How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
It's an absolute nightmare to lose your car keys. 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 proof of ownership to the dealership to have a replacement programmed. Keys can be lost in various ways, which will impact the ease or difficulty it is to replace them.
1. Keys that are worn out
Over time, keys for cars are subject to a lot of wear and tear. They are frequently inserted into locks and pockets, jiggling around and smacked against one another. This causes them to lose their shape, which could lead to them no longer fitting into the ignition cylinder correctly. If this happens, the key will either become stuck or isn't turning. It can be a hassle in both instances.
It's simple to avoid this by creating 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 might also have to replace your key fob if it has stopped working properly. As you've guessed they are extremely useful to have, and they can do many things, from unlocking your doors, and even starting your engine, to triggering the alarm. It can happen for many reasons, but most commonly it is due to the button has worn out. They are small fragile and can be easily smashed in your purse or pocket. The buttons could easily be damaged or worn down.
In this instance, you should check every possible place like your bag, jacket and even places you wouldn't normally put them (like in a shoe shine box). Contact your dealership and inquire whether they have spare keys in stock. If they don't have a spare key in inventory, they can request it and attach it to your vehicle. This isn't cheap however it's far superior to the alternatives.
You can also lower the risk of this happening by not adding any other things to your key ring and regularly lubricating your keys and lock. This will make them both last longer and perform as they should. It's also recommended to keep a spare key in a safe place such as with your family or friends, so you'll be prepared for the time you require it.
2. Damaged Lock
If the key fits in the lock but you're unable to turn it, it could be a problem with the lock itself. The tumblers in the lock may be blocked by dirt and debris, which can make the mechanism feel stiff. A locksmith can use an oil-based tool to clean and lubricate the lock. This will make it feel smoother.
A car lock that doesn't turn may have been blocked by force. Someone may have tried to pry open the door using a tool, such as a pick or a bump key. If you see evidence of this on the door handle, you should take the car to a locksmith as soon as possible. The locksmith will be able to repair the damage and prevent further problems.
Some locksmiths offer a service to disable your old key inside the vehicle, making it harder for thieves to take your car. You'll need to provide proof of your identity as well as proof that you have ownership of the vehicle before the process can begin. Usually, a V5C that bears your name will be accepted.
It's also a good idea to carry a spare key on your person or in the trunk of your vehicle, in case you lose yours. A spare key can allow you to get to the road more quickly and save your money by preventing you from calling a locksmith.
You may have to call a professional locksmith to replace the key depending on the car. Dealerships can provide you with a replacement key, but it could cost a towing fee and take a few days to make. A professional locksmith can usually create a new key quicker and less expensive and might even be capable of programming it to your vehicle on autopilot. They also offer various services to keep your car safe, such as a door resealing kit and anti-theft alarms. Learn more about them by visiting PolicyBachat.
3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder
Over time your key and ignition cylinder will wear out. A worn-out cylinder could be stuck or jammed when it is it is removed, inserted or turned. This can cause issues in starting and powering up your vehicle. It is normal for these problems to take time to develop and get more severe over time as the cylinder continues to wear.
This issue is usually indicated by the inability to insert the key into the lock, or rotate the ignition cylinder. This is a clear indication that the cylinder has worn out and needs to be replaced. You can try to replace the cylinder yourself, but it is generally better to have it done by an expert.
The ignition cylinder is a small metal cylindrical piece that is housed inside the lock cylinder housing. It contains two tumblers. Each tumbler has a distinct location and is only suited to the right key bumps. As time passes the tumblers will be worn out or blocked with dirt. To get rid of this issue you'll need to clean the ignition port. You can do this using tiny bottles of graphite lubricant. lost keys for my car 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 car. This will give you more clarity of the port on the cylinder. Look for a pin inserted in the back of the cylinder. This is a security measure that prevents your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder does not turn, you will have to remove the pin to allow it to slide out of the housing.
The procedure is easy however, it takes patience. Be sure to check that the pin is in the accessory position before drilling. You could also harm your car's electrical and electronic systems when you drill in the wrong place. Before drilling, be sure to mark the area of the drill bit protruding from the keyway with tape. This will serve as a warning sign to keep you from causing damage to the cylinder by drilling too deeply.
4. Locked Out
If you've accidentally locked your keys in your vehicle, the first thing to do is try not to be in a panic. Be calm. You may think you're in a bind however, there are plenty of options to get back into your car without damaging windows or calling a tow-truck. It doesn't matter if you're using shoelaces packaging tape, bobby pins, Slim Jims or modified wire coat hangers Most of these strategies can be used with the right tools or tricks. However, it's important be aware that not all methods will work and that you might need to contact a professional for assistance in certain instances.
The key is to always take the most non-destructive approach first. If you're in an emergency you might not be a fan of the idea that a stranger will be able to open your car for you, but it's the best choice. It's also worth noting that many roadside assistance plans, like the NRMA provide members with 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 of the doors or in the trunk. When you're in a hurry, it's easy to overlook something that is as simple as the door handle or rearview mirror. Make sure you check everywhere.
If you're still struggling to open your car keep your cool and seek help from a family member or friend who's nearby. Sometimes someone will be willing to help you out of a jam since they don't want you to be stranded. If they're not able to help you and you are stuck, it is best to contact roadside assistance. You can also determine if your insurance covers this.
Use the app of your car's manufacturer 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 purchase a magnetic key safe to keep your keys in, which will keep them safe from thieves and hidden from.