How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
It's a nightmare to lose your car keys. But 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 for a new one programmed. There are a few different ways you can lose your keys, and this will determine how easy or difficult it is to replace them.
1. Key Worn Out
Over time, keys to automobiles are subjected to to a lot of wear. They are jingled around in pockets, rubbing against one others, and then put into locks over and over again. This causes them to lose their shape, which could lead to them no longer fitting into the ignition cylinder in a proper way. The key will either become stuck or not turn in the event of this. In either case, it can be extremely frustrating.
Luckily, it's easy to stop this from happening by making additional copies of your car key once it's brand new. You can then rotate them in order to reduce the wear on each one. You can also use the spare key if you have lost your car keys.
You may also need to replace your key fob if it has stopped working properly. As you've guessed, these are very handy to have and they do many things, from unlocking your doors, and even starting your engine to activating the alarm. It can happen for a variety of reasons, but most commonly it is due to the button is been worn out. They are small delicate and are often tossed around in your pocket or bag. The buttons can easily be broken or worn down.
If this happens the first thing to do is check thoroughly in all places that it could be, including your jacket or bag and even in places you would not normally place them (like in a shoebox). Next, contact your dealer to see if they have an extra key available. If not, they can make one for you and get it installed in your vehicle. This process can be costly, but it's much better than the alternative.
You can minimize the risk by avoiding adding any other items to your key ring, and by regularly lubricating both your lock and the key. This will ensure that they both last longer and perform as they should. It is also recommended to keep the spare in a secure location, such as with family or friends. This way, you will always have the key at hand when you need it.
2. Damaged Lock
If the key fits inside the lock but you can't turn it, it might be an issue with the lock itself. The lock tumblers could be clogged with dirt and debris, which can make the mechanism feel stiff. Locksmiths can employ an instrument that is specifically designed to clean out and lubricate the lock, making it feel smooth once more.
A car lock that isn't able to turn could have been jammed by force. A thief might have employed a tool like a bump key or a pick to pry the door open. If you see evidence of this on the door handle, take the car to a locksmith immediately. The locksmith will be able to repair the damage and prevent further problems.
Certain locksmiths offer a service that disables your old keys inside your vehicle. This makes it much more difficult for someone to steal your vehicle. You will need to provide proof of your identity and that you own the vehicle before this can be done. Usually, a V5C with your name is accepted.
It is also advisable to keep a spare 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 having to spend money on a locksmith.
You may have to call an expert locksmith to replace keys based on your vehicle. Dealerships will provide you with an alternative key, however it could cost you a towing fee and take several days to order. A professional locksmith can usually create a new key more quickly and at a lower cost, and may even be in a position to program it to your vehicle automatically. They can also provide various services to keep your vehicle safe, such as a door resealing kit and anti-theft alarms. Visit PolicyBachat to find out more.
3. Clogged ignition cylinder
Over time the ignition cylinder as well as key can wear out. A worn-out cylinder could be stuck or jam when it is removed, inserted or turned, which may cause issues with starting and recharging your vehicle. It is normal for these issues to develop slowly and get more severe over time as the cylinder wears.
One of the most typical symptoms of this problem is when the key cannot be put into the lock, or is unable to be rotated in the ignition cylinder. This is a clear sign that the cylinder has worn out and needs to be replaced. It is possible to replace the cylinder on your own however it is generally recommended to get a professional.
The ignition cylinder is a tiny metal cylindrical part which is found inside the lock cylinder housing and includes a pair of tumblers. Each tumbler has a distinct position and only fits the key bumps that are correct. As time passes, tumblers can become worn or clogged up with dirt. To fix this issue, you'll need to clean the ignition cylinder port. This can be done using tiny bottles of graphite lubricant. You can purchase this at a local auto parts store and follow the directions on the label.
First, take off the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will allow you to see the cylinder port more clearly. Look for a pin which is placed in the cylinder's back. This is a safety feature that protects your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder doesn't turn, then you will need to remove the pin that holds it to let it slide out of the housing.
The process is simple enough, but it requires a bit of patience. Be sure to check that the pin is in the accessory position prior to drilling. lost car key have no spare is also important to remember that there is a possibility of damaging the car's electronic and electrical systems if you drill into the wrong place. Before drilling, be sure to mark the area of the drill bit that is protruding from the keyway using tape. This acts as an indicator to prevent you from damaging the cylinder by drilling too deeply.
4. Locked Out
If you've accidentally locked the keys to your car, the very first step is to try not to get scared. Keep calm. You might think you're in a mess but there are a variety of solutions to get back into your car without breaking the windows or calling a tow-truck. It doesn't matter if you're using shoelaces bobby pins, packaging tape, Slim Jims or modified coat hangers made of wire, most of these methods can be used with the correct tool or trick. It is important to keep in mind that not all methods work, and you might need professional help in certain situations.
It is important to always select the least damaging option first. If you're in an emergency you might not be a fan of the idea that someone else will be able to open your vehicle for you, but it is the best option. It's also worth noting that many roadside assistance plans, including the NRMA provide members with the option of accessing their vehicle without keys.
Take a deep breath and then go around the outside of your car to see if you have your keys in other doors or the trunk. When you're in a hurry, it's easy to overlook something as simple as the door handle or rearview mirror. Make sure you check everywhere.
If you're still stuck in the process of unlocking your car, stay calm and contact an acquaintance or a neighbor who is nearby to help. Most of the time someone is willing to help you to get out of the jam because they don't want you to be left stranded. If they're not able to assist you, you must think about calling roadside assistance or determining if your vehicle insurance covers it.
Check the app of the manufacturer of your car or use an android phone to convert your phone into a key fob to ensure that your key is not locked out in the future. You can also buy an electronic key safe to store your spare keys in, which will keep them away from thieves and hidden from.