How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car

It's a nightmare to lose your car keys. However, it's not the end of the world provided you know what to do.

You can bring proof of ownership or a spare key to the dealer in order to get a new one programmed. There are a few different ways to lose keys, which will determine how easy or difficult it is to replace them.

1. Key Worn Out

Over time, car keys are subjected to a lot of wear and wear and tear. They are repeatedly put into locks, jingled around in pockets and rubbed against each other. They may lose their shape and no longer fit into the ignition cylinder. The key could become stuck or not turn when this happens. Either way, it can be extremely annoying.

Luckily, it's easy to avoid this from happening by making additional copies of your car key when it is new. You can then rotate them, reducing the amount of wear and tear each one goes through. You can also utilize the spare key in the event that you have lost your car keys.

Another reason you might need a replacement is that your key fob isn't working properly. As you'i ve lost my car keys guessed they are extremely useful to have and can perform various tasks such as unlocking your doors and starting your engine, to triggering the 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 are prone to break or wear down.

In this situation you should look into every possible place such as your bag, jacket and other places where you would normally keep them (like in a shoe shine box). Next, call your dealership to see if they have a spare key in stock. If they don't have it in the store, they can purchase it and attach it to your vehicle. This process can be costly however it's far better than the other.

You can also reduce the chance of this happening by not 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. You should also keep an extra in a secure location, such as with your family or friends. This ensures that you always have the key in case you need it.

2. Damaged Lock

If you can turn the key, but it doesn't fit in the lock, there may be a problem with the lock. The lock tumblers could be clogged by dirt and debris, which could make the mechanism feel stiff. Locksmiths can make use of an instrument that is specifically designed to clean out and lubricate the lock, helping it to feel more smooth.

A car lock that won't turn might have been jammed by force. A burglar might have tried to open the door using a tool like an axe or a bump key. If you notice any evidence of this on the door handle, take your vehicle to a professional locksmith as soon as possible. The locksmith can fix the issue and prevent future problems.

Certain locksmiths offer services that disable your old key inside your vehicle. This makes it more difficult for thieves to take your vehicle. You'll need proof of your identity as well as proof that you have ownership of the vehicle before the process can begin. A V5C form with your name on it will usually be accepted.

It is recommended to keep an extra car key in your trunk or on your person in the event that you lose it. A spare key will allow you to get back on the road quickly and prevents you from needing to pay for locksmith.

You may need to call a professional locksmith to change keys based on your car. Dealerships are able to provide keys for replacement Lost car Keys, but they will require a towing fee and you may have to order one for you, which could take a few days. A professional locksmith can make a key faster and cheaper. They might even be able to program it to communicate with your vehicle on autopilot. They can also offer a range of additional services to help ensure your vehicle is secure like a door re-sealing kit or alarms that prevent theft. Visit PolicyBachat to learn more.

3. Clogged ignition cylinder

Over time your ignition key and cylinder may wear out. A worn out cylinder may be stuck or jammed when it is inserted, removed, or turned which can interfere in starting and powering up your vehicle. It is typical for replacement Lost car keys these issues to take time to develop and get more severe 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 indication that the cylinder is worn out and requires replacement. It is possible to replace the cylinder on your own however, it's generally better to hire a professional.

The ignition cylinder is a tiny metal cylindrical piece that is located within the lock cylinder housing and includes two tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a particular position that is only compatible with the correct key bumps. As time passes the tumblers may get worn down or clogged with dirt. To get rid of this issue you'll need to clean the ignition port. You can do this using the smallest bottle of graphite lubricant. You can purchase this product at your local auto parts store. Follow the directions on the bottle.

Take off the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will allow you to see the cylinder port more clearly. Find a pin into the back of the cylinder. This is a security measure that protects your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder doesn't turn, you'll have to take off the retention pin to let it slide out of the housing.

The procedure is easy, but it requires patience. Be sure to check that the pin is in the accessory position before drilling. It is also possible to cause damage to your car's electrical or electronic systems when you drill in the wrong place. Mark the part of the drill that extends from the keyway prior to drilling. This acts as a signal to prevent you from drilling too deep and causing damage to the housing of the cylinder.

4. Locked out

The first thing you should do when you lock your keys in your car is not to panic. Be calm. You may 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 into your vehicle. However, it's important to be aware that not every method will work and that you may need to contact a professional for help in certain situations.

It is important to always select the least damaging option first. You might not like the idea of a stranger helping you unlock your car, but in an emergency situation, it could be the best solution. A lot of roadside assistance plans give members the ability to access their vehicle without a car key.

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

If you're not able to unlock your car, remain calm and contact your neighbor or a friend who's nearby for help. Sometimes someone is willing to help you out of a bind because they don't want to be left in a bind. If they're unable to help you, then you should consider calling roadside assistance or checking if your car insurance will cover it.

Make sure you download the app from the car's manufacturer, or use a smart phone to convert your phone into a key fob in order 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 to keep them out of sight and safe from theft.