How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car

Losing car keys is an incredibly stressful situation. But it's not the end of the world, provided you know what to do.

You can either bring in evidence of ownership or a spare key to the dealer in order to get a new one programmed. Keys can get lost in different ways, which will affect the ease or difficulty it is to replace them.

1. Keys That Are Worn Out

Over time, car keys are subject to a lot of wear and wear and tear. They are often placed in locks, jingled around in pockets and rubbed against each other. They can lose their form and no longer fit in the cylinder of ignition. If this happens, the key will be stuck or will not turn. It can be frustrating in both cases.

It's a good thing that you can prevent this from happening by creating duplicate copies of your vehicle key once it's brand new. Then you can rotate them to reduce the amount of wear and tear each one experiences. You can also use the spare key if you lose your car keys.

Another reason you might need a replacement is that your key fob has stopped working properly. These are extremely useful and can do many things, including opening doors, starting the engine, and activating your alarm. This could be due to several reasons, but the most common is that it's damaged from use. They are small and delicate, frequently being jostled around in your bag or pocket and can be easily worn down or have buttons broken off.

If this occurs the first thing you should do is to thoroughly examine all the places it could be, such as your bag or jacket and even the places you wouldn't normally store them (like inside a shoeshine box). Call your dealership and ask whether they have spare keys on hand. If not, they can order one for you and get it installed in your vehicle. It's expensive, but it is better than the alternative.

You can reduce the risk by not adding any other items to your key ring, and also by regularly lubricating your lock and the key. This will ensure that they last longer and function properly. It is also recommended to keep an extra in a secure location, such as with family or friends. This way, you will always have the key when you require it.

2. Damaged Lock

If you are able to turn the key but it isn't able to fit into the lock, there may be an issue with the lock. The lock tumblers may be blocked by dirt and debris. This could cause the mechanism to feel stiff. A locksmith can use an oil-lubricated tool to clean and lubricate a lock. This will allow it to feel more smooth.

Another possible reason that a car lock won't turn is because it was forced to close. A thief might have used a tool, such as bump keys or a pick to pry the door open. If you see evidence of this on your door handle, take the car to a locksmith right away. The locksmith will be able to repair the issue and avoid further problems.

Certain locksmiths offer services that disable your old keys inside the vehicle. This makes it more difficult for someone to steal your vehicle. However, you'll need proof of identity and evidence that you are the owner of the vehicle to be able to avail this service. Usually, a V5C that bears your name is accepted.

It's recommended to carry a spare key on your person or in the trunk of your car in case you misplace yours. A spare key will allow you to get back on the road quickly and prevents you from having to spend money on locksmith services.

You may have to call a professional locksmith to change keys based on your car. Dealerships will provide you with keys to replace, however it could cost towing fees and require several days to get. A professional locksmith can make a key faster and at a lower cost. They might even be able to program it to connect to your vehicle automatically. They also provide a range of additional services to help you keep your car safe, such as the door seal kit or alarms to prevent theft. Visit PolicyBachat to find out more about the services they offer.

3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder

Over time the ignition cylinder as well as key will wear out. A worn out cylinder may block or become stuck when it is removed, inserted or turned. This can cause issues with powering on and starting your vehicle. It is normal for these issues to develop slowly and become more pronounced over time as the cylinder wears.

This problem is most often indicated by the inability to insert the key into the lock, or rotate the ignition cylinder. This is a clear indication that the cylinder has worn out and needs to be replaced. You could try replacing the cylinder by yourself, however it is generally better to get it done by a professional.

The ignition cylinder is a small metal cylindrical part that is located inside the lock cylinder housing. It contains a pair of tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a certain position that only fits the appropriate key bumps. Over time, the tumblers can become worn down or clogged with dirt. To get rid of this issue you'll need to clean the ignition port. You can do this with a small bottle graphite oil. You can buy this at your local auto parts store and follow the instructions on the label.

Take off the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will provide you with an easier view of the port on the cylinder. Look for a pin into the back of the cylinder. This is a security feature that prevents your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder does not turn, you'll have to remove the pin to allow it to slip out of the housing.

The procedure is easy enough, but requires some time. Before drilling the pin, ensure that the pin is in the accessory position. You could also harm your car's electrical and electronic systems when you drill in the wrong spot. Before drilling, be sure to mark the area of the drill bit that is protruding from the keyway with tape. This will act as a warning to stop you from damaging the cylinder by drilling too deeply.

4. Locked out

The first thing you should do when you lock your keys inside your car is to not panic. You might think that you're in a big mess, but it's essential to remain calm as there are many options and methods that you can get back into your vehicle without damaging the window or calling an emergency tow truck. You can make use of shoelaces, packaging tape, bobbypins, or Slim Jims to get into your vehicle. It's important to note that not all methods work, and you may need professional help in certain 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 when you're in a crisis situation, it may be the best solution. Many roadside assistance plans offer members the ability to access their vehicle without the need for a car key.

Take a deep breath, and then take a walk around the exterior of your car to determine if you've got your keys in any other doors 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 be sure to look everywhere.

If you're still unable to open your car, try to remain calm and ask for help from a friend or neighbor who is near. A stranger may be willing to help in the event that they don't want to leave you in a bind. If they're not able to help, cost you may want to contact roadside assistance. You can also determine whether your insurance covers this.

To avoid a locked out key in the future, make sure to check the app provided by your car manufacturer or use a smart device convert your phone into a car key fob. You can also purchase an electronic key safe to store your spare keys in, which will keep them safe from thieves and hidden from.