How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
It's a nightmare to lose your car keys. It's not the most stressful thing in the world if you know how to handle it.
You can either bring proof of ownership or a spare key to the dealer to have a new one programmed. Keys can be lost in a variety of ways, which will affect how easy or hard it is to replace them.
1. Worn Out Key
Over time, keys for cars get a lot of wear. lost car key are jingled around in pockets, rubbing against one other, and inserted into locks over and over again. They can lose their form and no longer fit in the cylinder of ignition. The key may become stuck or not turn in the event of this. It can be frustrating in either case.
It's simple to avoid this by making multiple copies of your brand new car key. You can then rotate them in order to reduce the wear on each. In addition, if you do lose your car keys, you'll have an extra.
It is also possible to replace your key fob in case it has been unable to function properly. They are extremely useful and do many things, including opening doors, starting the engine, and triggering your alarm. It can happen for many reasons, but the most common reason is it's because the button is worn out. They are small and delicate, frequently being jostled around in your bag or pocket and can easily be snatched down or have buttons ripped off.
If this happens the first thing you need to do is check thoroughly in all places that it could be, including your bag or jacket and even in places you wouldn't normally store them (like in a shoebox). Contact your dealership and inquire if they have spare keys in stock. If not, they'll make one for you and then have it paired with your vehicle. This can be expensive however it's far superior to the alternatives.
You can further reduce the risk of this happening by avoiding adding any other items to your key ring and regularly lubricating your key and lock. This will ensure that both last longer and perform as they should. It is also recommended to keep the spare in a secure place, such as with family or friends. This way, you will always have the key at hand when you need it.
2. Damaged Lock
If the key fits inside the lock but you're unable to turn it, it could be a problem with the lock itself. The tumblers in the lock may be blocked by dirt and other debris. This could cause the mechanism to feel stiff. Locksmiths can make use of an oil-based tool to clean and lubricate a lock. This will make it feel more comfortable.
A car lock that won't turn may have been blocked by force. A burglar might have tried to open the door using a device such as an axe or a bump key. If you find evidence of this on the door handle, you should take your vehicle to a professional locksmith as soon as possible. The locksmith can repair the damage and prevent further problems.
Certain locksmiths offer a service that disables your old key inside your vehicle. This makes it much more difficult for thieves to take your vehicle. You'll 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 is accepted.
It is recommended to keep a spare car key in your trunk or on your person in case you lose it. Having a spare can help you get back on the road swiftly and avoid having to pay for locksmith services.
Depending on the type of vehicle and the key, you might need to contact a locksmith in order to repair it. Dealerships are able to provide replacement keys, but they will require a towing fee and you may have to get one from you, which could take days. A professional locksmith can create a key in a shorter time and cheaper. They might even be able to program it to communicate with your vehicle on autopilot. They also provide various additional services to help keep your car safe including 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 will wear out. A worn-out cylinder could block or become stuck when inserted, removed, or turned, which could cause problems with powering on and starting your vehicle. These problems can develop slowly but they will become more apparent over time.
One of the most frequent symptoms of this problem is when the key can't be inserted into the lock or is not able to rotate in the cylinder for ignition. This is a sign that the cylinder needs to be replaced. You can attempt to replace the cylinder yourself, but it is recommended to have it done by an expert.
The ignition cylinder is a tiny metal cylindrical part that is situated within the lock cylinder housing. It includes two tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a particular position that only fits the correct key bumps. Over time, tumblers may get worn out or clogged with dirt. To get rid of this, you will have to clean the cylinder port of the ignition. You can do this with tiny bottles of graphite oil. You can buy this product at your local auto parts store. Follow the directions on the bottle.
Take off the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your car. This will give you a clearer view of the cylinder port. Look for a pin in the back of the cylinder. This is a security measure that protects your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder does not turn, you'll need remove the retention pin in order to allow it to slide out of the housing.
The procedure is simple but it requires patience. Before drilling the pin, make sure that the pin is in the accessory position. It is also important to keep in mind that there is a chance of causing damage to the car's electronic and electrical systems if you drill in the wrong location. Mark the part of the drill that extends from the keyway prior to drilling. This will serve as a flag to prevent you from drilling too deep and damaging the cylinder housing.
4. Locked out
The first thing you need to do when you lock your keys inside your car is to not panic. You might think that you're in a mess, but it's important to stay calm because there are many solutions and ways that you can get back in your vehicle without breaking the window or calling a tow truck. Highly recommended Reading can use shoelaces packaging tape, bobbypins, or Slim Jims to get back into your vehicle. It's important to note that not all methods work, and you might need professional help in certain cases.
It is crucial to choose the least destructive option first. If you are in an emergency you might not like the idea that someone else will let you into their car for you, but it is the best option. It's important to note that a number of roadside assistance plans, like the NRMA offers members the option of accessing their vehicle without having a key.
Take a deep breath, and then walk around your car's exterior to see if you have your keys in any other doors or in the trunk. If you're in a rush, it's easy to overlook something as simple as the door handle or rearview mirror. Make sure you check everywhere.
If you're unable to get your car open Try to remain calm and ask for help from a family member or friend who's nearby. A stranger may be able to assist you in the event that they don't want to leave you in a bind. If they're not able to assist you, then you should consider calling roadside assistance or seeing if your car insurance covers it.
Use the app of your car's manufacturer or use your smart phone to turn your phone into a key fob to ensure that your key is not locked out in the future. You can also purchase a magnetic keysafe to store your spares keys to keep them out of the way and away from thieves.