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.
First, find a spare key and put it in a safe location or take proof of ownership to the dealer to have a new one programmed. There are many ways you can lose your keys, and this will determine how easy or difficult it is to replace them.
1. Keys that are worn out
Over time, keys for cars are subjected to a lot of wear and tear. They are frequently put into locks and pockets, jiggling around and smacked against one another. This causes them to lose their shape, which may result in them not fitting into the ignition cylinder in a proper way. If this occurs, the key will either get stuck or it will not turn. In either case, it can be extremely annoying.
It's a good thing that you can prevent this from happening by making extra copies of your car key once it's brand new. Then you can rotate them to reduce the amount of wear each one experiences. In addition, if you lose your car keys, there's a spare to use.
You may also need to replace your key fob in case it has been unable to function properly. These are extremely useful and can perform a variety of functions, such as unlocking doors, launching the engine, and activating your alarm. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, but the most common reason is it is due to the button has been worn out. They are small, delicate and often jostled in your purse or pocket. The buttons are prone to break or wear down.
If this happens the first thing you need to do is check thoroughly in all places that it could be, including your jacket or bag and even in places you wouldn't normally store them (like inside a shoeshine box). Call your dealership and ask whether they have spare keys in stock. If not, they'll order one for you and get it installed in your vehicle. It's not cheap however it's better than the alternative.
You can also reduce the risk of this happening by avoiding adding anything else to your key ring, and regularly lubricating your key and lock. This will make them both last longer and perform as they should. It's also an excellent idea to keep an extra key in a safe location such as with your family or friends, so you can always have it available when you need it.
2. Damaged Lock
If the key fits into the lock, but you are 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. This can cause the mechanism to feel stiff. A locksmith can use an instrument that is specifically designed to clean and lubricate the lock to make it feel smooth again.
Another reason why that a car lock won't turn is that it was forced to close. A burglar might have used a tool such as bump keys or a hammer to force the door open. If you see any evidence of this on the door handle, take your vehicle to an experienced locksmith as quickly as possible. The locksmith can fix the issue and avoid further problems.
Some locksmiths can offer a service that disables your old keys in the vehicle, which makes it much more difficult for someone to steal your vehicle. You'll need proof of identity and proof that you're the owner of the vehicle to be able to avail this service. 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. A spare key will help you get on the road faster and also save your money by preventing you from needing to call locksmith.
Based on the type of car and key, you may need to contact a locksmith in order to get a new key. Dealerships can supply replacement keys, however they'll need a towing cost and may need to get one from you, which can take days. A professional locksmith will be able to create a key in a shorter time and at a lower cost. They may even be able to program it to work with your vehicle automatically. They can also offer a range of additional services that can help you keep your car secure, such as the door seal kit or anti-theft alarms. Visit PolicyBachat to find out more about the services they offer.
3. Clogged ignition cylinder
Over time the ignition cylinder and key can wear out. A worn-out cylinder could jam or bind as it is removed, inserted or turned, which could cause problems with starting and recharging your vehicle. These issues may develop slowly but will become more noticeable over time.
One of the most common symptoms of this issue is when the key can't be inserted into the lock, or is unable to be rotated in the cylinder for ignition. This is a sign that the cylinder must be replaced. You could try replacing the cylinder on your own, but it is recommended to have this done by professionals.
The ignition cylinder is a small metal cylindrical piece that is located within the lock cylinder housing and contains a pair of tumblers. Each tumbler has a specific location and is only suited to the correct key bumps. As time passes, tumblers can get worn out or clogged with dirt. To get rid of this issue it is necessary to clean the ignition port. This can be done with the use of a small bottle of graphite lubricant. You can purchase this product at your local auto parts store. Follow the directions on the bottle.
Take off the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your car. This will allow you to view the cylinder port more clearly. Look for a pin which is placed in the cylinder's back. This is a safety feature that prevents your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder does not turn, you will have to remove the pin to allow it to slide out of the housing.
The procedure is easy enough, but it requires a bit of patience. Make sure the pin is in accessory position before drilling. It is also important to remember that there is a risk of causing damage to your vehicle's electronics and electrical systems by drilling into the wrong place. Before drilling, make sure to mark the area of the drill bit protruding from the keyway using tape. This will act as a warning to stop you from drilling too far and causing damage to the cylinder housing.
4. Locked Out
If you've locked your keys in your car, the first thing to do is try not to be in a panic. You might think you're in a mess, but it's important to remain calm as there are a variety of options and methods that you can get back in your vehicle without breaking the window or calling the tow truck. If you're using shoelaces, packaging tape, bobby pins Slim Jims, or modified wire coat hangers, most of these methods can be used with the correct tool or trick. It's important to note that not all methods be effective, and you may need professional help in certain instances.
It is essential to pick the safest option first. If you're in an emergency, you may not like the idea that someone else will be able to open your car for you, but it's the best option. A lot of roadside assistance plans give their customers the option to enter their vehicle without the need for a car key.
Take www.g28carkeys.co.uk and then go around the outside of your car to determine if you've got your keys in any of the doors or in the trunk. When you're in a hurry it's easy to forget something that is as simple as the door handle or rearview mirror. Make sure to look everywhere.
If you're still stuck in the process of unlocking your car, stay calm and ask your neighbor or a friend who is nearby to help. A stranger may be able to assist you if they don't wish to leave you stranded. If they're not able to assist you, then take a look at calling roadside assistance, or checking if your car insurance covers it.
To avoid losing a key in the future, be sure you are checking your car manufacturer's app or use a smart device to transform your phone into a key fob. You can also buy a magnetic keysafe to store keys that you don't use to keep them safe and away from thieves.