How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
The loss of car keys is a nightmare scenario. It's not the worst thing in the world if you know how to deal with it.
You can either bring proof of ownership or bring in a spare key to the dealer for a new one programmed. You can lose your keys in a variety of ways, which can affect how easy or hard it is to replace them.
1. Keys that are worn out
Over time, keys for cars are subjected to a lot of wear and wear and tear. They are frequently put into locks and pockets, then jiggled around and rubbed against each other. They can lose their shape and no longer fit inside the ignition cylinder. The key may become stuck or not turn when this happens. Whatever the case, it could be extremely difficult.
Luckily, it's easy to stop this from happening by creating duplicate copies of your vehicle key when it's new. You can then rotate them to lessen the wear on each. You can also make use of the spare key in case you lose your car keys.
You may also need to replace your key fob if it has stopped working properly. As you know, these are very handy to have and they do many things such as unlocking your doors and starting your engine to activating the alarm. It can happen due to a few reasons but the most frequent is that it's just damaged from use. They are small and delicate, usually being jostled around in your bag or pocket and can easily be snatched down or have buttons that break off.
If this occurs the first thing to do is thoroughly check all places that it could be, including your bag or jacket, and even in places you wouldn't normally store them (like inside a box for shoeshine). Contact your dealership and inquire whether they have spare keys on hand. If not, they can make one for you and have it installed in your vehicle. It can be expensive, but it is better than the alternatives.
You can minimize the risk by avoiding adding any other items to your key ring and by regularly lubricating both your lock and key. This will ensure that they both last longer and function properly. You should also keep an extra in a secure area, like with your family or close friends. This means that you will always have the key when you require it.
2. Damaged Lock
If the key fits inside the lock, but you are unable to turn it, it might be a problem with the lock itself. The lock tumblers could be clogged by dirt and debris, which can make the mechanism feel stiff. Locksmiths can make use of a specific tool to clean out and lubricate the lock, helping it feel smooth once more.
A car lock that doesn't turn might have been jammed by force. A thief might have used a tool such as a bump key or a pick to pry the door open. If you can see evidence of this on the door handle, bring the vehicle to a locksmith right away. The locksmith will be able to repair the damage and avoid future problems.
Certain locksmiths offer services that disable your old keys inside your vehicle. This makes it harder for thieves to take your vehicle. You will need to provide proof of your identity and prove that you own the vehicle before you can do this. Usually, a V5C with your name is accepted.
It's also a good idea to carry an extra key on your person or in the trunk of your vehicle, in case you lose yours. A spare key will help you get back on the road quicker and also save your money by preventing you from having to call a locksmith.
Depending on the type of car and key, you may have to contact a locksmith in order to repair it. Dealerships can provide replacement keys, but they'll need a towing cost and you may have to get one from you, which can take days. A professional locksmith can typically produce a new key much quicker and less expensive and might even be able to program it to your vehicle on autopilot. They also provide various additional services that can help you ensure your vehicle is secure, such as a door re-sealing kit or anti-theft alarms. Visit PolicyBachat to find out more about the services they offer.
3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder
Over time the ignition cylinder and key can wear out. A worn-out cylinder may be stuck or jam when it is removed, inserted or turned, which could cause problems with starting and powering up your vehicle. These problems can develop slowly but will become more noticeable over time.
This problem is typically caused by the inability to insert the key into the lock, or rotate the ignition cylinder. This is a clear indication that the cylinder is worn out and requires replacement. It is possible to replace the cylinder on your own, but it's usually best to hire an expert.
The ignition cylinder is a small metal cylindrical piece which is contained within the lock housing of the cylinder. It is comprised of two tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a specific location that is suited to the appropriate key bumps. Over time, the tumblers can become worn down or clogged with dirt. To fix lost key car , you'll need to clean the ignition cylinder port. You can do this with tiny bottles of graphite oil. You can buy this product from your local auto parts store. Follow the instructions on the bottle.
Take off the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will give you an easier view of the cylinder port. Look for a pin that is placed in the cylinder's back. This is a security measure that stops your vehicle from being taken. If the ignition cylinder does not rotate, you'll have to take off the pin that holds it to allow it to slide out of the housing.
The process is straightforward enough but requires some patience. Before drilling the pin, make sure that the pin is in the accessory position. You can also damage your car's electrical and electronic systems when you drill in the wrong spot. Make sure you mark the portion of the drill that extends from the keyway before drilling. This will serve as a warning to stop you from drilling too deep and causing damage to the cylinder housing.
4. Locked out
The first thing you need to do when you lock your keys inside your vehicle is to not get scared. You might think that you're in a big mess, but it's important to stay calm because there are many solutions and methods you can get back into your vehicle without breaking the window or calling the tow truck. You can use shoelaces, packaging tape, bobbypins or Slim Jims to get back into your vehicle. But, it's important to keep in mind that not all methods will work and that 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 a situation that requires immediate attention you might not be a fan of the idea that a stranger will let you into their car for you, but it's your best option. It's worth noting that a lot of roadside assistance plans, like the NRMA offers members the option of getting into their vehicle without a key.
Another idea is to take an inhale and walk around the entire exterior of your car to check whether your keys are located in any other door or in the trunk. When you're in a hurry it's easy to forget something as basic as the door handle or rearview mirror. Be sure to check everywhere.
If you're still stuck in the process of unlocking your car, stay calm and call a neighbor or friend who is nearby to help. A stranger may be able to help in the event that they don't want to leave you in a bind. If they're not able to help you then you should call roadside assistance. You may also inquire if your insurance covers this.
To avoid a locked out key in the future, be sure you are checking the app of your car's manufacturer or utilize a smart device to turn your phone into a car key fob. You can also purchase an electronic keysafe to keep your spares keys and keep them out of the way and away from thieves.