How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
It's a nightmare to lose your car keys. It's not the worst scenario If you know how to deal with it.
You can bring proof of ownership or bring in a spare key to the dealer in order to get a new one programmed. You can lose your keys in different ways, which can affect the ease or difficulty it is to replace them.
1. Keys That Are Worn Out
Over time, keys for cars get a lot of wear. They are repeatedly placed in locks, jingled around in pockets and rubbed against each other. This can cause them to lose their shape, which can lead to them no longer fitting into the ignition cylinder properly. The key will either become stuck or not turn when this happens. Either way, it can be extremely frustrating.
Fortunately, it's simple to prevent this from happening by creating duplicate copies of your vehicle key when it's new. You can then rotate them, reducing the amount of wear each one goes through. You can also use the spare key if you have lost your car keys.
Another reason you might need an upgrade is that your key fob has stopped functioning properly. These are extremely useful and be used for a variety of things, including unlocking doors, starting the engine, and activating your alarm. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, but most commonly it is due to the button is been worn out. They are tiny delicate and are often tossed around in your pocket or bag. The buttons could easily be damaged or worn down.
If this happens, the first thing you need to do is thoroughly check all the places you might find it, including your jacket or bag and even in places you would not normally place them (like inside a shoeshine box). Next, contact your dealer to find out if they have a spare key in stock. If not, they'll purchase one for you and get it paired with your vehicle. This can be expensive, but it's much superior to the alternatives.
You can lower the risk by not adding any other items to your key ring, and by regularly lubricating both your lock and the key. This will ensure that they both last longer and work properly. Also, keep a spare in a safe location, such as with your family or close friends. This ensures that you always have the key at hand when you require it.
2. Damaged Lock
If you can turn the key but it doesn't fit in the lock, it could be a problem with the lock. The tumblers of the lock could be blocked by dirt and debris. This could cause the mechanism to feel stiff. Locksmiths can employ an instrument that is specifically designed to clean out and lubricate the lock, helping it feel smooth again.
Another possible reason the lock on your car doesn't turn is that it was forced to close. A burglar might have attempted to open the door using a device such as a pick or a bump key. If you see any evidence of this on the door handle, you should take your car to an experienced locksmith as quickly as possible. The locksmith can fix the damage and prevent further problems.
Certain locksmiths may provide a service to disable your old keys in the vehicle, which makes it much more difficult for someone to take your vehicle. But, you'll require proof of identity and evidence that you are the owner of the vehicle to get this done. Usually, a V5C bearing your name will be accepted.
It is also advisable to keep an extra 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 avoid needing to pay for a locksmith.
You might need to contact a professional locksmith to change the key depending on the vehicle. Dealerships are able to provide replacement keys, but they will require a towing fee and you may have to purchase one for you, which can take days. A professional locksmith can typically produce a new key much more quickly and at a lower cost and might even be in a position to program it to your vehicle in a way that is automatic. They can also offer a range of additional services to help you keep your car safe like a door re-sealing kit or alarms to prevent theft. Find out more on PolicyBachat.
3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder
Over time, your key and ignition cylinder may wear out. car lost key worn-out cylinder can be stuck or jammed when it is it is removed, inserted, or turned. This can cause issues in starting and powering up your vehicle. These issues may develop slowly, but become more noticeable over time.
This problem is most often manifested by the inability of insert the key into the lock, or turn the ignition cylinder. This indicates that the cylinder is in need of being replaced. You can try to replace the cylinder yourself, but it is usually better to have it done by professionals.
The ignition cylinder is a tiny cylindrical piece of metal which is found within the lock cylinder housing. It has two tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a particular position that only fits the key bumps that are appropriate. Over time the tumblers may get worn down or clogged with dirt. In order to fix this issue, you'll have to clean the cylinder port of the ignition. You can do this with a small bottle graphite oil. You can purchase this product at your local auto parts store. Follow the instructions on the bottle.
First, remove the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will give you an easier view 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 taken. If the ignition cylinder will not turn, you will need remove the retention pin in order to allow it to slide out of the housing.
The procedure is simple but it requires patience. Make sure the pin is in accessory position prior to drilling. You could also damage your car's electrical and electronic systems if you drill in the wrong place. Before drilling, make certain to mark the part of the drill bit that is protruding out of the keyway with tape. This acts as a warning to stop you from damaging the cylinder drilling too deeply.
4. Locked Out
The first thing to do when you lock your keys inside your car is not to panic. Keep calm. You may think that you're in a bind however, there are plenty of ways to get back in your car without damaging the windows or calling a tow-truck. If you're using shoelaces, packaging tape, bobby pins, Slim Jims or modified coat hangers made from wire Most of these strategies can be used with the right tools or tricks. However, it's important be aware that not every method will work, and you may need to call a professional for help in certain situations.
It is important to always pick the safest option first. You may not like the idea of someone else helping you open your car, but when you're in a crisis situation, it might be the best option. It's also worth noting that many roadside assistance plans, like the NRMA, offer members the option of entering their vehicle without having a 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 in the trunk. When you're in a hurry it's easy to miss something that is as simple as the door handle or rearview mirror. Make sure you check everywhere.
If you're still unable to get your car open Try to remain calm and seek assistance from a friend or neighbor who is near. Oftentimes, a stranger will be willing to assist you to get out of the jam because they don't want to be in a bind. If they're not able help you, then you should consider calling roadside assistance or checking if your car insurance will cover it.
To avoid a locked out key in the future, make sure you check the app provided by your car manufacturer or use a smart device convert your phone into a car key fob. You can also buy an electronic key safe to store your spare keys in, which will keep keys safe from thieves and out of view.