How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
Losing car keys is an unimaginable scenario. It's not the worst thing that could happen when you know how to deal with it.
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 get a new one programmed. You can lose your keys in a variety of ways, which will impact how easy or hard it is to replace them.
1. Worn Out Key
Over time, keys to cars are subjected to a lot of wear. They are frequently inserted into locks and pockets, then jiggled around and smacked against one another. They can lose their shape and no longer fit into the ignition cylinder. If this happens, the key could either become stuck or isn't turning. It can be frustrating in both cases.
It's simple to avoid this by creating multiple copies of your brand new car key. You can then rotate them, reducing the amount of wear each one goes through. You can also utilize the spare key in the event that you lose your car keys.
Another reason why you may require replacement is if your key fob has stopped working properly. These are extremely useful and be used for a variety of things, including unlocking doors, starting the engine, or even activating your alarm. This could be due to several reasons but the most frequent is that it's just worn down from daily use. They are small and delicate, often being jostled around in your bag or pocket and can be easily worn down or have buttons that break off.
In this case, you should check every possible place such as your jacket, bag, and places you would not normally store them (like in a shoe shine box). Contact your dealer and ask if they have spare keys available. If they don't have a spare key in the store, they can purchase it and pair it with your vehicle. It's not cheap however it's better than the alternatives.
You can further reduce the likelihood of this happening by avoiding adding any other items to your key ring and regularly lubricating your keys and lock. This will ensure that both last longer and perform as they should. You should also keep a spare in a safe place, such as with your family or friends. This ensures that you always have the key at hand 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, there may be a problem with the lock. The lock tumblers could be clogged by dirt and debris, which could make the mechanism feel stiff. Locksmiths can make use of an oil-based tool to clean and lubricate a lock. This will make it feel smoother.
A car lock that won't turn might have been jammed by force. Someone may have tried to the door open using a device such as a pick or a bump key. If you notice any evidence of this on the door handle, take your vehicle to an experienced locksmith as quickly as possible. The locksmith will be able to repair the damage and avoid future problems.
Certain locksmiths may offer a service that disables your old key inside the vehicle, which makes it more difficult for anyone to steal your car. However, you'll need proof of identity and proof that you're the owner of the vehicle in order to get this done. A V5C form with your name on it will typically be accepted.
It's recommended to keep an extra key on your person or in the trunk of your car, in case you lose yours. Having a spare will allow you to get back on the road quickly and prevents you from having to pay for locksmith services.
Depending on the type of vehicle and the key, you might need to contact a locksmith to get a new key. Dealerships can provide replacement keys, however they'll need a towing cost and may need to purchase one for you, which could take a few days. A professional locksmith will be able to make a key faster and cheaper. They might even be able program it to communicate with your vehicle on autopilot. They also provide an array of additional services to help you ensure your vehicle is secure including a door re-sealing kit or alarms that prevent theft. Learn more about them by visiting PolicyBachat.
3. Clogged ignition cylinder
Over time, your key and ignition cylinder can wear out. A worn out cylinder may block or become stuck when it is removed, inserted, or turned, which could cause problems with the powering-on and starting of your vehicle. It is common for these issues to take time to develop and get more severe over time as the cylinder wears out.
One of the most frequent symptoms of this issue is when the lock key cannot be put into the lock or unable to be rotated in the cylinder for ignition. This is a sign that the cylinder must be replaced. You could try replacing the cylinder yourself, but it is recommended to get it done by a professional.
The ignition cylinder is a small metal cylindrical piece that is situated inside the lock cylinder housing and includes a pair of tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a particular position and only fits the correct key bumps. In time, tumblers could be worn out or blocked with dirt. In order to fix this issue, you'll need to clean the cylinder port of the ignition. You can do this with the smallest bottle of graphite lubricant. You can buy this product from your local auto parts store. Follow the directions on the bottle.
Remove the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will provide you with more clarity of the port on the cylinder. Look for a pin in the back of the cylinder. This is a security feature that protects your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder does not turn, you'll need remove the retention pin to allow it to slide out of the housing.
The process is straightforward enough but requires some patience. Make sure the pin is in accessory position prior to drilling. It is also important to note that there is a risk of causing damage to your vehicle's electronics and electrical systems if you drill into the wrong place. Before drilling, make sure to mark the portion of the drill bit that is protruding out of the keyway with tape. This will act as a warning to stop you from drilling too deeply and causing damage to the housing of the cylinder.
4. Locked out
lost key replacement car need to do when you lock your keys inside your car is to not panic. Keep calm. You might think you're in a mess but there are a variety of ways to get back in your car without damaging windows or calling a tow truck. You can use shoelaces, bobbypins, packaging tape or Slim Jims to get back into your vehicle. It's important to note that not all methods will work, and you may require help from a professional in some instances.
It is important to always pick the safest option first. You may not like the idea of a stranger helping you open your car, but in an emergency situation, it may be the best solution. It's important to note that a number of roadside assistance plans, like the NRMA provide members with the option of accessing their vehicle without having a key.
Take a deep breath, and then go around the outside of your car to see if you have your keys in other doors or in the trunk. It's easy for you to forget something as simple as the door handle or rearview mirror when you're in a rush So, make sure you be sure to check everywhere.
If you are still stuck in the process of unlocking your car, remain calm and contact an acquaintance or a neighbor who is nearby to help. A stranger may be willing to help in the event that they don't want to leave you stranded. If they're not able to assist you and you are stuck, it is best to contact roadside assistance. You can also check if your insurance covers this.
Check the app of the car's manufacturer, or use your smart phone to turn 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 you have left over, which will keep them out of the way and away from thieves.