How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
It's a nightmare to lose your car keys. It's not the worst thing that could happen when you know how to deal with it.
You can either bring in proof of ownership or bring in a spare key to the dealer for a new one programmed. Keys can be lost in different ways, which will impact how easy or hard it is to replace them.
1. lost keys for car no spare
Over time, keys for cars are subject to a lot of wear and tear. They are often put into locks, jingled around in pockets and rubbed against each other. This causes them to lose their shape, which may cause them to stop fitting into the ignition cylinder correctly. The key may get stuck or stop turning if this happens. It can be a hassle in both instances.
It's simple to avoid this by making multiple copies of your brand new car key. You can then rotate them to reduce the wear on each. You can also utilize the spare key in the event that you have lost your car keys.
Another reason you might need replacement is if the key fob you have is not functioning properly. They are extremely useful and be used for a variety of things, including opening doors, starting the engine, or even activating your alarm. This could be due to various reasons however the most common is that it's just worn out from regular use. They are small fragile and can be easily smashed in your pocket or bag. The buttons could easily break or wear down.
In this instance, you should check all possible locations such as your jacket, bag, and even places you wouldn't normally put them (like in a shoe shine box). Contact your dealership and inquire whether they have spare keys on hand. If they don't have one in inventory, they can request it and pair it with your vehicle. It's not cheap, but it is better than the alternatives.
You can also lower the chance 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 perform as they should. It's also an excellent idea to keep the spare key in a safe place in your home, such as with family or with your friends, so you'll always have it when you need it.
2. Damaged Lock
If you can turn the key, but it isn't able to fit into the lock, there could be a problem with the lock. The tumblers of the lock could be clogged up with dirt and debris. This could cause the mechanism to feel stiff. A locksmith can use an oil-lubricated tool to clean and lubricate the lock. This will make it feel smoother.
Another reason why a car lock doesn't turn is because 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 evidence of this on the door handle, you should bring your vehicle to a locksmith as soon as possible. The locksmith can fix the damage and prevent further issues.
Some locksmiths provide a service that disables your old key inside the vehicle. This makes it harder for thieves to take your vehicle. But, you'll need proof of identity and proof that you're the owner of the vehicle to be able to avail this service. A V5C form with your name on it will typically be accepted.
It's also a good idea to carry a spare key on your person or in the trunk of your car just in case you lose your key. A spare key will help you get on the road faster and save you money by preventing you from having to call a locksmith.
You may have to call an expert locksmith to replace keys based on your car. Dealerships will provide you with a replacement key, but it could cost a towing fee and require several days to get. A professional locksmith will be able to make a key faster and cheaper. They may even be able to program it to connect to your vehicle automatically. They can also offer an array of additional services to help you ensure your vehicle is secure like the door seal kit or alarms that prevent theft. Find out more on PolicyBachat.
3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder
Over time your ignition key and cylinder will wear out. A worn out cylinder may block or become stuck when inserted, removed, or turned which can interfere with powering on and starting your vehicle. These issues may develop slowly but will become more noticeable over time.
One of the most frequent symptoms of this issue is when the lock key cannot be inserted into the lock, or is not able to rotate in the ignition cylinder. This is a clear indication that your cylinder has gotten damaged and requires replacement. You can try to replace the cylinder by yourself, however it is usually better to have it done by a professional.
The ignition cylinder is a small metal cylindrical piece which is found inside the lock cylinder housing and has two tumblers. Each tumbler has a specific position and can only fit the right key bumps. As time passes, tumblers can be worn out or blocked with dirt. To fix this issue, you'll have to clean the ignition cylinder port. This can be accomplished with a small bottle of graphite lubricant. You can buy this product from your local auto parts store. Follow the instructions on the bottle.
The first step is to remove the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will provide you with an easier view of the port on the cylinder. Find a pin that is inserted into the back of the cylinder. This is a security feature that prevents your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder does not turn, then you will have to take off the pin that holds it in place to allow it to slide out of the housing.
The procedure is simple, but it requires patience. Make sure the pin is in accessory position before drilling. You can also harm your car's electrical and electronic systems if you drill in the wrong spot. Before drilling, be sure to mark the area of the drill bit that is protruding from the keyway with tape. This will act as an indicator to prevent you from causing damage to the cylinder by drilling too deeply.
4. Locked Out
If you've locked your keys inside your car, the first thing to do is not to be in a panic. You might think that you're in a huge mess, but it's essential to remain calm as there are plenty of solutions and ways that you can get back in your vehicle without damaging the window or calling the tow truck. It doesn't matter if you're using shoelaces bobby pins, packaging tape Slim Jims, or modified wire coat hangers, most of these methods will work if you have the right tool or trick. It is important to keep in mind that there are many different methods that work, and you might require assistance from a professional in certain situations.
It is important to always select the least damaging option first. If you are in a crisis, you may not like the idea that someone else will be able to open your car for you, but it is the best choice. A lot of roadside assistance plans give their customers the option to access their vehicle without having a car key.
Take a deep breath and then take a walk around the exterior of your car to see if you have your keys in any other doors or the trunk. It's easy to forget something as simple as the handle on a door or rearview mirror when you're in a rush So, make sure you check everywhere.
If you're not able to unlock your car, be calm and ask an acquaintance or a neighbor who is nearby to help. Most of the time someone will be willing to assist you out of a jam because they don't want to be left without a home. If they're not able to assist you, you must take a look at calling roadside assistance, or determining if your vehicle insurance will cover it.
Make sure you download the app from the car's manufacturer, or use your smart phone to turn your phone into a key fob to ensure that your key is not locked out in the future. You can also purchase keys with magnetic locks to store your spares keys, which will keep them safe and away from thieves.