How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
It's a nightmare to lose your car keys. It's not the most stressful thing that could happen when you know how to handle it.
You can either bring proof of ownership or bring in a spare key to the dealer for a new one programmed. You can lose your keys in various ways, which can affect how easy or hard it is to replace them.
1. Key Worn Out
Over time, keys for cars are subjected to a lot of wear and tear. They are often placed in locks and pockets, then jiggled around and smacked against one another. They can lose their shape and won't fit inside the ignition cylinder. If this happens, the key could either get stuck or it isn't turning. In either case, it can be extremely annoying.
It's simple to avoid this by creating multiple copies of your brand new car key. Then you can rotate them, reducing the amount of wear and tear each one goes through. You can also make use of the spare key in case you have lost your car keys.
Another reason you might need replacement is if your key fob has stopped working properly. They are extremely useful and can do many things, including unlocking doors, launching 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 pocket or bag and can be easily worn down or have buttons broken off.
If her explanation happens, the first thing to do is to thoroughly examine every place it could be, including your bag or jacket, and even places where you would not normally place them (like inside a box for shoeshine). Call your dealership and ask if they have spare keys available. If they don't have one in inventory, they can request it and attach it to your vehicle. This can be expensive however it's far better than the alternative.
You can also lower the chance of this happening by not adding any other things to your key ring, and regularly lubricating your key and lock. This will help them last longer and perform as they should. It's also recommended to keep a spare key in a safe location in your home, such as with family or friends, so you can always have it when you need it.
2. Damaged Lock
If the key fits inside the lock but you're unable to turn it, it could be a problem with the lock itself. The tumblers in the lock may be blocked by dirt and debris, which can make the mechanism feel stiff. Locksmiths can make use of a specific tool to clean and lubricate the lock, making it to feel more smooth.
Another possible reason a car lock doesn't turn is because it was forced to close. A thief may have attempted to open the door by using a tool, such as a pick or a bump key. If you find evidence of this on the door handle, take your car to a professional locksmith as soon as you can. The locksmith can repair the damage and avoid future problems.
Some locksmiths provide a service to disable your old key inside the vehicle, which makes it more difficult for anyone to steal your vehicle. You'll need proof of your identity and that you have ownership of the vehicle before this can be done. A V5C form that has your name on it will typically be accepted.
It is also advisable to keep an extra car key in your trunk or on your person in the event that you lose it. Having a spare will allow you to get back on the road in a hurry and prevents you from needing to pay for locksmith services.
You may have to call a professional locksmith to change the key depending on the vehicle. Dealerships will give you an alternative key, however it could cost towing fees and take several days to order. A professional locksmith can typically create a new key more quickly and at a lower cost and might even be in a position to program it to your vehicle automatically. They also offer a range of services to ensure your vehicle is secure, including an resealing kit for doors and anti-theft alarms. Visit PolicyBachat to find out more about the services they offer.
3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder
Over time, your key and ignition cylinder may wear out. A worn out cylinder may jam or bind when it is removed, inserted, or turned which can interfere with the powering-on and starting of your vehicle. It is normal for these issues to take time to develop and get more severe 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 sign the cylinder needs to be replaced. You could try replacing the cylinder by yourself, however it is recommended to have it done by professionals.
The ignition cylinder consists of a small, cylindrical piece of metal that is housed inside the lock cylinder housing. It contains two tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a particular position and can only fit the right key bumps. As time passes, tumblers can get worn out or clogged with dirt. To fix this issue, you'll have to clean the ignition cylinder port. This can be done using a small bottle graphite lubricant. You can buy this at your local auto parts store and follow the instructions on the label.
First, remove the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will give you an easier view of the port for the cylinder. Find a pin in the back of the cylinder. This is a safety feature that prevents your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder does not turn, you will need to remove the retention pin to allow it to slip out of the housing.
The process is easy, but it requires patience. Before drilling the pin, ensure that the pin is in the accessory position. It is also possible to harm your car's electrical and electronic systems when you drill in the wrong spot. Before drilling, be sure to mark the portion of the drill bit protruding out of the keyway with tape. This acts as a signal to prevent you from drilling too deep and causing damage to the cylinder housing.
4. Locked out
The first thing you need to do when you lock your keys in your car is not to panic. You might think that you're in a big mess, but it's essential to stay calm because there are plenty of options and methods that you can get back in your vehicle without breaking the window or calling an emergency tow truck. Whether it's using shoelaces, bobby pins, packaging tape Slim Jims, or modified wire coat hangers, most of these methods will work with the right tools or tricks. However, it's important keep in mind that not every method will work, and you may need to contact an expert for assistance in some cases.
The key is to always try the least destructive solution first. If you're in an emergency you might not be a fan of the idea that someone else will let you into their vehicle for you, but it is your best option. It's also worth noting that many roadside assistance plans, such as the NRMA provide members with the option of getting into their vehicle without having a key.
Another great 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. It's easy for you to forget even the simplest things like the door handle or rearview mirror when you're in a rush, so be sure to check everywhere.
If you're unable to unlock your car, stay calm and call a neighbor or friend who is nearby for assistance. A stranger may be willing to help you should they not want to leave you in a bind. If they're not able to help then you should contact roadside assistance. You can also check whether your insurance will cover this.
To avoid losing a key in the future, make sure you are checking the app provided by your car manufacturer or utilize a smart device to turn your phone into a car key fob. You can also purchase an electronic keysafe to keep keys you have left over to keep them out of sight and away from thieves.