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.
You can either bring in evidence of ownership or a spare key to the dealer for a new one programmed. You can lose your keys in various ways, which will impact the ease or difficulty it is to replace them.
1. lost keys car That Are Worn Out
Over time, keys for cars get to a lot of wear. They are often jingled in pockets, rubbing against one others, and then put into locks repeatedly again. This causes them to lose their shape, which could cause them to stop fitting into the ignition cylinder in a proper way. If this happens, the key will be 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. You can also utilize the spare key in the event that you lose your car keys.
It is also possible to replace your key fob if it's been unable to function properly. These are extremely useful and can perform a variety of functions, such as unlocking doors, starting the engine, and triggering your alarm. It can happen for a variety of reasons, but the most common reason is it is because the button has been worn out. They are tiny and delicate, frequently being jostled around in your pocket or bag and can easily be snatched down or have buttons broken off.
In this situation you should look into all possible places like your bag, jacket and places you would not normally keep them (like in the shoe shine box). Next, contact your dealer to see if they have an extra key available. If not, they can order one for you and get it paired with your vehicle. This isn't cheap however it's far better than the alternative.
You can also reduce the risk of this happening by not adding anything else to your key ring, and regularly lubricating your keys and lock. This will ensure that they both last longer and function properly. It is also recommended to keep the spare in a secure place, such as with your family or close friends. This means that you will always have the key at hand when 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 in the lock may be clogged up with dirt and other debris. This can 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.
Another reason why the lock on your car doesn't turn is because it was forced to close. The thief could have used a tool such as bump keys or a hammer to force the door open. If you find evidence of this on the door handle, you should take your car to a professional locksmith as soon as possible. The locksmith can fix the damage and prevent further problems.
Certain locksmiths offer services that disable your old key inside the vehicle. This makes it much more difficult for someone to steal your vehicle. However, you'll need proof of identity and proof that you're the owner of the vehicle to be able to avail this service. Usually, a V5C that bears your name will be accepted.
It is also advisable to keep an extra car key in your trunk or on your person in case you lose it. A spare key can help you get on the road faster and save you money by preventing you from needing to call locksmith.
Depending on the type of car and key, you may need to contact a locksmith to replace it. Dealerships can provide you with keys to replace, however it may cost towing fees and require several days to get. A professional locksmith can typically make a new key more quickly and at a lower cost and could be able to program it to your vehicle in a way that is automatic. They also provide various additional services to help ensure your vehicle is secure, such as a door re-sealing kit or anti-theft alarms. Visit PolicyBachat to learn more.
3. Clogged ignition Cylinder
Over time your ignition key and cylinder may wear out. A worn-out cylinder can be stuck or jammed when it is it is removed, inserted, or turned which can interfere in starting and powering up your vehicle. It is common for these problems to take time to develop and then become more noticeable over time as the cylinder continues to wear.
One of the most common signs of this problem is when the key can't be put into the lock or incapable of rotating within the ignition cylinder. This is a clear sign that the cylinder is damaged and requires replacement. It is possible to replace the cylinder on your own however, it's generally better to seek out a professional.
what is it worth consists of a small metal cylindrical piece that is housed within the lock housing of the cylinder. It has two tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a particular location and is only suited to the right key bumps. As time passes the tumblers will become worn down or clogged with dirt. To get rid of this issue, you'll need to clean the ignition cylinder port. This can be done using the smallest bottle of graphite lubricant. You can buy this product at your local auto parts store. Follow the directions on the bottle.
First, remove the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will allow you to see the cylinder port more clear. Find a pin in the back of the cylinder. This is a security feature that stops your vehicle from being taken. If the ignition cylinder does not turn, you will need remove the retention pin to allow it to slide out of the housing.
The process is simple enough but requires some patience. Before drilling the pin, ensure that the pin is in the accessory position. It is also important to note that there is a risk of damaging your vehicle's electronics and electrical systems by drilling in the wrong location. Make sure you mark the portion of the drill that extends from the keyway before drilling. This will act as a flag to prevent you from drilling too far and damaging the cylinder housing.
4. Locked Out
The first thing you need to do when you lock your keys inside your vehicle is to not get scared. Stay calm. You may think that you're in a mess but there are a variety of ways to get back in your car without breaking the windows or calling a tow truck. You can use shoelaces, packaging tape, bobbypins or Slim Jims to get into your vehicle. However, it's important keep in mind that not every method can be successful and you may need to call a professional for assistance in some cases.
The most important thing is to look for the least destructive solution first. If you're in a crisis, you may not like the idea that someone else will let you into their vehicle for you, but it is your best option. It's worth noting that a lot of roadside assistance plans, like the NRMA offers members the option of accessing their vehicle without having a key.
Another idea is to take a deep breath and walk around the exterior of your car to check whether your keys are located in any other door or in the trunk. It's easy to lose something as simple as the handle on a door or rearview mirror when you're in a hurry So, make sure you look everywhere.
If you're still unable to get your car open keep your cool and ask for help from a neighbor or friend who's nearby. Sometimes someone will be willing to assist you out of a bind because they don't want to be in a bind. If they're not able to help you then you should contact roadside assistance. You can also determine if your insurance covers this.
Check the app of the car's manufacturer, or use a smart phone to convert your phone into a key fob in order to keep your keys from being locked out in the future. You can also buy keys with magnetic locks to store keys that you don't use, which will keep them safe and away from thieves.