How To Tell If You're Set To Go After Car Lost Key
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.
First, find a spare key and put it in a safe location or take proof of ownership to the dealership to get a new one programmed. Keys can be lost in different ways, which will impact the ease or difficulty it is to replace them.
1. Worn Out Key
Over time, keys for automobiles are subjected to many wear. They are jingled around in pockets, rubbing against each others, and then put into locks over and over again. This causes them to lose their shape, which may lead to them no longer fitting into the ignition cylinder in a proper way. The key could become stuck or not turn in the event of this. It can be frustrating in both cases.
It's simple to avoid this by creating multiple copies of your new car key. You can then rotate them to reduce the wear on each one. Additionally, if you lose your car keys, you'll have another spare.
Another reason to consider replacement is if your key fob has stopped functioning properly. They are extremely useful and can perform a variety of functions, such as unlocking doors, starting the engine, and activating your alarm. This could be due to a few reasons, but the most common is that they've worn down from daily use. They are tiny fragile and can be easily smashed in your purse or pocket. The buttons could easily be broken or worn down.
If this happens the first thing to do is to thoroughly examine all places that you might find it, including your bag or jacket, and even the places you wouldn't normally store them (like inside a shoeshine box). The next step is to call your dealer to see if they have an extra key available. If not, they can order one for you and get it fitted to your vehicle. This can be expensive but it's a lot superior to the alternatives.
You can also lower the risk of this happening by avoiding adding any other items to your key ring and regularly lubricating your keys and lock. This will make them both last longer and work properly. It's also an excellent idea to keep the spare key in a safe place such as with your family or 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 may be an issue with the lock. The lock tumblers could be blocked by dirt and debris, which could make the mechanism feel stiff. A locksmith can use a specific tool to clean and lubricate the lock to make it feel smooth again.
Another reason why the lock on your car doesn't turn is that it was forced to close. A burglar might have used a tool, such as a bump key or a pick to open the door open. If you find evidence of this on the door handle, you should take your vehicle to a professional locksmith as soon as possible. The locksmith can fix the damage and avoid future issues.
i ve lost my car keys what can i do provide the option of disabling your old key inside your vehicle. This makes it more difficult for someone to steal your vehicle. You'll need proof of your identity as well as proof that you have ownership of the vehicle before this can be done. A V5C form with your name on it will usually be accepted.
It is recommended to keep a spare car key in your trunk or on your person in the event that you lose it. A spare key can allow you to get to the road more quickly and save you money by preventing from having to call locksmith.
You might need to contact a professional locksmith to change the key based on the car. Dealerships can provide you with keys to replace, however it may cost a towing fee and require several days to get. A professional locksmith can usually create a new key faster and cheaper and might even be capable of programming it to your vehicle automatically. They can also offer a range of additional services to help keep your car secure like the door seal kit or alarms to prevent theft. Visit PolicyBachat to find out more.
3. Clogged ignition Cylinder
Over time, your key and ignition cylinder will wear out. A worn-out cylinder could be stuck or jam when it is inserted, removed or turned, which could cause issues with starting and recharging your vehicle. It is typical for these issues to take time to develop and become more pronounced over time as the cylinder wears out.
One of the most common symptoms of this issue is when the lock key cannot be put into the lock or not able to rotate in the cylinder for ignition. This is a clear sign that the cylinder has worn out and requires replacement. It is possible to replace the cylinder on your own however it is generally recommended to get a professional.
The ignition cylinder is a tiny metal cylindrical part that is located inside the lock cylinder housing and includes two tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a particular location that is suited to the key bumps that are appropriate. As time passes, tumblers can get worn out or clogged with dirt. To fix this issue, you'll need to clean the cylinder port of the ignition. You can do this using a small bottle graphite lubricant. You can buy this product at your local auto parts store. Follow the instructions on the bottle.
First, remove the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will let you see the cylinder port more clearly. Look for a pin inserted into the back of the cylinder. This is a security feature that protects your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder isn't able to turn, you'll need to remove the pin that holds it in place to let it slide 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. It is also possible to cause damage to your car's electrical or electronic systems when you drill in the wrong spot. Note the part of the drill that is protruding from the keyway prior to drilling. This acts as a flag to prevent you from drilling too far and causing damage to the housing of the cylinder.
4. Locked Out
When you accidentally lock your keys inside your vehicle, the first thing to do is not to get scared. Be calm. You might think you're in a mess but there are a variety of options to get back into your car without breaking the windows or calling a tow-truck. You can make use of shoelaces, bobbypins, packaging tape or Slim Jims to get into your vehicle. But, it's important to keep in mind that not every method will work and that you may need to contact a professional for assistance in some cases.
The most important thing is to try the least destructive solution first. It's possible that you don't like the idea of someone else helping you get into your car, however in an emergency situation, it might be the best option. It's important to note that a number of roadside assistance plans, including the NRMA offers members the option of getting into their vehicle without having a key.
Another idea is to take deep breaths and walk around the exterior of your car to check if your keys are inside any other door or in the trunk. When you're in a rush it's easy to forget something as basic as the door handle or the rearview mirror. Be sure to check everywhere.
If you're still struggling to open your car, try to remain calm and seek help from a neighbor or friend who's nearby. Oftentimes someone will be willing to assist you out of a jam because they don't want to be without a home. If they're not able to assist you and you are stuck, it is best to contact roadside assistance. You may also inquire whether your insurance will cover this.
Make sure you download the app from your 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 buy keys with magnetic locks to store keys you have left over and keep them out of the way and away from thieves.