How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car

It's an absolute nightmare to lose your car keys. It's not the worst thing that could happen if you know how to deal with it.

First, locate a spare key and keep it in your safe place or take proof of ownership to the dealer to have a new one programmed. There are several ways you can lose your keys, and this will determine how simple or difficult it is to replace them.

1. Keys that are worn out

Over time, keys for cars are subjected many wear. They are jingled around in pockets, rubbing against one others, and then put into locks repeatedly again. They can lose their form and no longer fit into the ignition cylinder. The key could be stuck or not turn when this happens. Whatever the case, it could be extremely difficult.

It's easy to avoid this by making multiple copies of your brand new car key. You can then rotate them to reduce the amount of wear each one goes through. You can also make use of the spare key in case you have lost key car your car keys.

Another reason you might need a replacement is that the key fob you have is not working properly. These are extremely useful and do many things, including unlocking doors, locksmith prices for lost car keys starting the engine, and triggering your alarm. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, but most commonly it is because the button has worn out. They are small, delicate and often jostled in your purse or pocket. The buttons could easily be damaged or worn down.

In this case, you should check all possible places such as your jacket, bag, and places you would not normally put them (like in a shoe shine box). The next step is to call your dealer to see if they have an extra key available. If they don't have a spare key in stock, they can order it and pair it with your vehicle. This can be expensive however it's far better than the alternative.

You can further reduce the chance of this happening by avoiding adding any other items to your key ring and regularly lubricating your keys and lock. This will make them both last longer and function properly. It's also a good idea to keep a spare key in a safe place in your home, such as with family or friends, so you'll always have it when you need it.

2. Damaged Lock

If the key fits in the lock but you can't turn it, it might be an issue with the lock itself. The tumblers in the lock may be clogged with dirt and debris, which can make the mechanism feel stiff. Locksmiths can make use of an oil-lubricated tool to clean and lubricate the lock. This will make it feel smoother.

A car lock that isn't able to turn could have been jammed by force. Someone may have attempted to open the door by using a tool, such as an axe or a bump key. If you see any evidence of this on the door handle, take your car to a professional locksmith as soon as possible. The locksmith prices for lost car keys can fix the damage and prevent further problems.

Certain locksmiths may offer a service to disable your old key inside the vehicle, making it harder for thieves to take your car. You'll need to provide proof of your identity and prove 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. A spare key can help you get back on the road quicker and also save your money by preventing you from needing to call a locksmith.

Depending on the type of car and key, you may need to call a locksmith to replace it. Dealerships can supply keys for replacement, but they'll need a towing cost and may need to order one for you, which could take a few days. A professional locksmith prices for lost car keys will be able to produce a key much quicker and cheaper. They might even be able to program it to communicate with your vehicle on autopilot. They can also offer various additional services to help you keep your car secure, such as a door re-sealing kit or alarms that prevent theft. Visit PolicyBachat to find out more about the services they offer.

3. Clogged Ignition cylinder

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

This issue is usually caused by the inability to insert the key into the lock or turn the ignition cylinder. This is a clear indication that the cylinder has damaged and requires replacement. You can try to replace the cylinder by yourself, however it is recommended to have this done by professionals.

The ignition cylinder is a small metal cylindrical part that is situated inside the lock cylinder housing. It has a pair of tumblers. Each tumbler has a distinct position and can only fit the key bumps that are correct. Over time the tumblers will become worn down or clogged with dirt. To get rid of this issue, you'll have to clean the cylinder port of the ignition. This can be done using the use of a small bottle of graphite lubricant. You can purchase it at a local auto parts store and follow the directions on the label.

Remove the dashboard and steering-wheel covers from your car. This will let you observe the cylinder port clearly. Look for a pin that is put into the cylinder's back. This is a security feature that prevents your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder will not turn, you'll have to remove the pin in order to allow it to slip out of the housing.

The procedure is easy enough but requires some patience. Before drilling the pin, ensure that the pin is in the accessory position. It is also important to keep in mind that there is a risk of damaging the car's electronic and electrical systems if you drill in the wrong location. Note the part of the drill that is protruding from the keyway before drilling. This will act as a signal to prevent you from drilling too deep and damaging the cylinder housing.

4. Locked out

The first thing to do when you lock your keys inside your car is to not panic. You may think that you're in a mess, but it's essential to remain calm as there are many solutions and methods you can get back into your vehicle without breaking the window or calling a tow truck. You can use shoelaces packaging tape, bobbypins, or Slim Jims to get back into your vehicle. It is important to keep in mind that not all methods will work, and you might require assistance from a professional in certain situations.

The most important thing is to take the most non-destructive approach first. If you're in an emergency you might not like the idea of having someone else will let you into their vehicle for you, but it is the best choice. A lot of roadside assistance plans give members the ability to enter their vehicle without having a car key.

Another great suggestion is to take a deep breath and walk around the entire exterior of your vehicle to determine whether your keys are located in any other door or in the trunk. It's easy for you to forget something as simple as a door handle or a rearview mirror when you're in a rush So, make sure you be sure to check everywhere.

If you're unable to get your car open keep your cool and seek assistance from a neighbor or friend that is nearby. A stranger may be willing to help you in the event that they don't want to leave you in a bind. If they're unable to help and you are stuck, it is best to contact roadside assistance. You can also determine 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 in order to keep your keys from being locked out in the future. You can also buy a magnetic keysafe to store your spares keys and keep them out of the way and safe from theft.