How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
It's a nightmare to lose your car keys. It's not the worst thing that could happen when you know how to deal with it.
First, find an extra key and store it in your safe place or bring proof of ownership to the dealer to get a new one programmed. There are a few different ways you can lose keys, which will determine how easy or difficult it is to replace them.
1. Worn Out Key
Over time, keys for cars are subjected to a lot of wear and wear and tear. They are jingled in pockets, rub against each with each other, and then inserted into locks over and over again. This can cause them to lose their shape, which could result in them not fitting into the ignition cylinder correctly. If this occurs, the key will either become stuck or will not turn. In either case, it can be extremely frustrating.
Fortunately, it's simple to prevent this from happening by creating additional copies of your car key when it is new. You can then rotate them to lessen the wear on each one. You can also use the spare key if you lose your car keys.
Another reason why you may require a replacement is that your key fob has stopped functioning properly. As you've probably guessed they are extremely useful to have, and they can do various tasks, from unlocking your doors and launching your engine to activating the alarm. It can happen due to various reasons but the most frequent is that it's damaged from use. They are tiny, delicate and often jostled in your pocket or bag. The buttons could easily be damaged or worn down.
If this occurs, the first thing to do is thoroughly check all the places you might find it, including your jacket or bag and even the places you wouldn't normally store them (like in a shoebox). The next step is to call your dealer to inquire if they've got an extra key in stock. If they don't have it in inventory, they can request it and attach it to your vehicle. It's not cheap but it's more efficient than the alternatives.
You can reduce the risk by avoiding adding any other items to your key ring and by regularly lubricating your lock and key. This will help them last longer and work properly. It's also a good idea to keep the spare key in a secure location such as with your family or with your friends, so you'll have it when you need it.
2. Damaged Lock
If the key fits into the lock but you're unable to turn it, it might be a problem with the lock itself. The lock tumblers may be clogged with dirt and other debris. lost car key and no spare could cause the mechanism to feel stiff. Locksmiths can employ an oil-based tool to clean and lubricate a lock. This will make it feel more comfortable.
Another reason why the lock on your car doesn't turn is that it was forced to close. A thief may have tried to open the door by using a device such as a pick or a bump key. If you see any evidence of this on the door handle, take your vehicle to an experienced locksmith as quickly as you can. The locksmith can repair the damage and avoid future issues.
Some locksmiths provide a service that disables your old keys inside the vehicle. This makes it more difficult for someone to steal your vehicle. You will need to provide proof of your identity and that you own the vehicle before the process can begin. A V5C form with your name on it will usually be accepted.
It is recommended to keep an extra car key in your trunk or on your person in the event that you lose it. Having a spare can help you get back on the road swiftly and also prevents you from needing to pay for locksmith.
You may have to call a professional locksmith to change the key based on the car. Dealerships can supply replacement keys, but they require a towing charge and may need to order one for you, which could take a few days. A professional locksmith can usually create a new key quicker and less expensive and could be capable of programming it to your vehicle in a way that is automatic. They can also provide a range of services to ensure your vehicle is secure, including an resealing kit for doors and alarms against theft. Visit PolicyBachat to learn more.
3. Clogged ignition Cylinder
Over time your ignition key and cylinder can wear out. A worn-out cylinder could be stuck or jam when it is inserted, removed or turned, which could cause problems starting and recharging your vehicle. These problems can develop slowly, but become more noticeable as time passes.
This issue is usually caused by the inability to insert the key into the lock, or rotate the ignition cylinder. This is a clear sign that the cylinder has worn out and needs to be replaced. It is possible to replace the cylinder yourself however it is generally recommended to get a professional.
The ignition cylinder is a tiny metal cylindrical part that is located within the lock cylinder housing. It contains a pair of tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a certain location that is suited to the correct key bumps. As time passes, tumblers can be worn out or blocked with dirt. To fix this problem it is necessary to clean the ignition port. This can be done using tiny bottles of graphite oil. You can buy this at a local auto parts store and follow the instructions on the label.
Remove the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will allow you to view the cylinder port more clearly. Find a pin in the back of the cylinder. This is a security measure that prevents your vehicle from being taken. If the ignition cylinder isn't able to rotate, you'll have to remove the pin that holds it in place to allow it to slide out of the housing.
The process is easy however, it takes patience. Make sure that the pin is in the accessory position prior to drilling. It is also important to keep in mind that there is a possibility of damaging your vehicle's electronics and electrical systems by drilling into the wrong spot. Make sure you mark the portion of the drill that extends from the keyway before drilling. This acts as a flag to prevent you from drilling too deeply and causing damage to the housing of the cylinder.
4. Locked Out
If you've locked your keys in your car, the very first thing to do is try not to be in a panic. Be calm. You may think that you're in a mess however, there are plenty of solutions to get back into your car without damaging the windows or calling a tow-truck. Whether it's using shoelaces, packaging tape, bobby pins Slim Jims, or modified wire coat hangers Most of these strategies can be used with the right tools or tricks. It is important to keep in mind that not all methods will be effective, and you may require assistance from a professional in certain cases.
It is essential to select the least damaging option first. It's possible that you don't like the idea of someone else helping you open your car, but when you're in a crisis situation, it may be the best solution. A lot of roadside assistance plans give members the ability to access their vehicle without having a car key.
Take a deep breath, and then go around the outside of your car to check if you have your keys in other doors or the trunk. It's easy to forget something as simple as a door handle or a rearview mirror when you're in a hurry Be sure to look everywhere.
If you're still unable to get your car open Try to remain calm and seek assistance from a neighbor or friend who's nearby. A stranger may be willing to assist you if they don't wish to leave you in a bind. If they're not able to help you and you are stuck, it is best to contact roadside assistance. You can also determine whether your insurance covers this.
To avoid losing a key in the future, be sure you check the app of your car's manufacturer or use a smart device turn your phone into a car key fob. You can also purchase a magnetic key safe to keep your keys in, which will keep keys safe from thieves and hidden from.