How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
It's a nightmare to lose your car keys. It's not the worst thing that could happen if you know how to handle it.
You can either bring evidence of ownership or a spare key to the dealer in order to get a new one programmed. There are a few different ways you can lose keys, which will determine how simple or difficult it is to replace them.
1. Keys that are worn out
Over time, keys to cars are subjected a lot of wear. They are jingled around in pockets, rubbing against each with each other, and then inserted into locks over and over again. This causes them to lose their shape, which could result in them not fitting into the ignition cylinder correctly. If this happens, the key could either get stuck or it won't turn. Either way, it can be extremely difficult.
Luckily, it's easy to prevent this from happening by making duplicate copies of your vehicle key once it's brand new. Then you can rotate them to reduce the amount of wear each one undergoes. Plus, if you ever lose your car keys, there's a spare to use.
Another reason you might need replacement is if your key fob has stopped functioning properly. As you know they are extremely useful to have and they do various tasks, from unlocking your doors and launching your engine, to triggering the alarm. It can happen for many reasons, but the most common reason is it's because the button has worn out. They are tiny and delicate, frequently being tossed around in your bag or pocket and are able to be worn down or have buttons ripped off.
In this case you should look into all possible places like your jacket, bag, and even places you wouldn't normally store them (like in the shoe shine box). Contact your dealership and inquire whether they have spare keys on hand. If they don't have it in inventory, they can request it and attach it to your vehicle. It can be expensive, but it is better than the alternatives.
You can also lower the risk of this happening by not adding anything else to your key ring and regularly lubricating your key and lock. This will ensure that they both last longer and work properly. It's also a good idea to keep the spare key in a safe place, like with your family or with your friends, so you can always have it available when you need it.
2. Damaged Lock
If the key fits into the lock but you can't turn it, it might be a problem with the lock itself. The tumblers in the lock may be clogged with dirt and other debris. This can cause the mechanism to feel stiff. Locksmiths can employ an oiled tool to clean and lubricate the lock. This will make it feel more comfortable.
A car lock that won't turn might have been jammed by force. The thief could have used a tool, such as bump keys or a pick to pry the door open. If you notice any evidence of this on the door handle, you should take your car to an experienced locksmith as quickly as you can. lost car key and no spare can fix the issue and avoid further problems.
Certain locksmiths may provide a service to disable your old key inside the vehicle, making it more difficult for anyone to take your car. You'll need proof of your identity as well as proof that you have ownership of the vehicle before you can do this. Usually, a V5C that bears your name will be accepted.
It's recommended to keep a spare key on your person or in the trunk of your vehicle, in case you lose yours. A spare key will help you get to the road more quickly and can save you money by preventing from having to call locksmith.
You may need to call a professional locksmith to change the key based on the car. Dealerships will give you a replacement key, but it could cost towing fees and take several days to order. A professional locksmith can produce a key much quicker and less expensive. They may even be able to program it to work with your vehicle automatically. They also provide an array of additional services to help ensure your vehicle is secure including a door re-sealing kit or alarms that prevent theft. Find out more by visiting PolicyBachat.
3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder
Over time your key and ignition cylinder may wear out. A worn-out cylinder can jam or bind when it is removed, inserted, or turned. This can cause issues with the powering-on and starting of your vehicle. It is normal for these problems to develop slowly and become more pronounced over time as the cylinder wears out.
This problem is typically caused by the inability to insert the key into the lock or turn the ignition cylinder. This is a clear sign that your cylinder has gotten worn out and requires replacement. It is possible to replace the cylinder on your own however, it's generally better to get an expert.
The ignition cylinder is a small, cylindrical piece of metal which is contained within the lock housing for the cylinder. It is comprised of two tumblers. Each tumbler has a distinct location and is only suited to the key bumps that are correct. As time passes, the tumblers can get worn down or clogged with dirt. To fix this, you will have to clean the ignition cylinder port. This can be done with tiny bottles of graphite lubricant. You can buy this product at your local auto parts store. Follow the directions on the bottle.
First, take off the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will allow you to view the cylinder port more clearly. Find a pin into the back of the cylinder. This is a safety feature that keeps your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder does not turn, you'll need remove the retention pin to allow it to slip out of the housing.
The process is easy, but it requires patience. Before drilling the pin, ensure that the pin is in the accessory position. It is also important to keep in mind that there is a possibility of damaging your car's electronics and electrical systems if you drill into the wrong place. Before drilling, be certain to mark the part of the drill bit 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 step is to try not to get scared. Stay calm. You may think you're in a bind, but there are many ways to get back in your car without damaging the windows or calling a tow-truck. Whether it's using shoelaces, bobby pins, packaging tape, Slim Jims or modified coat hangers made from wire Most of these strategies can be used with the correct tool or trick. It's important to remember that there are many different methods that be effective, and you may require help from a professional in some instances.
The most important thing is to try the least destructive solution first. It's possible that you don't like the idea of a stranger helping you get into your car, however if you're in an emergency situation, it might be the best solution. A lot of roadside assistance plans give their customers the option to access their vehicle without a car key.
Take a deep breath, and then walk around your car's exterior to check if you have your keys in any other doors or the trunk. When you're in a rush it's easy to forget something that is as simple as the door handle or the rearview mirror. Make sure you check everywhere.
If you're unable to unlock your car, be calm and contact a neighbor or friend who's nearby for help. A stranger may be able to assist you in the event that they don't want to leave you stranded. If they're unable to assist you, you may want to call roadside assistance. You can also check if your insurance covers this.
To avoid having a locked out key in the future, be sure you check the app provided by your car manufacturer or use a smart device to transform your phone into a car key fob. You can also buy a key safe that is magnetic to store your spare keys in the safe, keeping them safe from thieves and out of view.