How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
It's an absolute nightmare to lose your car keys. But it's not the end of the world when you know what to do.
The first step is to locate a spare key and put it in your safe place, or bring proof of ownership to the dealer to have a new one programmed. There are many ways you can lose your keys, which will determine how easy or difficult it is to replace them.
1. Worn Out Key
Over time, keys for cars are subjected many wear. They are repeatedly placed in locks and pockets, jiggling around and rubbed against each other. This causes them to lose their shape, which can result in them not fitting into the ignition cylinder correctly. If this happens, the key could either become stuck or will not turn. Whatever the case, it could be extremely difficult.
Luckily, it's easy to stop this from happening by making additional copies of your car key when it is new. You can then rotate them to reduce the amount of wear each one undergoes. In addition, if you do lose your car keys, you have another spare.
You might also have to replace your key fob if it's been unable to function properly. As you've probably guessed, these are very handy to have and can perform many things such as unlocking your doors and starting your engine to activating the alarm. This could be due to various reasons however the most common is that it's just damaged from use. They are tiny and delicate, often being tossed around in your bag or pocket and can be easily worn down or have buttons that break off.
If this happens the first thing you should do is to thoroughly examine all the places it could be, such as your bag or jacket and even in places you wouldn't normally store them (like inside a box for shoeshine). Contact your dealership and inquire whether they have spare keys on hand. If not, they'll order one for you and have it paired with your vehicle. It's not cheap, but it is better than the alternatives.
You can also reduce the risk of this happening by not adding any other things to your key ring and regularly lubricating your keys and lock. This will ensure that they both last longer and function properly. It's also recommended to keep an extra key in a secure location such as with your family or friends, so that you'll have it available when you need it.
2. Damaged Lock
If you can turn the key but it isn't able to fit into the lock, it could be a problem with the lock. The lock tumblers may be clogged up with dirt and other debris. This can cause the mechanism to feel stiff. A locksmith can use a special tool to clean out and lubricate the lock, making it feel smooth again.
Another reason why the lock on your car doesn't turn is that it was jammed by force. Someone may have tried to pry open the door by using a device such as the pick or bump key. If you see evidence of this on your door handle, bring your vehicle to a locksmith immediately. The locksmith can fix the damage and avoid future problems.
Some locksmiths offer a service that disables your old key inside the vehicle. This makes it much more difficult for someone to steal your vehicle. You will need to provide proof of your identity and prove that you own the vehicle before this can be done. A V5C form with your name on it will usually be accepted.
It is recommended to keep an extra car key in your trunk or on your person in case you lose it. A spare key can allow you to get back on the road swiftly and also prevents you from needing to pay for locksmith.
You may need to call a professional locksmith to change the key based on the vehicle. Dealerships are able to provide replacement keys, but they'll need a towing cost and you may have to purchase one for you, which could take a few days. A professional locksmith can make a key faster and less expensive. They may even be able to program it to work with your vehicle automatically. They also provide various additional services to help you ensure your vehicle is secure like a door re-sealing kit or alarms to prevent theft. Visit PolicyBachat to learn more about the services they offer.
3. Clogged ignition cylinder
Over time the ignition cylinder and key may wear out. A worn-out cylinder may be stuck or jam when it is removed, inserted or turned, which may cause issues with starting and recharging your vehicle. It is common for these issues to progress slowly and get more severe over time as the cylinder continues to wear.
This issue is usually caused by the inability to insert the key into the lock, or rotate the ignition cylinder. This is a sign that the cylinder needs to be replaced. You can attempt to replace the cylinder on your own, but it is usually better to get it done by an expert.
The ignition cylinder is a small metal cylindrical piece that is located inside the lock cylinder housing. It has two tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a certain position that is only compatible with the correct key bumps. As time passes, the tumblers can get worn down or clogged with dirt. To get rid of this issue it is necessary to clean the ignition port. This can be done using a small bottle of graphite oil. lost key to my car g28carkeys can buy this product at your local auto parts store. Follow the instructions on the bottle.
Remove the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your car. This will give you an easier view of the cylinder port. Find a pin in the back of the cylinder. This is a security feature that keeps your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder does not turn, you'll have to remove the pin to allow it to slip out of the housing.
The process is straightforward enough, but it requires a bit of patience. Before drilling the pin, make sure that the pin is in the accessory position. You can also cause damage to your car's electrical or electronic systems if you drill in the wrong spot. Make sure you mark the portion of the drill that protrudes from the keyway prior to drilling. This acts as a signal to prevent you from drilling too deeply and damaging the cylinder housing.
4. Locked Out
The first thing to do when you lock your keys in your car is to not panic. You may think that you're in a huge mess, but it's essential to remain calm as there are many options and methods that you can get back into your vehicle without damaging the window or calling the tow truck. If you're using shoelaces, packaging tape, bobby pins Slim Jims, or modified coat hangers made of wire The majority of these options will work if you have the correct tool or trick. It is important to keep in mind that not all methods work, and you may require assistance from a professional in certain cases.
The key is to look for the least destructive solution first. You may not like the idea of a stranger helping you open your car, but if you're in an emergency situation, it might be the best option. A lot of roadside assistance plans give their customers the option to open their car without the need for a car key.
Another great tip is to take deep breaths and walk around the entire exterior of your car to check whether your keys are in any other door or in the trunk. When you're in a rush it's easy to miss something as basic as the door handle or the rearview mirror. Make sure you check everywhere.
If you're unable to unlock your car, stay calm and call a neighbor or friend who is nearby to help. A stranger may be willing to help you should they not want to leave you stranded. If they're not able to assist you, you must think about calling roadside assistance or seeing if your car insurance covers it.
To avoid losing a key in the future, be sure to check the app provided by your car manufacturer or use a smart device to convert 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 away from thieves.