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, provided you know what to do.
The first step is to locate an extra key and store it in a safe location or bring evidence of ownership to the dealership to get a new one programmed. There are many ways to lose your keys, and this will determine how simple or difficult it is to replace them.
1. Keys that are worn out
Over time, keys to automobiles are subjected to to a lot of wear. They are repeatedly put into locks and pockets, jiggling around and smacked against one another. They may lose their shape and not fit inside the ignition cylinder. The key may become stuck or not turn if this happens. It can be frustrating in both cases.
It's easy to avoid this by making multiple copies of your new car key. g28carkeys.co.uk can then rotate them in order to reduce the wear on each one. You can also utilize the spare key in the event that you lose your car keys.
Another reason you might need replacement is if the key fob you have is not functioning properly. As you've guessed they are extremely useful to have and they do many things such as unlocking your doors and starting your engine, to triggering the alarm. It can happen for many reasons, but the most common reason is it is because the button has been worn out. They are tiny delicate and are often tossed around in your purse or pocket. The buttons are prone to be damaged or worn down.
In this case you should look into all possible locations like your bag, jacket, and other places where you would normally store them (like in the shoe shine box). Next, contact your dealer to inquire if they've got an extra key in stock. If not, they'll make one for you and have it paired with your vehicle. This can be expensive however it's far superior to 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 key and lock. This will ensure that they both last longer and function properly. It's also a good idea to keep the spare key in a secure location in your home, such as with family or friends, so you'll be prepared for the time you require it.
2. Damaged Lock
If the key fits into the lock but you're unable to turn it, it could be a problem with the lock itself. The tumblers of the lock could be clogged by dirt and debris, which can make the mechanism feel stiff. A locksmith can use an oil-lubricated tool to clean and lubricate the lock. This will make it feel more comfortable.
Another possible reason the lock on your car doesn't turn is that it was forced to close. Someone may have tried to open the door by using a tool, such as the pick or bump key. If you notice any evidence of this on the door handle, you should take your car to an experienced locksmith as quickly as possible. The locksmith can fix the damage and prevent further issues.
Certain locksmiths may provide a service to disable your old keys in the vehicle, making it more difficult for anyone to steal your vehicle. You'll require proof of identity and proof that you are the owner of the vehicle in order to be able to avail this service. Usually, a V5C that bears your name will be accepted.
It's recommended to carry an extra key on your person or in the trunk of your vehicle, in case you misplace yours. A spare key can allow you to get back on the road quicker and save your money by preventing you from needing to call locksmith.
Depending on the model of car and key, you may need to call a locksmith to replace it. Dealerships will give you keys to replace, however it could cost towing fees and take several days to order. A professional locksmith will typically create a new key more quickly and at a lower cost and might even be capable of programming it to your vehicle automatically. They also provide various additional services to help you keep your car secure, such as the door seal kit or alarms that prevent theft. Visit PolicyBachat to learn more.
3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder
Over time your ignition key and cylinder will wear out. A worn-out cylinder may be stuck or jam when it is removed, inserted or turned, which could cause issues with starting and recharging your vehicle. It is common for these issues to take time to develop and then become more noticeable over time as the cylinder continues to wear.
This problem is most often manifested by the inability of insert the key into the lock or rotate the ignition cylinder. This is a sign that the cylinder needs to be replaced. It is possible to replace the cylinder yourself however it is generally recommended to get a professional.
The ignition cylinder is a small cylindrical piece of metal that is located within the lock cylinder housing and contains two tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a particular location that is suited to the correct key bumps. Over time the tumblers may get worn down or clogged with dirt. To resolve this issue you'll need to clean the ignition port. This can be accomplished with the use of a small bottle of graphite lubricant. You can purchase this at a local auto parts store and follow the directions on the label.
Take off the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your car. This will provide you with more clarity of the cylinder port. Look for a pin that is inserted into the cylinder's back. This is a security measure that keeps your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder isn't able to turn, then you will have to take off the pin that holds it in place to let it slide out of the housing.
The process is simple enough, but requires some time. Be sure to check that the pin is in accessory position before drilling. It is also important to note that there is a possibility of damaging your car's electronics and electrical systems if you drill into the wrong place. Make sure you mark the portion of the drill that extends from the keyway before drilling. This will act as a warning to stop you from damaging the cylinder drilling too deeply.
4. Locked out
The first thing you should do when you lock your keys in your vehicle is to not get scared. You might think that you're in a mess, but it's important to stay calm because there are many options and methods that you can get back in your vehicle without breaking the window or calling an emergency tow truck. You can use shoelaces packaging tape, bobbypins or Slim Jims to get back into your vehicle. It's important to remember that not all methods work, and you might need professional help in certain situations.
The key is to always 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 when you're in a crisis situation, it may be the best option. It's also worth noting that many roadside assistance plans, like the NRMA, offer members the option of getting into their vehicle without keys.
Another tip is to take deep breaths and walk around the exterior of your vehicle to see whether your keys are in any other door or in the trunk. If you're in a rush it's easy to miss something that is as simple as the door handle or rearview mirror. Be sure to check 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 for assistance. Oftentimes someone will be willing to help you out of a jam since they don't want you to be without a home. If they're not able help you, then you should take a look at calling roadside assistance, or determining if your vehicle insurance covers it.
Check the app of the car's manufacturer, or use your smart phone to turn your phone into a key fob so you can ensure that your key is not locked out in the future. You can also buy a key safe that is magnetic to keep your keys in the safe, keeping them away from thieves and hidden from.