How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
It's a nightmare to lose your car keys. However, it's not the end of the world if you know what to do.
The first step is to locate a spare key and keep it in a safe place or take evidence of ownership to the dealer to have a new one programmed. Keys can be lost in a variety of ways, which will impact how easy or hard it is to replace them.
1. Key Worn Out
Over time, keys to automobiles are subjected to to a lot of wear. They are often placed in locks and pockets, then jiggled around and smacked against one another. This causes them to lose their shape, which could cause them to stop fitting into the ignition cylinder correctly. If this happens, the key will either become stuck or will not turn. Either way, it can be extremely frustrating.
Fortunately, it's simple to prevent this from happening by creating extra copies of your car key once it's brand new. You can then rotate them in order to reduce the wear on each one. You can also make use of the spare key in case you lose your car keys.
You might also have to replace your key fob if it's been unable to function properly. These are extremely useful and be used for a variety of things, including opening 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 small, delicate and often jostled in your purse or pocket. The buttons can easily be broken or worn down.
If this occurs the first thing you should do is check thoroughly in all places that it could be, including your bag or jacket, and even the places you wouldn't normally put them (like in a shoebox). Contact your dealership and inquire if they have spare keys in stock. If not, they can order one for you and then have it installed in your vehicle. This process can be costly however it's far better than the other.
You can minimize the risk by avoiding adding any other items to your key ring, and also by regularly lubricating your lock and the key. This will make them both last longer and work properly. It is also recommended to keep a spare in a safe area, like with family or friends. This ensures that you always have the key in case you require it.
2. Damaged Lock
If the key fits inside the lock but you can't turn it, it could be a problem with the lock itself. The tumblers of the lock could be blocked by dirt and debris. This can cause the mechanism to feel stiff. Locksmiths can make use of a specific tool to clean out and lubricate the lock, making it to feel more smooth.
Another possible reason that a car lock won't turn is because it was forced to close. A thief might have used a tool, such as bump keys or a pick to open the door open. If you find evidence of this on the door handle, take your car to a professional locksmith as soon as you can. The locksmith can fix the damage and prevent further problems.
Some locksmiths offer services that disable your old keys inside the vehicle. This makes it much more difficult for thieves to take your vehicle. But, you'll require proof of identity and proof that you are the owner of the vehicle in order to be able to avail this service. Usually, a V5C with your name is accepted.
It's recommended to keep a spare key on your person or in the trunk of your car just in case you lose yours. A spare key will allow you to get back on the road swiftly and avoid having to pay for locksmith.
You may have to call an expert locksmith to replace the key based on the vehicle. Dealerships will provide you with a replacement key, but it could cost you towing fees and require several days to get. A professional locksmith can produce a key much quicker and at a lower cost. They may even be able to program it to work with your vehicle automatically. They also provide a range of additional services to help you keep your car secure, such as an re-sealing kit for doors or alarms to prevent theft. Find out more on PolicyBachat.
3. Clogged ignition cylinder
Over time, your key and ignition cylinder can wear out. A worn out cylinder may jam or bind when inserted, removed, or turned. This can cause issues in starting and powering up your vehicle. It is normal for these issues to develop slowly and then become more noticeable over time as the cylinder continues to wear.
One of the most common symptoms of this issue is when the lock key cannot be inserted into the lock or is incapable of rotating in the cylinder for ignition. This is a sign that the cylinder needs to be replaced. It is possible to replace the cylinder on your own however, it's generally better to seek out a professional.
The ignition cylinder is a tiny metal cylindrical piece that is situated within the lock cylinder housing and includes a pair of tumblers. car keys lost no spare has a distinct location and is only suited to the right key bumps. Over time the tumblers will become worn down or clogged with dirt. To get rid of this issue, you'll need to clean the ignition port. You can do this with tiny bottles of graphite lubricant. 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 give you an easier view of the cylinder port. Look for a pin that is placed in the cylinder's back. This is a safety feature that keeps your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder does not turn, you'll have to remove the pin in order to allow it to slide out of the housing.
The process is easy but it requires patience. Before drilling the pin, make sure that the pin is in the accessory position. You could also damage your car's electrical and electronic systems by drilling in the wrong spot. Make sure you mark the portion of the drill that is protruding 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
The first thing to do when you lock your keys in your vehicle is to not get scared. You may think that you're in a mess, but it's important to remain calm as there are many solutions and ways that you can get back in your vehicle without damaging the window or calling an emergency tow truck. Whether it's using shoelaces, bobby pins, packaging tape, Slim Jims or modified coat hangers made of wire, most of these methods will work with the correct tool or trick. But, it's important to keep in mind that not every method will work and that you may need to call a professional for help in certain instances.
It is crucial to choose the least destructive option first. If you are in a crisis you might not like the idea of having someone else will open your vehicle for you, but it is the best choice. Many roadside assistance plans offer their customers the option to access their vehicle without the need for a car key.
Relax, and then walk around your car's exterior to determine if you've got your keys in any of the doors or in the trunk. It's easy to lose even the simplest things like a door handle or a rearview mirror when you're in a hurry, so be sure to look everywhere.
If you are still unable to unlock your car, be calm and call a neighbor or friend who is nearby to help. Sometimes strangers will be willing to assist you to get out of the jam since they don't want you to be left without a home. If they're not able to assist you, you may want to contact roadside assistance. You can also determine whether your insurance covers this.
To avoid losing a key in the future, make sure you check the app provided by your car manufacturer or use a smart device to turn your phone into a car key fob. You can also purchase a magnetic keysafe to store keys you have left over, which will keep them out of sight and away from thieves.