How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car

The loss of car keys is a nightmare scenario. It's not the worst thing that could happen If you know how to deal with it.

You can either bring in proof of ownership or a spare key to the dealer to have a new one programmed. Keys can get lost key fob in various ways, which will impact the ease or difficulty it is to replace them.

1. Worn Out Key

Over time, car keys are subjected to a lot of wear and wear and tear. They are repeatedly put into locks and pockets, jiggling around and smacked against one another. This causes them to lose their shape, which can lead to them no longer fitting into the ignition cylinder correctly. The key could get stuck or stop turning when this happens. It can be frustrating in either case.

It's simple to avoid this by making multiple copies of your new car key. You can then rotate them to reduce the wear on each. Additionally, if you lose your car keys, you'll have an extra.

Another reason to consider a replacement is that the key fob you have is not working properly. As you know that they are extremely handy to have and they do various tasks, from unlocking your doors, and even starting your engine to activating the alarm. This could be due to various reasons, but the most common is that it's damaged from use. They are small fragile and can be easily smashed in your purse or pocket. The buttons could easily be damaged or worn down.

If this occurs the first thing you need to do is check thoroughly in every place it could be, including your jacket or bag and even the places you wouldn't normally put them (like inside a shoeshine box). Contact your dealer and ask if they have spare keys available. If they don't have one in inventory, they can request it and attach it to your vehicle. It can be expensive however it's better than the alternative.

You can also lower the likelihood of this happening by not adding any other things to your key ring and regularly lubricating your keys and lock. This will ensure that they last longer and function properly. It is also recommended to keep the spare in a secure area, like with family or friends. This means that you will always have the key in case you require it.

2. Damaged Lock

If you can turn the key but it isn't able to fit into the lock, there may be an issue with the lock. The tumblers of the lock could be clogged with 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 smoother.

Another reason why the lock on your car doesn't turn is that it was forced to close. A burglar might have tried to open the door using a tool, such as a pick or a bump key. If you see evidence of this on your door handle, you should take the car to a locksmith immediately. The locksmith will be able to repair the damage and prevent future problems.

Some locksmiths can provide a service to disable your old keys in the vehicle, which makes it more difficult for anyone to take your car. You'll need proof of your identity and that you have ownership of the vehicle before the process can begin. Usually, a V5C bearing your name will be accepted.

It's recommended to keep a spare key on your person or damaged in the trunk of your vehicle, in case you lose yours. Having a spare can help you get back on the road quickly and prevents you from having to spend money on locksmith.

Based on the type of car and key, you might need to call a locksmith to repair it. Dealerships are able to provide replacement keys, but they'll need a towing cost and you may have to get one from you, which could take days. A professional locksmith can typically make a new key faster and cheaper and might even be in a position to program it to your vehicle on autopilot. They can also offer various additional services to help you keep your car secure including the door seal kit or alarms that prevent theft. Learn more about them by visiting PolicyBachat.

3. Clogged Ignition cylinder

Over time the ignition cylinder and key may wear out. A worn-out cylinder can block or become stuck when it is removed, inserted or turned, which can cause problems with starting and powering up your vehicle. These issues may develop slowly, but become more noticeable over time.

One of the most frequent signs of this problem is when the lock key cannot be inserted into the lock or is unable to be rotated within the ignition cylinder. This is a clear sign that your cylinder has gotten damaged and requires replacement. You could try replacing the cylinder by yourself, however it is generally better to have this done by a professional.

The ignition cylinder is 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 become worn down or clogged with dirt. To fix this problem, you'll need to clean the ignition port. This can be done using a small bottle of graphite oil. You can purchase it at a local auto parts store and follow the directions on the label.

First, take off the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will let you view the cylinder port more clear. Look for a pin inserted into the back of the cylinder. This is a safety feature that protects 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 straightforward enough but requires some patience. Make sure that the pin is in accessory position prior to drilling. It is also important to note that there is a risk of damaging the car's electronic and electrical systems if you drill in the wrong location. Make sure you mark the portion of the drill that is protruding from the keyway before drilling. This will serve as a warning to stop you from causing damage to the cylinder by drilling too deeply.

4. Locked Out

The first thing to do when you lock your keys in your vehicle is to not get scared. You might think you're in a mess, but it's crucial to stay calm because there are plenty of solutions and ways that you can get back in your vehicle without damaging the window or calling the tow truck. You can make use of shoelaces, bobbypins, packaging tape or Slim Jims to get back into your vehicle. However, it's important to be aware that not every method will work, and you might need to contact a professional for assistance 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 a stranger will be able to open your car for you, but it's the best choice. It's also worth noting that many roadside assistance plans, including the NRMA provide members with the option of entering their vehicle without keys.

Relax, and then go around the outside of your car to check if you have your keys in any of the doors or 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 Be sure to check everywhere.

If you're still unable to unlock your car, be calm and ask an acquaintance or a neighbor who's nearby for help. A stranger may be willing to assist you if they don't wish to leave you in a bind. If they are unable to help you then you should call roadside assistance. You can also check whether your insurance will cover this.

Make sure you download the app from the 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 buy a magnetic keysafe to store keys you have left over and keep them out of the way and away from thieves.