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 when you know what to do.
The first step is to locate a spare key and put it in a safe location or bring proof of ownership to the dealership to have a replacement programmed. There are many ways to lose your keys, which will determine how easy or difficult it is to replace them.
1. Worn Out Key
Over time, keys for cars are subjected to a lot of wear and tear. They are jingled around in pockets, rub against each 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. The key may get stuck or stop turning if this happens. It can be frustrating in either case.
It's easy to avoid this by making multiple copies of your new car key. You can then rotate them to reduce the wear on each one. You can also make use of the spare key in case you have lost your car keys.
You may also need to replace your key fob in case it has been unable to function properly. As you know that they are extremely handy to have, and they can do many things such as unlocking your doors and starting your engine, to triggering the alarm. It can happen for a variety of reasons, but the most common reason is it's because the button has worn out. They are small, delicate and often jostled in your pocket or bag. The buttons could easily break or wear down.
In straight from the source should look into every possible place such as your jacket, bag, and other places where you would normally store them (like in the shoe shine box). Contact your dealer and ask whether they have spare keys in stock. If they don't have one in inventory, they can request it and pair it with your vehicle. It's expensive but it's more efficient than the alternatives.
You can also reduce the likelihood of this happening by not adding any other things to your key ring and regularly lubricating your keys and lock. This will ensure that they last longer and work properly. It's also an excellent idea to keep a spare key in a safe location, like with your family or friends, so that you can always 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, it could be an issue with the lock. The tumblers of the lock could be clogged with dirt and debris. This could cause the mechanism to feel stiff. Locksmiths can make use of an oil-lubricated tool to clean and lubricate a lock. This will make it feel smoother.
Another possible reason that a car lock won't turn is because it was forced to close. The thief could have used a tool such as bump keys or a pick to open the door open. If you see evidence of this on your door handle, you should bring the vehicle to a locksmith immediately. The locksmith can repair the issue and avoid further problems.
Some locksmiths provide a service to disable your old key inside the vehicle, which makes it harder for thieves to take your car. But, you'll require proof of identity and proof that you're the owner of the vehicle to get this done. Usually, a V5C with your name will be accepted.
It's recommended to keep an extra key on your person or in the trunk of your car just in case you lose your key. A spare key can allow you to get back on the road quicker and save you money by preventing from needing to call a locksmith.
You might need to contact a professional locksmith to replace keys based on your vehicle. Dealerships can provide you with a replacement key, but it could cost you a towing fee and take several days to order. A professional locksmith can usually produce a new key much more quickly and at a lower cost and might even be in a position to program it to your vehicle on autopilot. They can also offer a range of additional services to help you keep your car safe including an re-sealing kit for doors or alarms that prevent theft. Find out more on PolicyBachat.
3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder
Over time, the ignition cylinder and key will wear out. A worn-out cylinder may jam or bind as it is inserted, removed or turned, which can cause problems starting and powering up your car. It is typical for these problems to develop slowly and get more severe over time as the cylinder wears.
This problem is most often indicated by the inability to insert the key into the lock, or rotate the ignition cylinder. This is a clear sign that your cylinder has gotten damaged and requires replacement. It is possible to replace the cylinder on your own however, it's generally better to hire a professional.
The ignition cylinder is a tiny cylindrical piece of metal which is found inside the lock cylinder housing and contains a pair of tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a certain position that is only compatible with the correct key bumps. In time, tumblers could become worn or clogged up with dirt. To resolve this issue it is necessary to clean the ignition port. This can be done using tiny bottles of graphite oil. You can buy this product from your local auto parts store. Follow the instructions on the bottle.
Remove the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will allow you to view the cylinder port more clear. Look for a pin into the back of the cylinder. This is a security feature that protects your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder will not turn, you'll have to remove the pin to allow it to slide out of the housing.
The process is simple enough, but it requires a bit of patience. Before drilling the pin, ensure that the pin is in the accessory position. It is also possible to harm your car's electrical and electronic systems if you drill in the wrong location. Mark the part of the drill that is protruding from the keyway prior to drilling. This will serve as a warning sign to keep you from causing damage to the cylinder by drilling too deeply.
4. Locked out
When you accidentally lock the keys to your vehicle, the first thing to do is try not to panic. You might think that you're in a big mess, but it's important to remain calm as there are plenty of solutions and ways that you can get back into your vehicle without breaking the window or calling a 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. However, it's important be aware that not every method will work and that you may need to contact an expert for assistance in certain situations.
It is important to always pick the safest option first. If you are in a situation that requires immediate attention, you may not like the idea of having someone else will open your vehicle for you, but it's the best option. A lot of roadside assistance plans give their customers the option to access their vehicle without the need for a car key.
Another suggestion is to take an inhale and walk around the exterior of your car to see whether your keys are located in any other door or in the trunk. If you're in a rush it's easy to miss something as basic as the door handle or rearview mirror. Make sure you check everywhere.
If you are still unable to unlock your car, remain calm and ask an acquaintance or a neighbor who is nearby to help. Most of the time, a stranger is willing to help you out of a bind because they don't want to be stranded. If they're unable to help you, you must think about calling roadside assistance or checking if your car insurance will cover it.
Make sure you download the app from the manufacturer of your car 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 an electronic keysafe to keep keys that you don't use, which will keep them safe and safe from theft.