The Reasons Car Lost Key Is More Difficult Than You Think
How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
It's an absolute nightmare to lose your car keys. However, it's not the end of the world provided you know what to do.
First, locate a spare key and keep it in your safe place or bring proof of ownership to the dealer to have a new one programmed. There are many ways to lose keys, which will determine how easy or difficult it is to replace them.
1. Worn Out Key
Over time, keys to cars get to a lot of wear. They are jingled around in pockets, rub against each other, and inserted into locks repeatedly again. This causes them to lose their shape, which can lead to them no longer fitting into the ignition cylinder correctly. The key will either become stuck or not turn in the event of this. It can be frustrating in both cases.
It's simple to avoid this by making multiple copies of your new car key. You can then rotate them to reduce the wear on each. Additionally, if you lose your car keys, you have another spare.
You might also have to replace your key fob if it's stopped working properly. They are extremely useful and perform a variety of functions, such as opening doors, starting the engine, and activating your alarm. It can happen for many reasons, but most commonly it is because the button has been worn out. They are tiny and delicate, frequently being tossed around in your pocket or bag and can easily be snatched down or have buttons ripped off.
In this situation you should look into all possible places like your bag, jacket and places you would not normally store them (like in a shoe shine box). Contact your dealership and inquire whether they have spare keys in stock. If they don't have one in the store, they can purchase it and attach it to your vehicle. It can be expensive but it's more efficient than the alternative.
You can also reduce 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 both last longer and perform as they should. You should also keep a spare in a safe area, like with your family or friends. This ensures that you always have the key when you require it.
2. Damaged Lock
If you are able to turn the key, but it isn't able to fit into the lock, it could be a problem with the lock. The tumblers in the lock may be clogged with dirt and debris, which could make the mechanism feel stiff. A locksmith can use an oil-lubricated tool to clean and lubricate a lock. This will make it feel more comfortable.
Another reason why that a car lock won't turn is that it was jammed by force. A burglar might have used a tool, such as a bump key or a pick to pry the door open. If you find evidence of this on the door handle, you should take your vehicle to an experienced locksmith as quickly as you can. The locksmith will be able to repair the damage and prevent future problems.
Certain locksmiths offer services that disable your old keys inside your vehicle. This makes it more difficult for thieves to take your vehicle. You'll require proof of identity and evidence that you are the owner of the vehicle in order to be able to avail this service. A V5C form that has your name on it will usually be accepted.
It's recommended to carry a spare key on your person or in the trunk of your vehicle, in case you misplace yours. car lost key replacement can allow you to get back on the road quickly and prevents you from having to pay for locksmith.
You might need to contact a professional locksmith to replace the key depending on the vehicle. Dealerships can supply replacement keys, however they require a towing charge and will likely need to purchase one for you, which could take a few days. A professional locksmith can usually make a new key faster and cheaper and could be able to program it to your vehicle in a way that is automatic. They also provide an array of additional services to help ensure your vehicle is secure like the door seal kit or alarms to prevent theft. Find out more on PolicyBachat.
3. Clogged Ignition cylinder
Over time your key and ignition cylinder can wear out. A worn out cylinder may jam or bind when it is removed, inserted, or turned which can interfere with powering on and starting your vehicle. These problems can develop slowly but will become more noticeable as time passes.
One of the most frequent symptoms of this issue is when the key can't be put into the lock or is not able to rotate within the ignition cylinder. This is a sign the cylinder must be replaced. It is possible to replace the cylinder on your own however it is generally recommended to hire a professional.
The ignition cylinder consists of a small cylindrical piece of metal which is contained inside the lock housing for the cylinder. It has two tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a specific location that is suited to the appropriate key bumps. As time passes, the tumblers can be worn out or blocked with dirt. To fix this, you will need to clean the ignition cylinder port. You can do this using the smallest 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 more clarity of the cylinder port. Look for a pin that is placed in the back of the cylinder. This is a security feature that prevents your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder does not turn, you will need to remove the retention pin in order to allow it to slide out of the housing.
The procedure is simple but it requires patience. Before drilling the pin, ensure that the pin is in the accessory position. It is also important to keep in mind that there is a chance of causing damage to the car's electronic and electrical systems if you drill in the wrong location. Before drilling, make sure to mark the area of the drill bit that is protruding out of the keyway with tape. This acts as a warning to stop you from drilling too far and damaging the cylinder housing.
4. Locked Out
The first thing you need to do when you lock your keys in your vehicle is to not get scared. Stay calm. You may think you're in a bind, but there are many options to get back into your car without damaging windows or calling a tow-truck. You can make use of shoelaces, bobbypins, packaging tape or Slim Jims to get back into your vehicle. It's important to remember that not all methods will work, and you may require assistance from a professional in certain situations.
It is important to always pick the safest option first. It's possible that you don't like the idea of someone else helping you unlock your car, but if you're in an emergency situation, it might be your best option. A lot of roadside assistance plans give their customers the option to open their car without having a car key.
Relax, and then take a walk around the exterior of your car to determine if you've got your keys in any of the doors or in the trunk. It's easy for you to forget something as simple as the door handle or rearview mirror when you're in a rush Be sure to look everywhere.
If you're unable to get your car open keep your cool and seek help from a family member or friend who's nearby. A stranger may be willing to help you should they not want to leave you stranded. If they're not able to assist you then you should contact roadside assistance. You can also check whether your insurance covers this.
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 keep your keys from being locked out in the future. You can also buy a magnetic key safe to store your spare keys in the safe, which will keep them away from thieves and out of sight.