How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
Losing car keys is a nightmare scenario. But it's not the end of the world if you know what to do.
First, find a spare key and keep it in your safe place or bring evidence of ownership to the dealership to have a replacement programmed. There are a few different ways you can lose 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 often put into locks and pockets, jiggling around and rubbed against each other. They can lose their shape and not fit inside the ignition cylinder. replace lost car key will either become stuck or not turn in the event of this. Either way, it can be extremely annoying.
Fortunately, it's simple to stop this from happening by making duplicate copies of your vehicle key when it's new. Then you can rotate them and reduce the amount of wear each one goes through. You can also make use of the spare key in case you lose your car keys.
Another reason to consider an upgrade is that your key fob isn't working properly. These are extremely useful and can perform a variety of functions, such as unlocking doors, starting the engine, or even activating your alarm. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, but the most common reason is it is because the button has been worn out. They are small fragile and can be easily smashed in your purse or pocket. The buttons can easily be damaged or worn down.
In this case you must check every possible place like your bag, jacket and places you would not normally put them (like in a shoe shine box). The next step is to call your dealer to see if they have a spare key in stock. If they don't have a spare key in inventory, they can request it and pair it with your vehicle. This isn't cheap, but it's much better than the alternative.
You can further reduce the likelihood of this happening by not adding anything else to your key ring and regularly lubricating your key and lock. This will ensure that they last longer and function properly. It is also recommended to keep a spare in a safe location, such as with your family or friends. This way, you will always have the key when you need it.
2. Damaged Lock
If the key fits in the lock but you're unable to turn it, it might be an issue with the lock itself. 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 the lock. This will make it feel more comfortable.
Another possible reason the lock on your car doesn't turn is because it was jammed by force. A thief may have tried to pry open the door by using a tool like a pick or a bump key. If you can see evidence of this on your door handle, take the car to a locksmith as soon as possible. The locksmith can fix the damage and prevent further problems.
Certain locksmiths offer services that disable your old keys inside your vehicle. This makes it harder for thieves to take your vehicle. But, you'll need proof of your identity and proof that you're the owner of the vehicle to be able to avail this service. Usually, a V5C with your name is accepted.
It's also a good idea to keep a spare key on your person or in the trunk of your car in case you misplace your key. A spare key can help you get back on the road quickly and avoid having to pay for locksmith.
Depending on the type of car and key, you may need to contact a locksmith in order to get a new key. Dealerships will give you keys to replace, however it may cost towing fees and require several days to get. A professional locksmith will be able to make a key faster and cheaper. They might even be able program it to connect to your vehicle automatically. They can also offer an array of additional services to help keep your car safe, such as a door re-sealing kit or alarms that prevent theft. Find out more on PolicyBachat.
3. Clogged Ignition cylinder
Over time the ignition cylinder and key may wear out. A worn-out cylinder may be stuck or jam when it is removed, inserted or turned, which can cause problems starting and recharging your vehicle. These problems can develop slowly but will become more noticeable over time.
One of the most frequent symptoms of this problem is when the key cannot be inserted into the lock, or is not able to rotate within the ignition cylinder. This is a sign the cylinder needs to be replaced. You could try replacing the cylinder by yourself, however it is generally better to get it done by professionals.
The ignition cylinder consists of a small metal cylindrical piece that is located inside the lock housing for the cylinder. It is comprised of two tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a particular location and is only suited to the key bumps that are correct. As time passes, tumblers can become worn or clogged up with dirt. To resolve this issue it is necessary to clean the ignition port. This can be done with tiny bottles of graphite lubricant. You can buy this at a local auto parts store and follow the directions on the label.
Remove the dashboard and steering-wheel covers from your vehicle. This will provide you with an easier view of the port on the cylinder. Look for a pin which is put into the back of the cylinder. This is a security measure that stops your vehicle from being taken. If the ignition cylinder doesn't turn, you'll have to take off the pin that holds it in place to allow it to slide out of the housing.
The procedure is simple but it requires patience. Before drilling the pin, make sure that the pin is in the accessory position. It is also important to note that there is a chance of damaging your car's electronics and electrical systems by drilling into the wrong place. Before drilling, make sure to mark the area of the drill bit that is protruding out of the keyway with tape. This will act as a warning to stop you from causing damage to the cylinder by drilling too deeply.
4. Locked Out
If you've accidentally locked your keys inside your vehicle, the first thing to do is try not to get scared. You may think that you're in a big mess, but it's essential to be calm because there are many solutions and ways that you can get back into your vehicle without damaging the window or calling an emergency tow truck. It doesn't matter if you're using shoelaces packaging tape, bobby pins Slim Jims, or modified coat hangers made of wire The majority of these options will work with the right tool or trick. However, it's important to be aware that not every method will work, and you might need to contact a professional for help in certain instances.
It is crucial to pick the safest option first. You may not like the idea of a stranger helping you open your car, but if you're in an emergency situation, it could be the best solution. It's worth noting that a lot of roadside assistance plans, such as the NRMA offers members the option of entering their vehicle without having a key.
Relax, and then take a walk around the exterior of your car to see if you have your keys in any other doors or the trunk. It's easy to forget something as simple as the handle on a door or rearview mirror when you're in a rush Be sure to check everywhere.
If you're unable to open your car, try to remain calm and seek assistance from a family member or friend who is near. A stranger might be able to help you if they don't wish to leave you in a bind. If they're not able to help you, you may want to call roadside assistance. You may also inquire if your insurance covers this.
To avoid having a locked out key in the future, make sure you are checking the app of your car's manufacturer or utilize a smart device to transform your phone into a car key fob. You can also purchase keys with magnetic locks to store keys that you don't use to keep them safe and safe from theft.