How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
Losing car keys is a nightmare scenario. It's not the most stressful scenario if you know how to handle it.
First, find a spare key and keep it in a safe place, or bring evidence of ownership to the dealer to have a replacement programmed. There are many ways you can lose keys, which will determine how simple or difficult it is to replace them.
1. Worn Out Key
Over time, car keys are exposed to a lot wear and tear. replacing lost car keys are jingled in pockets, rubbing against one other, and inserted into locks repeatedly again. This can cause them to lose their shape, which could result in them not fitting into the ignition cylinder correctly. If this happens, the key could either become stuck or isn't turning. Either way, it can be extremely frustrating.
It's easy to avoid this by making multiple copies of your new car key. Then, you can rotate them, reducing the amount of wear and tear each one undergoes. You can also utilize the spare key in the event that you have lost your car keys.
Another reason to consider a replacement is that your key fob isn't working properly. As you know, these are very handy to have, and they can do many things, from unlocking your doors and launching your engine to activating the alarm. It can happen due to various reasons however the most common is that it's worn out from regular use. They are tiny fragile and can be easily smashed in your bag or pocket. The buttons can easily break or wear down.
If this happens, the first thing you should do is thoroughly check every place it could be, such as your jacket or bag and even the places you wouldn't normally store them (like inside a box for shoeshine). Next, call your dealership to see if they have an extra key available. If not, they can purchase one for you and then have it paired with your vehicle. It's not cheap however it's better than the alternatives.
You can minimize the risk by avoiding adding any other items to your key ring, and by regularly lubricating your lock and the key. This will ensure that they both last longer and work properly. It's also an excellent idea to keep an extra key in a secure location in your home, such as with family or with your friends, so you'll always be prepared for the time you require it.
2. Damaged Lock
If the key fits in the lock, but you are unable to turn it, it could be a problem with the lock itself. The tumblers of the lock could be clogged by dirt and debris, which can make the mechanism feel stiff. A locksmith can use an oil-based tool to clean and lubricate a lock. This will make it feel smoother.
Another possible reason that a car lock won't turn is because it was jammed by force. A thief may have tried to pry open the door using a device such as the pick or bump key. If you see any 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 future problems.
Some locksmiths provide a service that disables your old keys inside the vehicle. This makes it harder for someone to steal your vehicle. You will need to provide proof of your identity and that you have ownership of the vehicle before you can do this. Usually, a V5C with your name will be accepted.
You should also keep a spare car key in your trunk or on your person in the event that you lose it. A spare key can allow you to get back on the road quickly and also prevents you from having to pay for locksmith.
You may need to call a professional locksmith to replace the key based on the car. Dealerships will provide you with a replacement key, but it could cost towing fees and take a few days to make. A professional locksmith will be able to create a key in a shorter time and at a lower cost. They might even be able program it to communicate with your vehicle on autopilot. They can also provide a range of services to keep your vehicle secure, including an resealing kit for doors and alarms against theft. Visit PolicyBachat to learn more.
3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder
Over time, the ignition cylinder and key will wear out. A worn out cylinder may be stuck or jammed when it is inserted, removed, or turned, which could cause problems with powering on and starting your vehicle. These issues can be gradual but they will become more apparent over time.
One of the most frequent symptoms of this problem is when the key cannot be put into the lock, or is incapable of rotating in the cylinder for ignition. This is a clear indication that the cylinder has worn out and requires replacement. You can attempt to replace the cylinder by yourself, however it is recommended to have this done by an expert.
The ignition cylinder is a tiny cylindrical piece of metal that is situated inside the lock cylinder housing and includes two tumblers. Each tumbler has a distinct location and is only suited to the right key bumps. As time passes, tumblers can be worn out or blocked with dirt. In order to fix this issue, you'll have to clean the ignition cylinder port. You can do this using tiny bottles of graphite lubricant. You can purchase this at your local auto parts store and follow the directions on the label.
First, remove the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will provide you with more clarity of the cylinder port. Look for a pin inserted into the back of the cylinder. This is a security feature 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 enough but requires some patience. Make sure that the pin is in the accessory position prior to drilling. It is also important to remember that there is a possibility of damaging the car's electronic and electrical systems by drilling into the wrong place. Before drilling, be sure to mark the portion of the drill bit that is protruding from the keyway with tape. This will act as a warning sign to keep you from damaging the cylinder drilling too deeply.
4. Locked out
If you've accidentally locked the keys to your car, the first thing to do is try not to be in a panic. You might think you're in a big mess, but it's crucial to stay calm because there are a variety of solutions and ways that you can get back in your vehicle without breaking the window or calling an emergency tow truck. It doesn't matter if you're using shoelaces bobby pins, packaging tape, Slim Jims or modified wire coat hangers Most of these strategies will work with the right tools or tricks. It's important to note that not all methods will work, and you might require assistance from a professional in certain cases.
The most important thing is to try the least destructive solution first. If you're in an emergency, you may not like the idea of having someone else will open your vehicle for you, but it is the best option. It's also worth noting that many roadside assistance plans, including the NRMA offers members the option of getting into their vehicle without keys.
Another excellent suggestion is to take an inhale and walk around the entire exterior of your vehicle to check if your keys are inside any other door or in the trunk. When you're in a hurry 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 not able to unlock your car, remain calm and call a neighbor or friend who's nearby for help. Oftentimes, a stranger will be willing to assist you out of a bind because they don't want to be in a bind. If they're unable to help you, then you should consider calling roadside assistance or seeing if your car insurance covers it.
Check the app of the manufacturer of your car or use an android 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 a magnetic keysafe to store keys you have left over and keep them out of the way and safe from theft.