How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
Losing car keys is an incredibly stressful situation. It's not the worst thing in the world when you know how to deal with it.
You can bring proof of ownership or a spare key to the dealer for a new one programmed. Keys can get lost in a variety of ways, which will 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 wear and tear. They are jingled around in pockets, rubbing against each with each other, and then inserted into locks over and over again. They can lose their shape and won't fit into the ignition cylinder. If this happens, the key will either get stuck or it will not turn. Either way, it can be extremely difficult.
Fortunately, it's simple to avoid this from happening by making duplicate copies of your vehicle key once it's brand new. You can then rotate them to reduce the wear on each one. You can also utilize the spare key in the event that you have lost your car keys.
Another reason why you may require a replacement is that the key fob you have is not functioning properly. As you've probably guessed, these are very handy to have and can perform various tasks including unlocking your doors and starting your engine to activating the alarm. This can happen for various reasons but the most frequent is that they've worn out from regular use. They are tiny, delicate and often jostled in your bag or pocket. The buttons are prone to be broken or worn down.
In this situation you must check all possible locations like your bag, jacket and other places where you would normally store them (like in the shoe shine box). The next step is to call your dealer to inquire if they've got an extra key in stock. If lost car key replacement don't have it in inventory, they can request it and attach it to your vehicle. This isn't cheap, but it's much better than the other.
You can minimize the risk by not putting any other items to your key ring, and by regularly lubricating both your lock and key. This will ensure that both last longer and work properly. It's also a good idea to keep the spare key in a safe place in your home, such as with family or friends, so that you can always be prepared for the time you require it.
2. Damaged Lock
If the key fits inside the lock but you can't turn it, it could be a problem with the lock itself. The tumblers of the lock could be clogged up with dirt and other debris. This can cause the mechanism to feel stiff. Locksmiths can employ an oiled tool to clean and lubricate a lock. This will make it feel smoother.
A car lock that isn't able to turn might have been jammed by force. A burglar might have attempted to open the door by using a device such as an axe or a bump key. If you notice any evidence of this on the door handle, take your car to an experienced locksmith as quickly as possible. The locksmith will be able to repair the issue and avoid further issues.
Some locksmiths offer a service to disable your old keys in the vehicle, making it more difficult for anyone to steal your vehicle. However, you'll require proof of identity and proof that you're the owner of the vehicle in order to have this done. Usually, a V5C that bears 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. A spare key can help you get back on the road quicker and save your money by preventing you from having to call locksmith.
You may need to call an expert locksmith to replace the key based on the vehicle. Dealerships will provide you with a replacement key, but it could cost you an additional towing fee and can require several days to get. A professional locksmith can usually produce a new key much quicker and less expensive and could be capable of programming it to your vehicle automatically. They can also provide various services to keep your vehicle safe, such as an resealing kit for doors and alarms against theft. Find out more on PolicyBachat.
3. Clogged ignition cylinder
Over time your key and ignition cylinder will wear out. A worn out cylinder may block or become stuck when inserted, removed, or turned. This can cause issues in starting and powering up your vehicle. These problems can develop slowly but they will become more apparent over time.
This problem is typically manifested by the inability of insert the key into the lock or turn the ignition cylinder. This is a clear indication that the cylinder is worn out and requires replacement. It is possible to replace the cylinder on your own however, it's generally better to hire an expert.
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 specific location that is suited to the appropriate key bumps. Over time, tumblers may be worn out or blocked with dirt. To get rid of this, you will need to clean the cylinder port of the ignition. You can do this using tiny bottles of graphite oil. You can buy this at a local auto parts store and follow the instructions on the label.
Remove the dashboard and steering-wheel covers from your car. This will allow you to view the cylinder port more clear. Find a pin that is put into the cylinder's back. This is a security measure that prevents your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder will not turn, you will need remove the retention pin in order to allow it to slip out of the housing.
The process is simple enough, but it requires a bit of patience. Make sure that the pin is in accessory position before drilling. You could also damage your car's electrical and electronic systems by drilling in the wrong spot. Mark the part of the drill that protrudes from the keyway before drilling. This acts as a warning sign to keep you from damaging the cylinder by drilling too deeply.
4. Locked out
The first thing you need to do when you lock your keys inside your car is to not panic. You might think you're in a huge mess, but it's crucial to stay calm because there are many options and methods that you can get back in your vehicle without damaging the window or calling the tow truck. You can make use of shoelaces, bobbypins, packaging tape or Slim Jims to get back into your vehicle. It is important to keep in mind that not all methods be effective, and you may require help from a professional in some cases.
The key is to try the least destructive solution first. It's possible that you don't like the idea of someone else helping you unlock your car, but if you're in an emergency situation, it might be your best option. It's worth noting that a lot of roadside assistance plans, such as the NRMA provide members with the option of entering their vehicle without keys.
Another excellent idea is to take an inhale and walk around the entire exterior of your vehicle to check if your keys are inside any other door or in the trunk. It's easy for you to forget even the simplest things like the handle on a door or rearview mirror when you're in a hurry So, make sure you be sure to check everywhere.
If you are still unable to unlock your car, be calm and ask your neighbor or a friend who is nearby to help. A stranger may be willing to assist you if they don't wish to leave you in a bind. If they are unable to assist you and you are stuck, it is best to contact roadside assistance. You can also determine if your insurance covers this.
Use the app of the manufacturer of your car or use your smart phone to turn your phone into a key fob in order to keep your keys from being locked out in the future. You can also purchase an electronic keysafe to keep keys you have left over to keep them safe and safe from theft.