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 when you know how to handle it.
First, find an extra key and store it in your safe place or take proof of ownership to the dealer to get a new one programmed. There are several ways to lose your keys, which will determine how simple or difficult it is to replace them.
1. Keys That Are Worn Out
Over time, keys to automobiles are subjected to many wear. They are often jingled in pockets, rubbing against one with each other, and then inserted into locks repeatedly again. They can lose their shape and not fit into the ignition cylinder. The key will either get stuck or stop turning in the event of this. In either case, it can be extremely difficult.
Luckily, it's easy to avoid this from happening by making additional copies of your car key when it is new. Then you can rotate them, reducing the amount of wear each one experiences. Plus, if you ever lose your car keys, you'll have a spare to use.
Another reason to consider an upgrade is that the key fob you have is not working properly. As you've probably guessed, these are very handy to have, and they can do various tasks such as unlocking your doors, and even starting your engine to activating the alarm. It can happen due to a few reasons however the most common is that they've worn down from daily use. They are small and delicate, usually being jostled around in your pocket or bag and are able to be worn down or have buttons broken off.
If this occurs the first thing you need to do is to thoroughly examine all the places it could be, including your bag or jacket and even in places you wouldn't normally store them (like inside a shoeshine box). Contact your dealership and inquire whether they have spare keys available. If not, they'll order one for you and get it fitted to your vehicle. It's not cheap, but it is better than the alternatives.
You can further reduce the likelihood of this happening by not adding any other things to your key ring and regularly lubricating your keys and lock. This will make them both last longer and work properly. 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 you can turn the key but it's not able to fit inside the lock, there could be a problem with the lock. The tumblers in the lock may be blocked by dirt and debris, which could make the mechanism feel stiff. Locksmiths can make use of a special tool to clean out and lubricate the lock, making it feel smooth once more.
A car lock that isn't able to turn could have been jammed by force. A thief may have attempted to the door open using a tool, 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 issue and avoid further issues.
Some locksmiths can offer a service that disables your old key in the vehicle, which makes it much more difficult for someone to steal your vehicle. But, you'll need proof of identity and proof that you are the owner of the vehicle in order to get this done. A V5C form with your name on it is likely to be accepted.
It's recommended to keep a spare key on your person or in the trunk of your vehicle, in case you misplace yours. A spare key can allow you to get back on the road quicker and can save your money by preventing you from calling locksmith.
You might need to contact a professional locksmith to replace the key based on the vehicle. Dealerships will provide you with an alternative key, however it may cost a towing fee and take a few days to make. A professional locksmith will be able to create a key in a shorter time and at a lower cost. They might even be able program it to connect to your vehicle automatically. They also offer a range of services to keep your car secure, including a door resealing kit and alarms against theft. Find out more on PolicyBachat.
3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder
Over time, your key and ignition cylinder will wear out. A worn out cylinder may block or become stuck when inserted, removed, or turned, which could cause problems with powering on and starting your vehicle. It is typical for these problems to take time to develop and then become more noticeable over time as the cylinder continues to wear.
This problem is most often caused by the inability to insert the key into the lock or rotate the ignition cylinder. This indicates that the cylinder must be replaced. You can try to replace the cylinder by yourself, however it is recommended to get it done by an expert.
The ignition cylinder is a tiny metal cylindrical part which is found inside the lock cylinder housing. It has a pair of tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a particular position and only fits the right key bumps. Over time the tumblers will become worn down or clogged with dirt. To fix this issue, you'll need to clean the cylinder port of the ignition. You can do this using the smallest bottle of graphite lubricant. You can purchase it at a local auto parts store and follow the instructions on the label.
First, remove the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will provide you with more clarity of the port on the cylinder. Look for a pin into the back of the cylinder. This is a security measure that prevents your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder isn't able to rotate, you'll have to remove the pin that holds it in place to let it slide out of the housing.
The process is straightforward enough, but it requires a bit of patience. Before drilling the pin, ensure that the pin is in the accessory position. You could also harm your car's electrical and electronic systems by drilling in the wrong place. Before drilling, make sure to mark the portion of the drill bit that is protruding from the keyway using tape. This will act as a warning to stop you from drilling too deeply and causing damage to the housing of the cylinder.
4. Locked out
If you've accidentally locked your keys in your car, the very first thing to do is try not to be in a panic. You might think you're in a mess, but it's crucial to be calm because there are a variety of solutions and methods you can get back in your vehicle without breaking the window or calling the tow truck. It doesn't matter 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 correct tool or trick. lost car keys is important to keep in mind that there are many different methods that be effective, and you may require assistance from a professional in certain instances.
homepage is important to always choose the least destructive 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. Many roadside assistance plans provide members the ability to open their car without a car key.
Another excellent suggestion is to take deep breaths and walk around the entire exterior of your car to see whether your keys are in any other door or in the trunk. It's easy to forget something as simple as the handle on a door or rearview mirror when you're in a rush, so be sure to be sure to check everywhere.
If you are still unable to unlock your car, stay calm and call a neighbor or friend who is nearby to help. A stranger might be able to help you in the event that they don't want to leave you stranded. If they're not able help you, then consider calling roadside assistance or determining if your vehicle insurance will cover it.
Check the app of the manufacturer of your car or use an android phone to convert your phone into a key fob to avoid having your key locked out in the future. You can also purchase a magnetic keysafe to store keys you have left over, which will keep them out of the way and away from thieves.