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, provided you know what to do. The first step is to locate an extra key and store it in a safe place or take proof of ownership to the dealer to have a new one programmed. There are several ways to lose keys, which will determine how easy or difficult it is to replace them. 1. Keys That Are Worn Out Over time, keys for cars are subjected to a lot of wear and tear. They are often inserted into locks and pockets, jiggling around and smacked against one another. They can lose their form and not fit inside the ignition cylinder. If this happens, the key will be stuck or won't turn. Either way, it can be extremely annoying. It's easy to avoid this by creating multiple copies of your brand new car key. Then you can rotate them and reduce the amount of wear and tear each one goes through. Additionally, if you lose your car keys, you'll have another spare. Another reason you might need a replacement is that your key fob has stopped functioning properly. They are extremely useful and perform a variety of functions, such as unlocking doors, starting the engine, or even activating your alarm. It can happen for many reasons, but the most common reason is it is due to the button has worn out. They are tiny and delicate, frequently being tossed around in your pocket or bag and can be easily worn down or have buttons broken off. If this happens, the first thing you should do is thoroughly check 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). Contact your dealer and ask whether they have spare keys in stock. If they don't have it in inventory, they can request it and then pair it with your vehicle. This can be expensive but it's a lot superior to the alternatives. You can minimize the risk by not adding any other items to your key ring, and by regularly lubricating both your lock and the key. This will help them last longer and function properly. It's also recommended to keep a spare key in a safe place in your home, such as with family or friends, so that you'll be prepared for the time you require it. 2. Damaged Lock If the key fits inside the lock but you can't turn it, it could be a problem with the lock itself. The tumblers of the lock could be clogged up with dirt and other debris. This can cause the mechanism to feel stiff. A locksmith can use a specific tool to clean out and lubricate the lock, helping it feel smooth again. Another reason why a car lock doesn't turn is because it was jammed by force. A thief might have used a tool, such as a bump key or a hammer to force the door open. If you notice evidence of this on the door handle, take the car to a locksmith as soon as possible. The locksmith can repair the damage and avoid future issues. Some locksmiths offer services that disable your old keys inside your vehicle. This makes it more difficult for thieves to take your vehicle. However, you'll need proof of identity and proof that you are the owner of the vehicle to be able to avail this service. Usually, a V5C that bears your name is accepted. It is also advisable 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 back on the road in a hurry and also prevents you from having to pay for locksmith. Depending on the type of car and key, you may have to contact a locksmith to replace it. Dealerships can supply replacement keys, but they require a towing charge and will likely need to purchase one for you, which can take a few days. A professional locksmith can produce a key much quicker and at a lower cost. They might even be able to program it to communicate with your vehicle on autopilot. They can also provide various services to keep your vehicle safe, including an resealing kit for doors and alarms that prevent theft. Find out more by visiting PolicyBachat. 3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder Over time your ignition key and cylinder may wear out. A worn-out cylinder could block or become stuck when it is inserted, removed or turned, which can cause issues with starting and powering up your vehicle. These issues may develop slowly but will become more noticeable as time passes. This problem is most often manifested by the inability of insert the key into the lock or rotate the ignition cylinder. This is a clear sign that the cylinder has damaged and requires replacement. You could try replacing the cylinder on your own, but it is recommended to have it done by an expert. 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 specific location that is suited to the correct key bumps. As time passes the tumblers may get worn down or clogged with dirt. In order to fix this issue, you'll need to clean the ignition cylinder port. This can be done using tiny bottles of graphite lubricant. You can purchase this at your local auto parts store and follow the instructions on the label. First, remove the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will provide you with an easier view of the port on the cylinder. Look for a pin 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 rotate, you'll need to remove the pin that holds it in place to allow it to slide out of the housing. The procedure is simple however, it takes patience. Make sure that the pin is in the accessory position before drilling. It is also important to keep in mind that there is a risk of damaging your vehicle's electronics and electrical systems by drilling in the wrong location. Note Recommended Browsing of the drill that protrudes from the keyway before drilling. This will act as a signal to prevent you from drilling too deeply and damaging the cylinder housing. 4. Locked out If you've accidentally locked your keys inside your vehicle, the first thing to do is not to be in a panic. Stay calm. You may think you're in a mess, but there are many options to get back into your car without damaging the windows or calling a tow truck. You can make use of shoelaces, packaging tape, bobbypins, or Slim Jims to get into your vehicle. However, it's important be aware that not every method will work, and you may need to contact a professional for help in certain instances. The key is to always look for the least destructive solution first. You might not like the idea of someone else helping you open your car, but in an emergency situation, it could be the best option. It's important to note that a number of roadside assistance plans, including the NRMA offers members the option of accessing their vehicle without having a key. Relax, and then go around the outside of your car to see if you have your keys in other doors or in the trunk. It's easy to lose something as simple as the handle on a door or rearview mirror when you're in a hurry, so be sure to check everywhere. If you're still not able to unlock your car, remain calm and contact your neighbor or a friend who is nearby for assistance. A stranger might be able to assist you if they don't wish to leave you in a bind. If they're unable to assist you and you are stuck, it is best to contact roadside assistance. You can also determine whether your insurance will cover this. Check the app of your car's manufacturer or use an android phone to convert your phone into a key fob so you can avoid having your key locked out in the future. You can also purchase a magnetic key safe to store your spare keys in the safe, which will keep keys safe from thieves and out of view.
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