How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car

Losing your car keys can be a nightmare scenario. But it's not the end of the world, provided you know what to do.

First, locate a spare key and keep it in a safe location, or bring evidence of ownership to the dealer to have a replacement programmed. Keys can be lost in different ways, which can affect the ease or difficulty it is to replace a lost car key them.

1. Worn Out Key

Over time, keys for cars are exposed to a lot wear and tear. They are often placed in locks and pockets, broken jiggling around and smacked against one another. This can cause them to lose their shape, which may lead to them no longer fitting into the ignition cylinder properly. If this occurs, the key will either become stuck or won't turn. It can be frustrating in either case.

It's a good thing that you can stop 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 do lose your car keys, you'll have a spare to use.

You might also have to replace your key fob if it has stopped working properly. These are extremely useful and perform a variety of functions, such as unlocking doors, launching the engine, or even activating your alarm. It can happen due to various reasons but the most frequent is that it's worn out from regular use. They are small delicate and are often tossed around in your purse or pocket. The buttons can easily be broken or worn down.

In this instance you must check all possible locations, including your bag, jacket, and places you would not normally keep them (like in the shoe shine box). Contact your dealer and ask if they have spare keys on hand. If not, they'll order one for you and get it fitted to your vehicle. This can be expensive however it's far better than the other.

You can minimize the risk by not adding any other items to your key ring, and by regularly lubricating your lock and key. This will ensure that both last longer and work properly. Also, keep an extra in a secure location, such as with your family or friends. This way, you will always have the key at hand when you need it.

2. Damaged Lock

If the key fits into the lock but you can't turn it, it could be an issue with the lock itself. The lock tumblers may be blocked by dirt and other debris. This could cause the mechanism to feel stiff. Locksmiths can employ an oil-based tool to clean and lubricate the lock. This will make it feel smoother.

A car lock that won't turn might have been jammed by force. A burglar might have tried to pry the door open using a tool like a pick or a bump key. If you find evidence of this on the door handle, take your vehicle to a professional locksmith as soon as you can. The locksmith can fix the damage and prevent further issues.

Some locksmiths provide a service to disable your old keys in the vehicle, making it much more difficult for someone to take your vehicle. You will need to provide proof of your identity as well as proof that you own the vehicle before the process can begin. Usually, a V5C bearing your name will 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 can help you get back on the road swiftly and avoid having to pay for a locksmith.

You may need to call an expert locksmith to replace the key depending on the car. Dealerships will give you keys to replace, however it could cost you an additional towing fee and can take several days to order. A professional locksmith will be able to make a key faster and cheaper. They might even be able to program it to work with your vehicle automatically. They also provide a range of additional services that can help you ensure your vehicle is secure like the door seal kit or alarms to prevent theft. Visit PolicyBachat to learn more about the services they offer.

3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder

Over time your ignition key and cylinder can wear out. A worn-out cylinder could jam or bind as it is removed, inserted or turned, which may cause problems starting and recharging your vehicle. It is normal for these problems to take time to develop and become more pronounced over time as the cylinder wears out.

This problem is typically manifested by the inability of insert the key into the lock, or turn the ignition cylinder. This indicates that the cylinder is in need of being replaced. It is possible to replace the cylinder yourself however, it's generally better to hire a professional.

The ignition cylinder is a small cylindrical piece of metal that is located within the lock cylinder housing and has a pair of tumblers. Each tumbler has a specific location and is only suited to the right key bumps. Over time the tumblers may be worn out or blocked with dirt. To get rid of this issue it is necessary to clean the ignition port. This can be accomplished with a small bottle of graphite lubricant. You can purchase this at your local auto parts store and follow the instructions on the label.

Remove the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your car. This will allow you to view the cylinder port more clearly. Look for a pin that is put into the back of the cylinder. This is a security measure that stops your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder doesn't turn, you'll have to take off the retention pin to allow it to slide out of the housing.

The process is simple enough, but it requires a bit of 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 damaging your vehicle's electronics and electrical systems by drilling in the wrong location. Make sure you mark the portion of the drill that extends from the keyway before drilling. This will act as a warning sign to keep you from damaging the cylinder by drilling too deeply.

4. Locked Out

If you've locked your keys in your vehicle, the first thing to do is not to panic. Be calm. You might think you are in a mess but there are a variety of options to get back into your car without damaging the windows or calling a tow truck. You can use shoelaces packaging tape, bobbypins, or Slim Jims to get back into your vehicle. It's important to remember that there are many different methods that work, and you may require assistance from a professional in certain situations.

It is important to always select the least damaging option first. If you're in an emergency you might not be a fan of the idea that someone else will be able to open your car for you, but it's the best option. It's worth noting that a lot of roadside assistance plans, like the NRMA offers members the option of accessing their vehicle without a key.

Take a deep breath and then take a walk around the exterior of your car to check if you have your keys in any other doors or in the trunk. If you're in a rush it's easy to miss something that is as simple as the door handle or the rearview mirror. Be sure to check everywhere.

If you're still struggling to open your car Try to remain calm and ask for help from a neighbor or friend who's nearby. Oftentimes strangers is willing to help you out of a bind because they don't want to be without a home. If they're not able help you, you must take a look at calling roadside assistance, or determining if your vehicle insurance covers it.

Check the app of the manufacturer of your car or use your smart phone to turn your phone into a key fob so you can ensure that your key is not locked out in the future. You can also purchase a magnetic keysafe to store keys you have left over and keep them out of sight and away from thieves.