How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
Losing your car keys can be an unimaginable scenario. But it's not the end of the world when you know what to do.
You can bring proof of ownership or bring in a spare key to the dealer in order to get a new one programmed. There are a few different ways you can lose your keys, and this will determine how easy or difficult it is to replace them.
1. Worn Out Key
Over time, keys to cars get a lot of wear. They are repeatedly placed in locks and pockets, then jiggled around and rubbed against each other. They can lose their form and no longer fit in the cylinder of ignition. If this occurs, the key will either become stuck or won't turn. It can be frustrating in both cases.
It's simple to avoid this by creating multiple copies of your new car key. You can then rotate them, reducing the amount of wear and tear each one goes through. You can also make use of the spare key in case you have lost your car keys.
Another reason you might need a replacement is that your key fob has stopped functioning properly. These are extremely useful and do many things, including opening doors, starting the engine, and activating your alarm. It can happen due to various reasons but the most frequent is that they've worn out from regular use. They are tiny and delicate, often being tossed around in your pocket or bag and can easily be snatched down or have buttons ripped off.
In this instance you must check all possible places, including your bag, jacket and other places where you would normally put them (like in the shoe shine box). The next step is to call your dealer to find out if they have an extra key in stock. If they don't have it in stock, they can order it and attach it to your vehicle. It's expensive, but it is better than the alternative.
You can minimize the risk by not adding any other items to your key ring and also by regularly lubricating your lock and key. This will ensure that they both last longer and work properly. Also, keep the spare in a secure place, such as with family or friends. This means that you will always have the key at hand when you require it.
2. lost key to car
If the key fits inside the lock, but you are unable to turn it, it could be an issue with the lock itself. The tumblers of the lock could be blocked by dirt and 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 smoother.
Another possible reason a car lock doesn't turn is because it was forced to close. A burglar might have attempted to the door open using a tool like an axe or a bump key. If you see evidence of this on your door handle, you should bring your vehicle to a locksmith right away. The locksmith will be able to repair the damage and prevent future problems.
lost vehicle key can provide a service to disable your old key inside the vehicle, which makes it much more difficult for someone to steal your car. You'll need proof of your identity and prove that you have ownership of the vehicle before you can do this. Usually, a V5C that bears your name is accepted.
It is recommended to keep a spare car key in your trunk or on your person in case you lose it. A spare key can allow you to get to the road more quickly and also save you money by preventing from having to call locksmith.
Depending on the model of car and key, you may need to contact a locksmith to get a new key. Dealerships are able to provide replacement keys, however they will require a towing fee and may need to order one for you, which can take a few days. A professional locksmith can usually make a new key faster and cheaper and could be able to program it to your vehicle in a way that is automatic. They also offer various services to ensure your vehicle is safe, such as a door resealing kit and alarms against theft. Find out more by visiting PolicyBachat.
3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder
Over time your ignition key and cylinder may wear out. A worn out cylinder may block or become stuck when it is removed, inserted, or turned which can interfere with powering on and starting your vehicle. It is common for these issues to develop slowly and then become more noticeable over time as the cylinder wears.
One of the most common symptoms of this issue is when the key cannot be put into the lock or unable to be rotated in the cylinder for ignition. This indicates that the cylinder must be replaced. You could try replacing the cylinder by yourself, however it is recommended to have this done by an expert.
The ignition cylinder consists of a small, cylindrical piece of metal which is contained within the lock cylinder housing. It contains two tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a particular location and is only suited to the key bumps that are correct. As time passes, tumblers can 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 the smallest bottle of graphite oil. 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 allow you to view the cylinder port more clearly. Find a pin into the back of the cylinder. This is a security measure that stops your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder does not turn, you'll need to remove the retention pin in order to allow it to slip out of the housing.
The procedure is easy enough, but requires some time. Make sure the pin is in the accessory position prior to drilling. It is also important to note that there is a possibility of causing damage to your car's electronics and electrical systems by drilling into the wrong spot. Before drilling, be sure to mark the portion of the drill bit protruding out of the keyway with tape. This will serve as a signal to prevent you from drilling too deeply and causing damage to the cylinder housing.
4. Locked out
When you accidentally lock your keys in your car, the first thing to do is try not to panic. Stay calm. You may think you are in a mess however, there are plenty of ways to get back in your car without damaging windows or calling a tow truck. You can use shoelaces packaging tape, bobbypins, or Slim Jims to get back into your vehicle. It's important to note that not all methods will be effective, and you may require assistance from a professional in certain situations.
It is essential to pick the safest option first. It's possible that you don't like the idea of someone else helping you open your car, but in an emergency situation, it could be your best option. It's worth noting that a lot of roadside assistance plans, like the NRMA offers members the option of entering their vehicle without having a key.
Take a deep breath and then walk around your car's exterior to determine if you've got your keys in any of the doors or the trunk. It's easy for you to forget even the simplest things like the door handle or rearview mirror when you're in a hurry, so be sure to be sure to check everywhere.
If you're unable to unlock your car, stay calm and ask an acquaintance or a neighbor who is nearby for assistance. A stranger might be able to help should they not want to leave you stranded. If they're not able to assist you, you must think about calling roadside assistance or checking if your car insurance covers it.
Check the app of your car's manufacturer or use an android phone to convert your phone into a key fob to avoid having your key locked out in the future. You can also buy an electronic keysafe to keep keys that you don't use, which will keep them safe and safe from theft.