How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
Losing car keys is an incredibly stressful situation. However, it's not the end of the world, provided you know what to do.
You can either bring evidence of ownership or a spare key to the dealer for a new one programmed. You can lose your keys in different ways, which will impact the ease or difficulty it is to replace them.
1. Keys That Are Worn Out
Over time, keys for cars are subjected a lot of wear. They are jingled in pockets, rubbing against one others, and then put into locks over and over again. They can lose their form and not fit into the ignition cylinder. If this happens, the key will be stuck or will not turn. Either way, it can be extremely annoying.
It's easy to avoid this by making multiple copies of your brand new car key. Then go to this website can rotate them, reducing the amount of wear each one goes through. You can also make use of the spare key in case you lose your car keys.
It is also possible to replace your key fob if it's been unable to function properly. These are extremely useful and can be used for a variety of things, including unlocking doors, starting the engine, and activating your alarm. It can happen due to various reasons however the most common is that it's damaged from use. They are small fragile and can be easily smashed in your pocket or bag. The buttons are prone to be damaged or worn down.
In this case you should look into all possible places, including your bag, jacket and even places you wouldn't normally store them (like in a shoe shine box). The next step is to call your dealer to see if they have a spare key in stock. If not, they'll order one for you and then have it fitted to your vehicle. It's expensive but it's more efficient than the alternative.
You can also reduce the risk of this happening by avoiding adding anything else to your key ring and regularly lubricating your key and lock. This will ensure that they both last longer and function properly. You should also keep the spare in a secure area, like with your family or friends. This ensures that you always have the key in case you require it.
2. Damaged Lock
If the key fits inside the lock but you can't turn it, it might be a problem with the lock itself. The lock tumblers could be clogged with dirt and debris, which can make the mechanism feel stiff. Locksmiths can employ an oil-lubricated tool to clean and lubricate the lock. This will allow it to feel more smooth.
A car lock that isn't able to turn could have been jammed by force. A burglar might have used a tool such as a bump key or a pick to pry the door open. If you notice any evidence of this on the door handle, take your vehicle to a professional locksmith as soon as you can. The locksmith can repair the issue and avoid further problems.
Some locksmiths can offer a service that disables your old keys in the vehicle, which makes it much more difficult for someone to take your car. You will need to provide proof of your identity as well as proof that you have ownership of the vehicle before this can be done. Usually, a V5C with your name is accepted.
It's also a good idea to keep an extra key on your person or in the trunk of your car just in case you lose yours. Having a spare can help you get back on the road quickly and prevents you from having to spend money on a locksmith.
You might need to contact a professional locksmith to replace keys based on your vehicle. Dealerships will provide you with keys to replace, however it could cost you a towing fee and take a few days to make. A professional locksmith can create a key in a shorter time and less expensive. They may even be able to program it to work with your vehicle automatically. They also offer various services to keep your car safe, such as the door seal kit and anti-theft alarms. Find out more by visiting PolicyBachat.
3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder
Over time your key and ignition cylinder may wear out. A worn out cylinder may be stuck or jammed when it is it is removed, inserted, or turned, which could cause problems in starting and powering up your vehicle. These issues can be gradual but they will become more apparent as time passes.
This problem is most often indicated by the inability to insert the key into the lock or turn the ignition cylinder. This is a clear indication that your cylinder has gotten worn out and needs to be replaced. It is possible to replace the cylinder yourself however, it's generally better to hire an expert.
The ignition cylinder is a tiny metal cylindrical piece which is found inside the lock cylinder housing. It includes two tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a specific location that is suited to the key bumps that are appropriate. As time passes, tumblers can get worn out or clogged with dirt. To resolve this issue it is necessary to clean the ignition port. This can be done with tiny bottles of graphite oil. 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 car. This will let you view the cylinder port more clear. Find a pin into the back of the cylinder. This is a security feature that stops your vehicle from being taken. If the ignition cylinder isn't able to turn, then you will need to remove the pin that holds it to let it slide out of the housing.
The process is easy however, it takes patience. Make sure the pin is in accessory position prior to drilling. It is also possible to damage your car's electrical and electronic systems by drilling in the wrong spot. Before drilling, make sure to mark the area of the drill bit that is protruding from the keyway using tape. This will serve as a flag 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 vehicle, the first thing to do is try not to get scared. Stay calm. You might think you're in a mess but there are a variety of solutions to get back into your car without damaging the windows or calling a tow-truck. You can use shoelaces packaging tape, bobbypins or Slim Jims to get back into your vehicle. However, it's important to be aware that not all methods will work, and you might need to contact a professional for assistance in certain situations.
The key is to look for the least destructive solution first. If you're in an emergency you might not be a fan of the idea that a stranger will be able to open your car for you, but it is your best option. It's worth noting that a lot of roadside assistance plans, like the NRMA, offer members the option of getting into their vehicle without having a key.
Take a deep breath and then go around the outside of your car to check if you have 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 Be sure to look everywhere.
If you're not able to unlock your car, remain calm and call your neighbor or a friend who's nearby for help. Most of the time strangers will be willing to help you out of a bind since they don't want you to be left in a bind. If they're not able help you, then think about calling roadside assistance or determining if your vehicle insurance will cover it.
Check the app of the manufacturer of your car or use a smart 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 key safe that is magnetic to store your spare keys in, which will keep them away from thieves and hidden from.