How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
It's an absolute nightmare to lose your car keys. It's not the worst scenario when you know how to deal with it.
You can either bring in proof of ownership or bring in a spare key to the dealer to have a new one programmed. Keys can get lost in a variety of ways, which can affect the ease or difficulty it is to replace them.
1. Keys That Are Worn Out
Over time, keys for cars are exposed to a lot wear and tear. They are repeatedly inserted into locks, jingled around in pockets and smacked against one another. They can lose their shape and no longer fit into the ignition cylinder. The key will either be stuck or not turn in the event of this. It can be frustrating in either case.
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 experiences. Plus, if you ever do lose your car keys, you have a spare to use.
Another reason you might need an upgrade is that the key fob you have is not functioning properly. As you've guessed that they are extremely handy to have, and they can do a variety of jobs such as unlocking your doors and starting your engine, to triggering the alarm. It can happen due to a few reasons however the most common is that they've worn out from regular use. They are small and delicate, usually being jostled around in your bag or pocket and are able to be worn down or have buttons broken off.
In this instance, you should check all possible locations such as your bag, jacket and even places you wouldn't normally put them (like in a shoe shine box). car key lost replacement is to call your dealer to inquire if they've got a spare key in stock. If they don't have one in inventory, they can request it and then pair it with your vehicle. It's expensive, but it is better than the alternatives.
You can lower the risk by not putting 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 area, like with your family or friends. This means that you will always have the key at hand when you require it.
2. Damaged Lock
If the key fits inside the lock but you're unable to turn it, it could be an issue with the lock itself. The tumblers in the lock may be clogged up with dirt and other debris. This could cause the mechanism to feel stiff. Locksmiths can make use of an oiled tool to clean and lubricate a lock. This will make it feel more comfortable.
A car lock that isn't able to turn might have been jammed by force. A thief might have used a tool, such as bump keys or a pick to open the door open. If you find evidence of this on the door handle, you should take your vehicle to a professional locksmith as soon as you can. The locksmith can fix the issue and prevent future problems.
Some locksmiths offer services that disable your old keys inside your vehicle. This makes it harder for thieves to take your vehicle. You'll require proof of identity and proof that you are the owner of the vehicle in order to get this done. Usually, a V5C with your name will be accepted.
You should also keep an extra car key in your trunk or on your person in the event that you lose it. A spare key can allow you to get back on the road swiftly and prevents you from needing to pay for locksmith services.
Depending on the type of car and key, you might need to call a locksmith to replace it. Dealerships can supply replacement keys, but they'll need a towing cost and you may have to get one from you, which can take days. A professional locksmith can produce a key much quicker and at a lower cost. They might even be able to program it to work with your vehicle automatically. They also offer a range of services to ensure your vehicle is safe, such as the door seal kit and alarms that prevent theft. Visit PolicyBachat to find out more.
3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder
Over time, your key and ignition cylinder will wear out. A worn-out cylinder may be stuck or jam when it is inserted, removed or turned, which could cause problems with starting and recharging your vehicle. These problems can develop slowly, but become more noticeable over time.
This issue is usually caused by the inability to insert the key into the lock or turn the ignition cylinder. This is a clear sign that your cylinder has gotten damaged and requires replacement. It is possible to replace the cylinder on your own however, it's generally better to seek out an expert.
The ignition cylinder consists of a small, cylindrical piece of metal that is housed inside the lock housing of the cylinder. It contains two tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a certain position that only fits the key bumps that are appropriate. Over time, tumblers may be worn out or blocked with dirt. To resolve this issue it is necessary to clean the ignition port. You can do this using tiny bottles of graphite oil. You can buy this product at your local auto parts store. Follow the instructions on the bottle.
First, take off the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will allow you to view the cylinder port more clearly. Find a pin into the back of the cylinder. This is a security measure that prevents your vehicle from being taken. If the ignition cylinder isn't able to turn, you'll need to remove the pin that holds it in place to let it slide out of the housing.
The procedure is simple however, it takes patience. Before drilling the pin, ensure that the pin is in the accessory position. It is also possible to damage your car's electrical and electronic systems when you drill in the wrong place. Make sure you mark the portion of the drill that protrudes from the keyway prior to drilling. This will serve as a warning sign to keep you from causing damage to the cylinder by drilling too deeply.
4. Locked Out
If you've locked your keys in your vehicle, the first step is to try not to get scared. Be calm. You may think you're in a bind however, there are plenty of options to get back into your car without damaging the windows or calling a tow-truck. If you're using shoelaces, bobby pins, packaging tape, Slim Jims or modified coat hangers made from wire, most of these methods will work with the right tool or trick. It's important to remember that not all methods will be effective, and you may require assistance from a professional in certain instances.
It is crucial to pick the safest option first. You might not like the idea of a stranger helping you get into your car, however if you're in an emergency situation, it may be the best solution. Many roadside assistance plans offer members the ability to open their car without having 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 of the doors or the trunk. If you're in a rush it's easy to miss something as basic as the door handle or the rearview mirror. Make sure to look everywhere.
If you're still unable to unlock your car, be calm and contact an acquaintance or a neighbor who is nearby for assistance. A stranger may be able to help if they don't wish to leave you in a bind. If they're not able help you, then you should think about calling roadside assistance or checking if your car insurance will cover it.
To avoid a locked out key in the future, be sure to check the app of your car's manufacturer or use a smart device turn your phone into a car key fob. You can also purchase keys with magnetic locks to store keys you have left over, which will keep them safe and safe from theft.