How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
It's an absolute nightmare to lose your car keys. But it's not the end of the world when you know what to do.
The first step is to locate a spare key and keep it in a safe place, or bring proof of ownership to the dealer to have a new one programmed. Keys can be lost in a variety of ways, which will affect how easy or hard it is to replace them.
1. Worn Out Key
Over time, keys for cars are subjected to a lot of wear and wear and tear. They are jingled around in pockets, rub against each others, and then put into locks repeatedly again. This causes them to lose their shape, which can cause them to stop fitting into the ignition cylinder correctly. The key could get stuck or stop turning when this happens. It can be frustrating in both cases.
Fortunately, it's simple to prevent this from happening by making duplicate copies of your vehicle key when it's new. Then, you can rotate them, reducing the amount of wear each one undergoes. You can also use the spare key if you have lost your car keys.
It is also possible to replace your key fob if it has stopped working properly. As lost key to my car know, these are very handy to have, and they can do various tasks such as unlocking your doors and launching your engine to activating the alarm. It can happen for a variety of reasons, but most commonly it's because the button has worn out. They are small, delicate and often jostled in your pocket or bag. The buttons can easily be broken or worn down.
If this occurs, the first thing you need to do is check thoroughly in every place you might find it, including your bag or jacket and even places where you wouldn't normally put them (like inside a shoeshine box). Next, contact your dealer to see if they have an extra key available. If not, they can order one for you and then have it installed in your vehicle. It's not cheap, but it is better than the alternatives.
You can also lower the likelihood of this happening by not adding any other items to your key ring and regularly lubricating your key and lock. This will make them both last longer and work properly. It's also a good idea to keep an extra key in a secure location in your home, such as with family or friends, so that you'll always be prepared for the time you require it.
2. Damaged Lock
If the key fits inside the lock, but you are unable to turn it, it could be a problem with the lock itself. The lock tumblers may be clogged up with dirt and debris. This could cause the mechanism to feel stiff. A locksmith can use an oil-lubricated tool to clean and lubricate the lock. This will allow it to feel more smooth.
A car lock that doesn't turn might have been jammed by force. Someone may have attempted to the door open using a tool like an axe or a bump key. If you find evidence of this on the door handle, you should take your car to an experienced locksmith as quickly as possible. The locksmith will be able to repair the issue and avoid further problems.
Some locksmiths offer a service that disables your old key inside the vehicle. This makes it much more difficult for someone to steal your vehicle. You'll require proof of identity and proof that you're the owner of the vehicle to get this done. A V5C form that has your name on it will typically be accepted.
You should also keep a spare car key in your trunk or on your person in case you lose it. Having a spare can allow you to get back on the road in a hurry and also prevents you from needing to pay for locksmith.
You may need to call a professional locksmith to change the key depending on the car. Dealerships will provide you with keys to replace, however it may cost towing fees and take a few days to make. A professional locksmith can typically make a new key quicker and less expensive, and may even be in a position to program it to your vehicle automatically. They can also offer a range of additional services to help keep your car secure like the door seal kit or alarms that prevent theft. Visit PolicyBachat to find out more about the services they offer.
3. Clogged ignition cylinder
Over time your ignition key and cylinder may wear out. A worn-out cylinder can block or become stuck when it is inserted, removed or turned, which could cause problems with starting and powering up your vehicle. These issues may develop slowly, but become more noticeable over time.
This problem is typically caused by the inability to insert the key into the lock, or rotate the ignition cylinder. This is a clear indication that your cylinder has gotten worn out and needs to be replaced. It is possible to replace the cylinder on your own, but it's usually best to get a professional.
The ignition cylinder is a small metal cylindrical piece that is situated within the lock cylinder housing and has two tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a specific location that is suited to the correct key bumps. As time passes, the tumblers can become worn down or clogged with dirt. To get rid of this, you will have to clean the ignition cylinder port. This can be done with a small bottle of graphite oil. You can buy this product at your local auto parts store. Follow the instructions on the bottle.
The first step is to remove the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will allow you to see the cylinder port more clearly. Find a pin that is put into the back of the cylinder. This is a security feature that protects your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder doesn't turn, you'll need to remove the pin that holds it to allow it to slide out of the housing.
The process is simple enough but requires some patience. Be sure to check that the pin is in the accessory position prior to drilling. It is also important to remember that there is a chance of damaging your car's electronics and electrical systems if you drill in the wrong location. Before drilling, make sure to mark the area of the drill bit that is protruding out of the keyway with tape. This acts as a flag to prevent you from drilling too far and causing damage to the cylinder housing.
4. Locked Out
When you accidentally lock your keys in your car, the first thing to do is not to panic. You might think that you're in a mess, but it's essential to stay calm because there are a variety of options and methods that you can get back in your vehicle without breaking the window or calling the tow truck. You can use shoelaces packaging tape, bobbypins, or Slim Jims to get into your vehicle. However, it's important keep in mind that not every method can be successful and you may need to contact a professional for assistance in some cases.
The key is to take the most non-destructive approach first. If you're in a situation that requires immediate attention you might not be a fan of the idea that someone else will let you into their vehicle for you, but it is the best choice. It's worth noting that a lot of roadside assistance plans, including the NRMA, offer members the option of getting into their vehicle without having a key.
Relax, and then go around the outside of your car to check if you have your keys in 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 check everywhere.
If you're still unable to get your car open, try to remain calm and seek assistance from a family member or friend who is near. A stranger may be able to help you in the event that they don't want to leave you in a bind. If they're not able to assist you, then take a look at calling roadside assistance, or seeing if your car insurance will cover it.
To avoid a locked out key in the future, be sure to check your car manufacturer's app or use a smart device convert your phone into a key fob. You can also purchase an electronic key safe to store your spare keys in the safe, which will keep them away from thieves and out of sight.