How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
Losing your car keys can be an unimaginable scenario. But it's not the end of the world provided you know what to do.
You can bring proof of ownership or a spare key to the dealer in order to get a new one programmed. There are several ways you can lose keys, which will determine how simple or difficult it is to replace them.
1. Worn Out Key
Over time, keys for cars get a lot of wear. They are repeatedly inserted into locks and pockets, then jiggled around and rubbed against each other. This causes them to lose their shape, which may cause them to stop fitting into the ignition cylinder in a proper way. If this happens, the key could either get stuck or it won't turn. Either way, it can be extremely frustrating.
Fortunately, it's simple to prevent this from happening by making extra copies of your car key when it's new. Then you can rotate them and reduce the amount of wear each one experiences. You can also make use of the spare key in case you lose your car keys.
You might also have to replace your key fob if it's been unable to function properly. As you've probably guessed they are extremely useful to have, and they can do various tasks including unlocking your doors, and even starting your engine to activating the alarm. It can happen for a variety of reasons, but the most common reason is it's because the button has worn out. They are small and delicate, usually being jostled around in your pocket or bag and are able to be worn down or have buttons that break off.
In this situation you should look into all possible places, including your jacket, bag, and places you would not normally keep them (like in a shoe shine box). The next step is to call your dealer to find out if they have a spare key in stock. If not, they'll purchase one for you and then have it installed in your vehicle. This process can be costly, but it's much superior to the alternatives.
You can also lower the risk of this happening by not adding anything else to your key ring, and regularly lubricating your keys and lock. This will ensure that they both last longer and perform as they should. It's also a good idea to keep the spare key in a safe location such as with your family or with your friends, so you can always have it when you need it.
2. Damaged Lock
If the key fits into the lock but you can't turn it, it might be a problem with the lock itself. The lock tumblers may be clogged up with dirt and debris. i loved this could cause the mechanism to feel stiff. Locksmiths can make use of an instrument that is specifically designed to clean and lubricate the lock, helping it feel smooth again.
A car lock that doesn't turn may have been blocked by force. A thief might have used a tool such as bump keys or a pick to open the door open. If you find evidence of this on the door handle, you should take your vehicle to a professional locksmith as soon as you can. The locksmith can fix the damage and prevent further problems.
Certain locksmiths offer services that disable your old keys inside your vehicle. This makes it much more difficult for thieves to take your vehicle. You will need to provide proof of your identity and that you own the vehicle before this can be done. A V5C form with your name on it is likely to be 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 will allow you to get back on the road quickly and prevents you from having to pay for locksmith services.
You may have to call a professional locksmith to replace the key based on the vehicle. Dealerships can provide keys for replacement, but they'll need a towing cost and will likely need to get one from you, which can take days. A professional locksmith will typically create a new key faster and cheaper and could be able to program it to your vehicle on autopilot. They also offer various services to ensure your vehicle is secure, including a door resealing kit and alarms against theft. 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. It is normal for these issues to progress slowly and then become more noticeable over time as the cylinder continues to wear.
One of the most typical symptoms of this problem is when the lock key cannot be inserted into the lock or unable to be rotated in the cylinder for ignition. This indicates that the cylinder needs to be replaced. You can try to replace the cylinder by yourself, however it is recommended to have it done by professionals.
The ignition cylinder consists of a small, cylindrical piece of metal that is located inside the lock housing of the cylinder. It has two tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a particular position that only fits the correct key bumps. Over time the tumblers will be worn out or blocked with dirt. In order to fix this, you will have to clean the ignition cylinder port. You can do this using tiny bottles of graphite lubricant. You can buy this product from your local auto parts store. Follow the directions on the bottle.
Take off the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will allow you to have more clarity of the port on the cylinder. Look for a pin that is inserted into the cylinder's back. This is a security measure that prevents your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder does not turn, you'll need to remove the retention pin to allow it to slip out of the housing.
The process is easy but it requires patience. Make sure that the pin is in accessory position before drilling. You can also damage your car's electrical and electronic systems by drilling in the wrong location. Make sure you mark the portion of the drill that is protruding from the keyway before drilling. This acts as a signal to prevent you from drilling too far and causing damage to the housing of the cylinder.
4. Locked Out
When you accidentally lock the keys to your vehicle, the first step is to try not to get scared. You might think you're in a huge mess, but it's crucial to remain calm as there are plenty of solutions and ways that you can get back into 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 of wire Most of these strategies will work if you have the right tool or trick. It is important to keep in mind that not all methods will work, and you might require assistance from a professional in certain instances.
It 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 in an emergency situation, it could be the best option. It's important to note that a number of roadside assistance plans, like the NRMA provide members with the option of getting into their vehicle without keys.
Relax, and then take a walk around the exterior of your car to see if you have your keys in any of the doors or the trunk. Suggested Web site to lose something as simple as the door handle or rearview mirror when you're in a hurry, so be sure to look everywhere.
If you're unable to get your car open, try to remain calm and seek help from a friend or neighbor who's nearby. Oftentimes, a stranger will be willing to help you out of a jam because they don't want you to be without a home. If they're not able to assist you, then consider calling roadside assistance or checking if your car insurance covers it.
To avoid a locked out key in the future, make sure you check your car manufacturer's app or utilize a smart device to turn your phone into a car key fob. You can also buy a magnetic key safe to keep your keys in, which will keep keys safe from thieves and hidden from.