How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
Losing car keys is a nightmare scenario. It's not the worst thing in the world if you know how to deal with it.
You can either bring in evidence of ownership or a spare key to the dealer to have a new one programmed. There are several ways to lose keys, which will determine how simple or difficult it is to replace them.
1. Key Worn Out
Over time, keys for cars are subject to a lot of wear and wear and tear. They are often put into 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. The key may be stuck or not turn when this happens. It can be frustrating in either case.
It's easy to avoid this by creating multiple copies of your new car key. Then you can rotate them to reduce the amount of wear and tear each one experiences. Plus, if you ever lose your car keys, you'll have another spare.
Another reason why you may require an upgrade is that your key fob isn't functioning properly. As you know, these are very handy to have and they do many things including unlocking your doors, and even starting your engine to activating the 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 and delicate, frequently being jostled around in your bag or pocket and can be easily worn down or have buttons ripped off.
In this case you must check all possible locations, including your bag, jacket, and other places where you would normally put them (like in a shoe shine box). Contact your dealer and ask whether they have spare keys in stock. If not, they'll purchase one for you and have it paired with your vehicle. It can be expensive, but it is better than the alternative.
You can also lower the risk of this happening by avoiding adding any other items to your key ring, and regularly lubricating your key and lock. This will ensure that they last longer and function properly. It's also an excellent idea to keep an extra key in a secure location in your home, such as with family or friends, so you'll always have it available when you need it.
2. Damaged Lock
If you can turn the key but it's not able to fit inside the lock, it could be an issue with the lock. The tumblers in the lock may be blocked by dirt and other debris. This can cause the mechanism to feel stiff. Locksmiths can employ an oiled tool to clean and lubricate the lock. This will make it feel smoother.
A car lock that doesn't turn could have been jammed by force. The thief could have used a tool such as bump keys or a pick to open the door open. If you notice evidence of this on your door handle, you should bring the vehicle to a locksmith immediately. The locksmith can fix the damage and avoid future problems.
Certain locksmiths offer a service that disables your old key inside the vehicle. This makes it more difficult for thieves to take your vehicle. You'll need proof of your 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.
It is recommended to keep an extra car key in your trunk or on your person in case you lose it. A spare key will help you get to the road more quickly and also save your money by preventing you from having to call locksmith.
You may have to call a professional locksmith to change the key based on the car. Dealerships are able to provide replacement keys, however they will require a towing fee and you may have to order one for you, which could take a few days. A professional locksmith can typically create a new key quicker and less expensive and might even be in a position to program it to your vehicle in a way that is automatic. They also offer a range of services to keep your vehicle safe, such as a door resealing kit and anti-theft alarms. Find out more on PolicyBachat.
3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder
Over time your key and ignition cylinder can wear out. A worn-out cylinder could jam or bind as it is inserted, removed or turned, which could cause issues with starting and powering up your car. These problems can develop slowly but they will become more apparent as time passes.
One of the most typical signs of this problem is when the key can't be inserted into the lock, or is not able to rotate in the cylinder for ignition. This indicates that the cylinder must be replaced. It is possible to replace the cylinder yourself however, it's generally better to seek out an expert.
The ignition cylinder is a tiny cylindrical piece of metal which is found inside the lock cylinder housing. It includes two tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a certain position that only fits the correct key bumps. Over time the tumblers will be worn out or blocked with dirt. To fix this problem it is necessary to clean the ignition port. This can be done using tiny bottles of graphite oil. You can buy this product at your local auto parts store. Follow the instructions on the bottle.
First, take off replace lost car key and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will give you a clearer view of the cylinder port. Find a pin that is inserted into the cylinder's back. This is a security measure that protects your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder does not turn, you'll need to remove the retention pin in order to allow it to slide out of the housing.
The procedure is easy enough, but it requires a bit of patience. Before drilling the pin, make sure that the pin is in the accessory position. It is also important to note that there is a chance of causing damage to your vehicle's electronics and electrical systems if you drill into the wrong spot. Before drilling, be sure to mark the area of the drill bit protruding from the keyway with tape. This will serve as an indicator to prevent you from damaging the cylinder drilling too deeply.
4. Locked Out
The first thing to do when you lock your keys in your vehicle is to not get scared. Stay calm. You might think you're in a bind however, there are plenty of solutions to get back into your car without damaging windows or calling a tow-truck. Whether it's using shoelaces, packaging tape, bobby pins Slim Jims, or modified coat hangers made from wire Most of these strategies can be used with the correct tool or trick. It's important to remember that not all methods work, and you may need professional help in certain situations.
It is crucial to select the least damaging option first. If you are in an emergency you might not like the idea of having someone else will open your vehicle for you, but it's the best choice. It's also worth noting that many roadside assistance plans, including the NRMA, offer members the option of getting into their vehicle without keys.
Another idea is to take an inhale and walk around the exterior of your car to determine if your keys are inside any other door or in the trunk. It's easy for you to forget something as simple as the handle on a door or rearview mirror when you're in a rush So, make sure you look everywhere.
If you're still stuck in the process of unlocking your car, stay calm and call an acquaintance or a neighbor who is nearby for assistance. Sometimes, a stranger will be willing to assist you out of a jam since they don't want you to be left without a home. If they're not able to help you and you are stuck, it is best to contact roadside assistance. You can also determine if your insurance covers this.
Use the app of the car's manufacturer, or use an android phone to convert your phone into a key fob to keep your keys from being locked out in the future. You can also purchase a magnetic keysafe to store keys you have left over, which will keep them out of the way and away from thieves.
