How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car

Losing your car keys can be a nightmare scenario. It's not the worst thing in the world if you know how to handle it.

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

1. Keys That Are Worn Out

Over time, keys for cars get a lot of wear. They are jingled in pockets, rubbing against one with each other, and then inserted into locks over and over again. They may lose their shape and no longer fit into the ignition cylinder. If this happens, the key will either become stuck or will not turn. It can be frustrating in both cases.

It's a good thing that you can stop this from happening by making additional copies of your car key when it's new. Then, you can rotate them and reduce the amount of wear and tear each one experiences. You can also make use of the spare key in case you have lost keys for car your car keys.

It is also possible to replace your key fob in case it has been unable to function properly. As you've probably guessed, these are very handy to have and they do many things such as unlocking your doors and launching your engine, to triggering the alarm. This can happen for a few reasons but the most frequent is that they've damaged from use. They are tiny fragile and can be easily smashed in your pocket or bag. The buttons could easily be broken or worn down.

In this instance, you should check every possible place such as your bag, jacket and even places you wouldn't normally put them (like in a shoe shine box). Contact your dealer and ask if they have spare keys in stock. If they don't have one in stock, they can order it and pair it with your vehicle. It's not cheap, but it is better than the alternatives.

You can lower the risk by not adding any other items to your key ring, and by regularly lubricating both your lock and key. This will help them last longer and perform as they should. Also, keep the spare in a secure place, such as with your family or close friends. This way, you will always have the key at hand when you require it.

2. Damaged Lock

If you can turn the key but it's not able to fit inside the lock, there could be a problem with the lock. The lock tumblers could be clogged by dirt and debris, which could make the mechanism feel stiff. A locksmith can use an oil-based tool to clean and lubricate the lock. This will make it feel more comfortable.

A car lock that won't turn may have been blocked by force. A thief may have tried to open the door by using a tool like an axe or a bump key. If you find evidence of this on the door handle, take your vehicle to an experienced locksmith as quickly as possible. The locksmith will be able to repair the issue and avoid further problems.

Some locksmiths can provide a service to disable your old key in the vehicle, making it much more difficult for someone to take your car lost Key. However, you'll require proof of identity and proof that you are the owner of the vehicle in order to have this done. A V5C form that has 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 the event that you lose it. A spare key will help you get on the road faster and save your money by preventing you from needing to call locksmith.

You might need to contact a professional locksmith to replace keys based on your car. Dealerships will give you a replacement key, but it may cost 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 may even be able to program it to connect to your vehicle automatically. They can also offer various additional services to help you ensure your vehicle is secure like the door seal kit or alarms that prevent theft. Visit PolicyBachat to find out more.

3. Clogged ignition cylinder

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

This issue is usually 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 can try to replace the cylinder on your own, but it is generally better to have this done by professionals.

The ignition cylinder is a small metal cylindrical part that is situated inside the lock cylinder housing. It contains a pair of tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a certain position that only fits the correct key bumps. In time, tumblers could get worn out or clogged with dirt. To fix this, you will have to clean the ignition cylinder port. This can be done using tiny bottles of graphite lubricant. You can purchase this product from your local auto parts store. Follow the instructions on the bottle.

Remove the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will provide you with more clarity of the port for the cylinder. Look for a pin which is put into the cylinder's back. This is a security feature that protects your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder will not turn, you'll have to remove the pin to allow it to slip out of the housing.

The process is simple enough but requires some patience. Make sure that the pin is in the accessory position prior to drilling. You can also cause damage to your car's electrical or electronic systems if you drill in the wrong spot. Before drilling, be certain to mark the part of the drill bit protruding from the keyway using tape. This will act as a warning to stop you from drilling too far and car lost key causing damage to the housing of the cylinder.

4. Locked Out

When you accidentally lock your keys inside your vehicle, the first thing to do is try not to get scared. Keep calm. You might think you are in a mess, but there are many solutions to get back into your car without damaging windows or calling a tow-truck. It doesn't matter if you're using shoelaces bobby pins, packaging tape Slim Jims, or modified wire coat hangers The majority of these options will work with the right tools or car lost key tricks. It's important to note that not all methods work, and you may require assistance from a professional in certain situations.

It is crucial to pick the safest option first. If you are in an emergency you might not be a fan of the idea that someone else will open your car for you, but it's the best option. Many roadside assistance plans offer their members the option to access their vehicle without the need for a car key.

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

If you're stuck in the process of unlocking your car, remain calm and ask a neighbor or friend who is nearby to help. Sometimes strangers will be willing to help you to get out of the jam because they don't want to be stranded. If they're not able to assist you, you must think about calling roadside assistance or determining if your vehicle 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 to keep your keys from being locked out in the future. You can also purchase keys with magnetic locks to store your spares keys, which will keep them out of the way and safe from theft.