How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car

Losing car keys is an unimaginable scenario. It's not the most stressful thing in the world If you know how to deal with it.

First, find a spare key and keep it in a safe place, or bring proof of ownership to the dealership to have a replacement programmed. There are many ways you can lose your keys, which will determine how easy or difficult it is to replace them.

1. Keys That Are Worn Out

Over time, keys for cars are subjected to a lot of wear and keys wear and tear. They are often inserted into locks, jingled around in pockets and smacked against one another. They may lose their shape and not fit in the cylinder of ignition. The key could get stuck or stop turning if this happens. Either way, it can be extremely difficult.

It's a good thing that you can stop this from happening by creating additional copies of your car key when it's new. You can then rotate them to lessen the wear on each one. You can also utilize the spare key in the event that you have lost your car keys.

It is also possible to replace your key fob if it has stopped working properly. As you know, these are very handy to have, and they can do a variety of jobs including unlocking your doors, and even starting your engine, to triggering the alarm. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, but the most common reason is it is because the button has been worn out. They are small delicate and are often tossed around in your pocket or bag. The buttons can easily break or wear down.

In this case you should look into every possible place such as your jacket, bag, and even places you wouldn't normally put them (like in a shoe shine box). Next, call your dealership to see if they have an extra key available. If not, they can make one for you and get it installed in your vehicle. This can be expensive however it's far better than the other.

You can lower the risk by not adding any other items to your key ring and by regularly lubricating both your lock and the key. This will ensure that they last longer and work properly. It's also an excellent idea to keep a spare key in a safe place, like with your family or friends, so you'll always be prepared for the time you require it.

2. Damaged Lock

If you can turn the key, but it's not able to fit inside the lock, it could be a problem with the lock. The tumblers in the lock may be blocked by dirt and debris, which can make the mechanism feel stiff. Locksmiths can make use of an oiled tool to clean and lubricate the lock. This will make it feel more comfortable.

A car lock that isn't able to turn could have been jammed by force. A burglar might have used a tool, such as a bump key or a hammer to force the door open. If you can see evidence of this on the door handle, you should take the car to a locksmith as soon as possible. The locksmith will be able to repair the damage and prevent further issues.

Certain locksmiths may provide a service to disable your old keys in the vehicle, making it much more difficult for someone to steal your car. You'll need proof of your identity and prove that you own the vehicle before this can be done. A V5C form that has your name on it will typically be accepted.

It's also a good idea to carry an extra key on your person or in the trunk of your car just in case you lose your key. A spare key can help you get back on the road swiftly and also prevents you from having to spend money on locksmith services.

Depending on the type of vehicle and the key, you may have to contact a locksmith in order to repair it. Dealerships will give you an alternative key, however it may cost a towing fee and take several days to order. A professional locksmith will typically produce a new key much quicker and less expensive and might even be capable of programming it to your vehicle on autopilot. They also offer various services to keep your vehicle safe, including an resealing kit for doors and alarms against theft. Visit PolicyBachat to find out more.

3. Clogged ignition Cylinder

Over time, your key and ignition cylinder may wear out. A worn-out cylinder can block or become stuck when it is inserted, removed or turned, which can cause problems starting and recharging your vehicle. It is normal for these issues to progress slowly and become more pronounced over time as the cylinder continues to wear.

This problem is most often manifested by the inability of insert the key into the lock or turn the ignition cylinder. This is a clear sign that the cylinder has damaged and requires replacement. It is possible to replace the cylinder on your own however it is generally recommended to seek out a professional.

The ignition cylinder is a tiny cylindrical piece of metal which is found within the lock cylinder housing and contains two tumblers. Each tumbler has a distinct position and only fits the key bumps that are correct. As time passes, tumblers can get worn out or clogged with dirt. In order to fix this issue, you'll need to clean the cylinder port of the ignition. This can be done with the use of a small bottle of graphite oil. You can purchase this at a local auto parts store and follow the instructions on the label.

First, take off the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will allow you to see the cylinder port more clearly. Look for a pin in the back of the cylinder. This is a security feature that protects your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder isn't able to turn, then you will have to take off the pin that holds it to allow it to slide out of the housing.

The procedure is simple, 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 risk of causing damage to your car's electronics and electrical systems by drilling into the wrong spot. Mark the part of the drill that extends from the keyway prior to drilling. This acts as a warning to stop you from causing damage to the cylinder by drilling too deeply.

4. Locked out

When you accidentally lock the keys to your car, the first step is to try not to be in a panic. Stay calm. You may think that you are in a mess, but there are many 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. However, it's important to keep in mind that not every method will work and that you may need to call a professional for assistance in some cases.

The key is to look for the least destructive solution first. You may not like the idea of someone else helping you unlock your car, but if you're in an emergency situation, it may be the best solution. It's important to note that a number of roadside assistance plans, such as the NRMA, offer members the option of entering their vehicle without keys.

Another excellent idea is to take an inhale and walk around the exterior of your vehicle to determine whether your keys are located in any other door or in the trunk. When you're in a hurry it's easy to forget something that is as simple as the door handle or the rearview mirror. Make sure you check everywhere.

If you're unable to open your car, try to remain calm and seek assistance from a friend or neighbor who is near. Sometimes, a stranger will be willing to assist you out of a jam since they don't want you to be in a bind. If they're not able help you, then take a look at calling roadside assistance, or seeing if your car insurance will cover it.

To avoid having a locked out key in the future, make sure you check the app of your car's manufacturer or utilize a smart device to turn your phone into a key fob. You can also purchase a magnetic key safe to keep your keys in, which will keep keys safe from thieves and out of sight.