How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
It's an absolute nightmare to lose your car keys. It's not the most stressful scenario If you know how to deal with it.
You can bring proof of ownership or bring in a spare key to the dealer in order to get 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. Key Worn Out
Over time, keys to automobiles are subjected to a lot of wear. They are jingled around in pockets, rubbing against each with each other, and then inserted into locks repeatedly again. This causes them to lose their shape, which can lead to them no longer fitting into the ignition cylinder in a proper way. The key will either get stuck or stop turning when this happens. Whatever the case, it could be extremely annoying.
It's easy to avoid this by making multiple copies of your brand new car key. You can then rotate them to lessen the wear on each. Plus, if you ever do lose your car keys, there's another spare.
You might also have to replace your key fob in case it has been unable to function properly. As you know, these are very handy to have, and they can do various tasks such as unlocking your doors and starting your engine to activating the alarm. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, but most commonly it is due to the button has worn out. They are small and delicate, frequently being jostled around in your bag or pocket and are able to be worn down or have buttons that break off.
In this instance you must check all possible locations, including your bag, jacket and other places where you would normally keep them (like in the shoe shine box). Next, contact your dealer to see if they have an extra key available. If not, they'll purchase one for you and then have it fitted to your vehicle. This can be expensive but it's a lot superior to the alternatives.
You can further reduce the chance of this happening by avoiding adding anything else to your key ring, and regularly lubricating your keys and lock. This will ensure that they last longer and perform as they should. It's also a good idea to keep the spare key in a safe place such as with your family or friends, so that you can always be prepared for the time you require it.
2. Damaged Lock
If the key fits into the lock but you can't turn it, it might be an issue with the lock itself. The lock tumblers may be clogged with dirt and other debris. This could cause the mechanism to feel stiff. A locksmith can use an oiled tool to clean and lubricate a lock. lost keys to car no spare will make it feel smoother.
Another reason why that a car lock won't turn is that it was jammed by force. A thief might have employed a tool like bump keys or a hammer to force the door open. If you can see evidence of this on the door handle, bring your vehicle to a locksmith immediately. The locksmith will be able to repair the issue and avoid further issues.
Certain locksmiths offer the option of disabling your old keys inside the vehicle. This makes it much more difficult for someone to steal your vehicle. You'll need to provide proof of your identity as well as proof that you own the vehicle before this can be done. Usually, a V5C with your name will be accepted.
It's recommended to carry a spare key on your person or in the trunk of your car, just in case you lose your key. A spare key will help you get on the road faster and also save your money by preventing you from having to call locksmith.
You may need to call a professional locksmith to replace the key depending on the car. Dealerships are able to provide replacement keys, but they require a towing charge and you may have to get one from you, which could take a few days. A professional locksmith will typically make a new key quicker and less expensive, and may even be in a position to program it to your vehicle on autopilot. They also offer a range of services to keep your car secure, including an resealing kit for doors and anti-theft alarms. Visit PolicyBachat to learn more.
3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder
Over time the ignition cylinder as well as key will wear out. A worn-out cylinder may be stuck or jam when it is removed, inserted or turned, which can cause problems starting and powering up your vehicle. These problems can develop slowly but they will become more apparent as time passes.
One of the most typical symptoms of this problem is when the key cannot be inserted into the lock, or is incapable of rotating in the ignition cylinder. This is a sign that the cylinder is in need of being replaced. You can try to replace the cylinder by yourself, however it is generally better to have it done by a professional.
The ignition cylinder is a tiny metal cylindrical part that is situated inside the lock cylinder housing and contains a pair of tumblers. Each tumbler has a specific location and is only suited to the right key bumps. Over time, the tumblers can become worn down or clogged with dirt. To fix this problem it is necessary to clean the ignition port. You can do this with the smallest bottle of graphite lubricant. You can purchase this product from your local auto parts store. Follow the instructions on the bottle.
Remove the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will give you an easier view of the cylinder port. Find a pin that is put into the cylinder's back. This is a security feature that stops your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder doesn't rotate, you'll have to remove the pin that holds it to let it slide out of the housing.
The process is easy, but it requires patience. Before drilling the pin, make sure that the pin is in the accessory position. It is also important to note that there is a possibility of causing damage to your vehicle's electronics and electrical systems if you drill in the wrong location. Before drilling, be sure to mark the area of the drill bit protruding from the keyway using tape. This will act as a flag to prevent you from drilling too deep and causing damage to the housing of the cylinder.
4. Locked out
The first thing you need to do when you lock your keys inside your car is not to panic. Stay calm. You may think you're in a bind however, there are plenty of ways to get back in your car without damaging windows or calling a tow truck. You can use shoelaces, bobbypins, packaging tape or Slim Jims to get back into your vehicle. However, it's important keep in mind that not all methods will work and that you may need to call a professional for help in some cases.
It is essential to choose the least destructive option first. If you're in an emergency, you may not like the idea that someone else will let you into their car for you, but it's the best choice. A lot of roadside assistance plans give members the ability to access their vehicle without having a car key.
Another great tip is to take deep breaths and walk around the exterior of your car to see if your keys are inside any other door or in the trunk. It's easy to lose even the simplest things like a door handle or a rearview mirror when you're in a rush Be sure to be sure to check everywhere.
If you're unable to get your car open keep your cool and seek help from a family member or friend who's nearby. A stranger might be able to help you should they not want to leave you in a bind. If they are unable to help then you should call roadside assistance. You can also check if your insurance covers this.
Check the app of the manufacturer of your car or use an android phone to convert your phone into a key fob so you can keep your keys from being locked out in the future. You can also buy a magnetic keysafe to store keys that you don't use and keep them out of the way and away from thieves.