a professional in certain situations.
The key is to take the most non-destructive approach first. You may not like the idea of someone else helping you open your car, but when you’re in a crisis situation, it could be your best option. Many roadside assistance plans provide their members the option to open their car without the need for a car key.
Another excellent tip is to take a deep breath and walk around the entire exterior local of your vehicle to determine whether your keys are located in any other door or in the trunk. When you’re in a hurry, it’s easy to overlook something that is as simple as the door handle or the rearview mirror. Make sure to look everywhere.
If you’re stuck in the process of unlocking your car, stay calm and call a neighbor or friend who is nearby for assistance. Oftentimes strangers will be willing to assist you out of a bind since they don’t want you to be left stranded. If they’re not able to help you, you may want to contact roadside assistance. You may also inquire whether your insurance covers this.
Use the app of your car’s manufacturer or use an android phone to convert your phone into a key fob so you can avoid having your key locked out in the future. You can also purchase keys with magnetic locks to store your spares keys and keep them out of the way and away from thieves.