How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
It's an absolute nightmare to lose your car keys. It's not the worst scenario if you know how to deal with it.
The first step is to locate a spare key and put it in a safe place or bring evidence of ownership to the dealership to get a new one programmed. There are several ways you can lose your keys, and this will determine how easy or difficult it is to replace them.
1. Worn Out Key
Over time, car keys are exposed to a lot wear and wear and tear. They are jingled around in pockets, rubbing against each others, and then put into locks repeatedly again. They can lose their shape and not fit inside the ignition cylinder. If this happens, the key could either become stuck or won't turn. Whatever the case, it could be extremely annoying.
Luckily, it's easy to avoid this from happening by creating duplicate copies of your vehicle key when it's new. You can then rotate them, reducing the amount of wear each one goes through. You can also make use of the spare key in case you have lost your car keys.
Another reason why you may require a replacement is that your key fob isn't working properly. These are extremely useful and can perform a variety of functions, such as opening doors, starting the engine, and triggering your alarm. lost car keys can happen due to a variety of reasons, but most often it is because the button has worn out. They are tiny, delicate and often jostled in your bag or pocket. The buttons could easily be damaged or worn down.
In this case you must check every possible place, including your bag, jacket and places you would not normally keep them (like in the shoe shine box). The next step is to call your dealer to inquire if they've got a spare key in stock. If they don't have it in inventory, they can request it and attach it to your vehicle. It's expensive but it's more efficient than the alternatives.
You can reduce the risk by not adding any other items to your key ring, and also by regularly lubricating your lock and the key. This will ensure that they both last longer and perform as they should. It's also an excellent idea to keep a spare key in a safe location such as with your family or friends, so that you'll have it available when you need it.
2. Damaged Lock
If the key fits in the lock but you can't turn it, it might be an issue with the lock itself. The lock tumblers may be clogged with dirt and debris. This can cause the mechanism to feel stiff. Locksmiths can employ an oil-lubricated tool to clean and lubricate the lock. This will make it feel more comfortable.
A car lock that doesn't turn might have been jammed by force. Someone may have tried to pry open the door using a device such as an axe or a bump key. If you find evidence of this on the door handle, take your vehicle to a professional locksmith as soon as you can. The locksmith can fix the issue and avoid further issues.
Some locksmiths can offer a service to disable your old keys in the vehicle, which makes it harder for thieves to take your car. You'll need to provide proof of your identity and prove that you own the vehicle before you can do this. Usually, a V5C that bears 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. Having a spare can allow you to get back on the road swiftly and also prevents you from having to pay for locksmith.
You might need to contact an expert locksmith to replace the key depending on the vehicle. Dealerships will provide you with an alternative key, however it could cost you a towing fee and take a few days to make. A professional locksmith will typically make a new key more quickly and at a lower cost, and may even be in a position to program it to your vehicle on autopilot. They also provide an array of additional services that can help you keep your car secure, such as an re-sealing kit for doors or anti-theft alarms. Visit PolicyBachat to learn more.
3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder
Over time your key and ignition cylinder may wear out. A worn-out cylinder may be stuck or jam when it is removed, inserted or turned, which may cause issues with starting and powering up your vehicle. It is common for these problems to develop slowly and then become more noticeable over time as the cylinder wears.
This problem is most often indicated by the inability to insert the key into the lock, or turn the ignition cylinder. This is a sign the cylinder is in need of being replaced. It is possible to replace the cylinder on your own however, it's generally better to hire an expert.
The ignition cylinder is a small, cylindrical piece of metal which is contained within the lock housing of the cylinder. It has two tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a specific position that is only compatible with the key bumps that are appropriate. As time passes, tumblers can become worn or clogged up 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 buy this product from your local auto parts store. Follow the directions on the bottle.
First, remove the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will provide you with a clearer view of the port for the cylinder. Find a pin in the back of the cylinder. This is a security measure that prevents your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder will not turn, you will need remove the retention pin in order to allow it to slip out of the housing.
The procedure is easy, but it requires patience. Before drilling the pin, ensure that the pin is in the accessory position. It is also possible to cause damage to your car's electrical or electronic systems by drilling in the wrong location. Before drilling, be certain to mark the part of the drill bit that is protruding from the keyway with tape. This will serve as a flag to prevent you from drilling too deep and causing damage to the housing of the cylinder.
4. Locked Out
If you've accidentally locked your keys in your car, the very first thing to do is try not to panic. Keep calm. You might think you are in a mess, but there are many solutions to get back into your car without damaging the windows or calling a tow-truck. If you're using shoelaces, bobby pins, packaging tape, Slim Jims or modified wire coat hangers, most of these methods will work with the right tool or trick. But, it's important to be aware that not all methods can be successful and you may need to call an expert for assistance in some cases.
The key is to always take the most non-destructive approach first. You might not like the idea of someone else helping you open your car, but when you're in a crisis situation, it may be the best solution. A lot of roadside assistance plans give their customers the option to open their car without the need for a car key.
Take a deep breath and then go around the outside of your car to check if you have your keys in any of the doors or in the trunk. When you're in a rush it's easy to miss something that is as simple as the door handle or the rearview mirror. Be sure to check everywhere.
If you are still stuck in the process of unlocking your car, be calm and ask a neighbor or friend who's nearby for help. A stranger may be able to help you if they don't wish to leave you in a bind. If they're unable to help you, then consider calling roadside assistance or seeing if your car insurance covers it.
Check the app of the manufacturer of your car or use a smart phone to convert your phone into a key fob in order to avoid having your key locked out in the future. You can also buy a key safe that is magnetic to store your spare keys in, which will keep them safe from thieves and hidden from.