How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car

Losing car keys is an unimaginable scenario. However, it's not the end of the world, provided you know what to do.

You can bring evidence of ownership or a spare key to the dealer in order to get a new one programmed. Keys can be lost in various ways, which will affect the ease or difficulty it is to replace them.

1. Worn Out Key

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 repeatedly again. This causes them to lose their shape, which can result in them not fitting into the ignition cylinder correctly. The key may be stuck or not turn if this happens. Either way, it can be extremely annoying.

It's a good thing that you can stop this from happening by making additional copies of your car key once it's brand new. You can then rotate them to lessen the wear on each. You can also utilize the spare key in the event that you have lost keys car your car keys.

Another reason to consider replacement is if your key fob isn't functioning properly. As you know, these are very handy to have and they do various tasks, from unlocking your doors and launching your engine, to triggering 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 tiny and delicate, frequently being tossed around in your pocket or bag and can be easily worn down or have buttons broken off.

In this instance, you should check all possible locations such as your bag, jacket and other places where you would normally keep them (like in the shoe shine box). Contact your dealer and ask whether they have spare keys on hand. If not, they can make one for you and then have it fitted to your vehicle. It's not cheap however it's better than the alternatives.

You can further reduce the likelihood 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 with your friends, so you'll be prepared for the time you require it.

2. Damaged Lock

If the key fits in the lock, but you are unable to turn it, it might be an issue with the lock itself. The tumblers of the lock could be clogged with dirt and debris, which can make the mechanism feel stiff. Locksmiths can employ a special tool to clean out and lubricate the lock, making it to feel more smooth.

Another possible reason a car lock doesn't turn is because it was jammed by force. A burglar might have employed a tool like bump keys or a pick to open the door open. If you notice evidence of this on the door handle, you should bring the vehicle to a locksmith immediately. The locksmith will be able to repair the damage and prevent future problems.

Certain locksmiths offer the option of disabling your old key lost car inside the vehicle. This makes it harder for someone to steal your vehicle. You'll need proof of identity and proof that you're the owner of the vehicle in order to have this done. Usually, a V5C bearing your name will be accepted.

You should also 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 to the road more quickly and can save you money by preventing you from calling a locksmith.

Depending on the model of vehicle and the key, you might need to contact a locksmith to get a new key. Dealerships are able to provide replacement lost car keys keys, however they will require a towing fee and will likely need to get one from you, which can take days. A professional locksmith will typically make a new key quicker and less expensive and could be capable of programming it to your vehicle in a way that is automatic. They also provide various additional services to help keep your car safe like a door re-sealing kit or alarms that prevent theft. Find out more on PolicyBachat.

3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder

Over time your ignition key and cylinder can wear out. A worn-out cylinder may jam or bind as it is removed, inserted or turned, which can cause problems with starting and powering up your vehicle. These issues may develop slowly, but become more noticeable over time.

One of the most frequent symptoms of this issue is when the key cannot be put into the lock or unable to be rotated within the ignition cylinder. This indicates that the cylinder is in need of being replaced. It is possible to replace the cylinder on your own, but it's usually best to hire an expert.

The ignition cylinder consists of a small cylindrical piece of metal that is located within the lock cylinder housing. It has two tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a certain location that is suited to the key bumps that are appropriate. As time passes, the tumblers can be worn out or blocked with dirt. To get rid of this issue it is necessary to clean the ignition port. This can be done using a small bottle graphite lubricant. You can purchase this at a local auto parts store and follow the instructions on the label.

First, remove the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will allow you to view the cylinder port more clearly. Find a pin in the back of the cylinder. This is a security measure that prevents your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder does not turn, you'll need to remove the retention pin to allow it to slide out of the housing.

The process is easy, but it requires patience. Before drilling the pin, ensure that the pin is in the accessory position. It is also possible to damage your car keys lost no spare's electrical and electronic systems by drilling in the wrong location. Mark the part of the drill that extends from the keyway prior to drilling. This will serve as a flag to prevent you from drilling too far and causing damage to the housing of the cylinder.

4. Locked Out

The first thing you should do when you lock your keys in your car is to not panic. Keep calm. You may think that you're in a mess however, there are plenty of options to get back into your car without breaking 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 to keep in mind that not all methods will work, and you might need to contact a professional for assistance in certain instances.

It is important to always choose the least destructive option first. If you are in a situation that requires immediate attention you might not be a fan of the idea of having someone else will let you into their vehicle for you, but it is the best choice. It's worth noting that a lot of roadside assistance plans, like the NRMA provide members with the option of entering their vehicle without having a key.

Relax, and then walk around your car's exterior to check if you have your keys in any other doors or the trunk. It's easy to lose even the simplest things like the door handle or rearview mirror when you're in a rush Be sure to look everywhere.

If you're still unable to open your car keep your cool and seek assistance from a friend or neighbor that is nearby. A stranger may be able to help you in the event that they don't want to leave you in a bind. If they're unable to help you, then take a look at calling roadside assistance, or determining if your vehicle insurance will cover it.

Check the app of the manufacturer of your car or use your smart phone to turn your phone into a key fob in order to ensure that your key is not locked out in the future. You can also purchase an electronic keysafe to keep your spares keys, which will keep them out of the way and away from thieves.