How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
The loss of car keys is a nightmare scenario. It's not the worst thing that could happen if you know how to deal with it.
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 get a new one programmed. You can lose your keys in different ways, which can affect the ease or difficulty it is to replace them.
1. Key Worn Out
Over time, keys for automobiles are subjected to a lot of wear. They are repeatedly placed in locks and pockets, jiggling around and smacked against one another. This causes them to lose their shape, which may lead to them no longer fitting into the ignition cylinder correctly. If this happens, the key will either get stuck or it isn't turning. In either case, it can be extremely difficult.
Luckily, it's easy to avoid this from happening by creating duplicate copies of your vehicle key when it's new. Then you can rotate them and reduce the amount of wear each one experiences. You can also utilize the spare key in the event that you have lost your car keys.
It is also possible to replace your key fob if it has stopped working properly. As you've guessed, these are very handy to have, and they can do various tasks such as unlocking your doors, and even starting your engine to activating the alarm. This could be due to several reasons however the most common is that it's worn down from daily use. They are small and delicate, frequently being jostled around in your pocket or bag and can be easily worn down or have buttons that break off.
If this occurs, the first thing to do is check thoroughly in every place you might find it, including your bag or jacket, and even the places you wouldn't normally put them (like in a shoebox). Call your dealership and ask whether they have spare keys in stock. If they don't have one in stock, they can order it and attach it to your vehicle. This isn't cheap but it's a lot better than the other.
You can lower the risk by not putting 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. Also, keep an extra in a secure area, like 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 into the lock but you can't turn it, it could be a problem with the lock itself. The tumblers of the lock could be blocked by dirt and debris, which could make the mechanism feel stiff. Locksmiths can make use of an oil-based tool to clean and lubricate a lock. This will make it feel smoother.
A car lock that won't turn may have been blocked by force. A thief may have tried to pry open the door by using a tool like a pick or a bump key. If you notice evidence of this on your door handle, you should bring the vehicle to a locksmith immediately. The locksmith can repair the issue and prevent future issues.
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 own the vehicle before this can be done. A V5C form that has your name on it will typically be accepted.
It's recommended to keep an extra key on your person or in the trunk of your car just in case you lose your key. Having a spare can help you get back on the road quickly and prevents you from having to spend money on locksmith services.
You may have to call a professional locksmith to replace the key based on the car. Dealerships can supply replacement keys, however they require a towing charge and will likely need to get one from you, which can take a few days. A professional locksmith will be able to 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 can also provide various services to ensure your vehicle is safe, such as a door resealing kit and alarms against theft. Visit PolicyBachat to learn more about the services they offer.
3. Clogged g28carkeys
Over time your ignition key and cylinder can wear out. A worn-out cylinder may block or become stuck when it is removed, inserted or turned, which can cause issues with starting and powering up your vehicle. It is normal for these problems to develop slowly and then become more noticeable over time as the cylinder wears out.
One of the most typical symptoms of this problem is when the key cannot be put into the lock, or is incapable of rotating in the ignition cylinder. This is a clear sign that the cylinder is worn out and requires replacement. It is possible to replace the cylinder yourself, but it's usually best to hire an expert.
The ignition cylinder consists of a small cylindrical piece of metal that is located inside the lock housing for the cylinder. It contains two tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a specific position that is only compatible with the appropriate key bumps. Over time the tumblers will become worn down or clogged with dirt. In order to fix this issue, you'll have to clean the ignition cylinder port. You can do this with the smallest bottle of graphite oil. 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 let you view the cylinder port more clear. Find a pin that is put into the back of the cylinder. This is a safety feature that protects your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder doesn't turn, then you will have to take off the pin that holds it in place to allow it to slide out of the housing.
The procedure is simple but it requires patience. Before drilling the pin, make sure that the pin is in the accessory position. You could also damage your car's electrical and electronic systems when you drill in the wrong spot. Note the part of the drill that is protruding from the keyway before drilling. This will act as a warning sign to keep you from damaging the cylinder drilling too deeply.
4. Locked Out
When you accidentally lock the keys to your vehicle, the first thing to do is try not to be in a panic. Keep calm. You may think you are in a mess, but there are many solutions to get back into your car without damaging the windows or calling a tow truck. You can use shoelaces packaging tape, bobbypins or Slim Jims to get back into your vehicle. However, it's important be aware that not all methods will work, and you may need to call a professional for help in certain situations.
The key is to always look for the least destructive solution first. If you're in a crisis, you may not like the idea that a stranger will open your vehicle for you, but it is the best choice. Many roadside assistance plans offer their members the option to enter their vehicle without the need for a car key.
Take a deep breath, and then walk around your car's exterior to determine if you've got your keys in any other doors or in the trunk. When you're in a hurry it's easy to miss something that is as simple as the door handle or rearview mirror. Make sure you check everywhere.
If you're stuck in the process of unlocking your car, be calm and ask a neighbor or friend who is nearby to help. Sometimes someone is willing to help you out of a bind since they don't want you to be left in a bind. If they're unable to help you, you must think about calling roadside assistance or determining if your vehicle insurance will cover it.
Check the app of the car's manufacturer, or use a smart phone to convert your phone into a key fob in order to avoid having your key locked out in the future. You can also buy keys with magnetic locks to store keys you have left over to keep them out of the way and safe from theft.