The Reasons Car Lost Key Is More Difficult Than You Imagine
How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
Losing car keys is an incredibly stressful situation. It's not the worst thing in the world when you know how to deal with it.
First, find a spare key and put it in your safe place, or bring proof of ownership to the dealership to get a new one programmed. You can lose your keys in a variety of ways, which can affect how easy or hard it is to replace them.
1. Keys That Are Worn Out
Over time, keys for cars are subject to a lot of wear and tear. They are jingled around in pockets, rubbing against each other, and inserted into locks over and over again. They can lose their shape and not fit inside the ignition cylinder. If this happens, the key could either get stuck or it will not turn. It can be frustrating in both cases.
It's simple to avoid this by creating multiple copies of your brand new car key. You can then rotate them in order to reduce the wear on each one. Plus, if you ever lose your car keys, you'll have another spare.
You might also have to replace your key fob in case it has stopped working properly. As you've probably guessed that they are extremely handy to have and can perform many things including 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 worn out. They are tiny and delicate, usually being tossed around in your pocket or bag and can easily be snatched down or have buttons ripped off.
If this happens the first thing to do is to thoroughly examine all the places you might find it, including your bag or jacket and even places where you wouldn't normally put them (like in a shoebox). Call your dealership and ask whether they have spare keys available. If not, they'll make one for you and then have it paired with your vehicle. This isn't cheap however it's far better than the other.
You can further reduce the chance of this happening by avoiding adding any other items to your key ring and regularly lubricating your keys and lock. This will ensure that they both last longer and work properly. It's also a good idea to keep a spare key in a safe place such as with your family or with your friends, so you can always have it available when you need it.
2. Damaged Lock
If the key fits into the lock but you're unable to turn it, it might be a problem with the lock itself. The tumblers in the lock may be clogged with dirt and debris, which can make the mechanism feel stiff. A locksmith can use an oil-based tool to clean and lubricate the lock. This will allow it to feel more smooth.
A car lock that won't turn might have been jammed by force. A burglar might have tried to the door open using a device such as an axe or a bump key. If you see evidence of this on your door handle, you should take the car to a locksmith immediately. The locksmith can fix the issue and avoid further problems.
Some locksmiths offer services that disable your old keys inside the vehicle. replacing lost car keys makes it harder for thieves to take your vehicle. However, you'll need proof of your identity and proof that you're the owner of the vehicle to have this done. Usually, a V5C with your name is accepted.
It's recommended to carry a spare key on your person or in the trunk of your vehicle, in case you misplace yours. Having a spare will allow you to get back on the road swiftly and also prevents you from having to spend money on locksmith.
You may need to call a professional locksmith to replace keys based on your car. Dealerships can provide you with an alternative key, however it could cost a towing fee and take a few days to make. A professional locksmith can usually produce a new key much quicker and less expensive and might even be able to program it to your vehicle automatically. They also provide an array of additional services to help you keep your car secure like a door re-sealing kit or anti-theft alarms. Visit PolicyBachat to find out more about the services they offer.
3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder
Over time, the ignition cylinder and key may wear out. A worn-out cylinder can block or become stuck when inserted, removed, or turned, which could cause problems in starting and powering up your vehicle. These issues may develop slowly but will become more noticeable over time.
This problem is typically indicated by the inability to insert the key into the lock, or rotate the ignition cylinder. This is a clear indication that the cylinder has damaged and requires replacement. You can attempt to replace the cylinder on your own, but it is usually better to get it done by an expert.
The ignition cylinder is a tiny metal cylindrical piece which is found inside the lock cylinder housing. It contains two tumblers. Each tumbler has a distinct position and only fits the correct key bumps. In time, tumblers could get worn out or clogged with dirt. In order to fix this, you will have to clean the cylinder port of the ignition. This can be accomplished with a small bottle of graphite lubricant. You can purchase this at a local auto parts store and follow the directions on the label.
First, remove the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will provide you with more clarity of the port on the cylinder. Look for a pin that is inserted into the back of the cylinder. This is a security feature that protects your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder doesn't turn, you'll have to take off the pin that holds it to let it slide out of the housing.
The process is simple enough but requires some patience. 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. Note 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 deeply and causing damage to the cylinder housing.
4. Locked Out
If you've locked your keys inside your car, the very first thing to do is not to get scared. You might think you're in a huge mess, but it's crucial to remain calm as there are many options and methods that you can get back in your vehicle without damaging the window or calling a tow truck. If you're using shoelaces, bobby pins, packaging tape Slim Jims, or modified coat hangers made of wire, most of these methods will work if you have the right tool or trick. However, it's important keep in mind that not every method will work and that you may need to call an expert for assistance in certain situations.
It is essential to choose the least destructive option first. If you are in a crisis you might not be a fan of the idea of having someone else will let you into their car for you, but it is your best option. Many roadside assistance plans offer members the ability to access their vehicle without the need for a car key.
Relax, and then take a walk around the exterior of your car to check if you have your keys in any other doors or the trunk. It's easy for you to forget even the simplest things like the handle on a door or rearview mirror when you're in a hurry So, make sure you check everywhere.
If you're unable to get your car open, try to remain calm and ask for help from a neighbor or friend who's nearby. Most of the time strangers will be willing to assist you out of a jam because they don't want you to be left stranded. If they're unable to help you then you should call roadside assistance. You can also determine if your insurance covers this.
To avoid having a locked out key in the future, be sure you are checking your car manufacturer's app or utilize a smart device to turn your phone into a car key fob. You can also buy an electronic key safe to store your spare keys in the safe, which will keep them safe from thieves and out of sight.