Car Lost Key Tips From The Best In The Industry
How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
The loss of car keys is an unimaginable scenario. It's not the worst thing that could happen If you know how to handle it.
The first step is to locate an extra key and store it in a safe location, or bring proof of ownership to the dealership to have a new one programmed. There are several ways you can lose your keys, which will determine how easy or difficult it is to replace them.
1. Keys that are worn out
Over time, keys to cars get many wear. They are often jingled in pockets, rubbing against one others, and then put into locks over and over again. They can lose their shape and not fit inside the ignition cylinder. The key may become stuck or not turn if this happens. It can be a hassle in both instances.
Luckily, it's easy to avoid this from happening by making duplicate copies of your vehicle key when it's new. Then you can rotate them to reduce the amount of wear each one undergoes. You can also use the spare key if you lose your car keys.
Another reason you might need a replacement is that your key fob has stopped functioning properly. They are extremely useful and can be used for a variety of things, including opening doors, starting the engine, and triggering your alarm. This could be due to various reasons however the most common is that it's damaged from use. They are small, delicate and often jostled in your bag or pocket. The buttons can easily be broken or worn down.
If this occurs the first thing you should do is check thoroughly in all the places you might find it, including your jacket or bag and even in places you wouldn't normally put them (like inside a box for shoeshine). Next, contact your dealer to inquire if they've got an extra key available. If they don't have one in the store, they can purchase it and attach it to your vehicle. This can be expensive but it's a lot better than the alternative.
You can further reduce the risk of this happening by not adding any other things to your key ring and regularly lubricating your keys and lock. This will ensure that they both last longer and perform as they should. You should also keep a spare in a safe area, like with family or friends. This ensures that you always have the key in case you need it.
2. Damaged Lock
If you can turn the key but it doesn't fit in the lock, it could be a problem with the lock. The tumblers of the lock could 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 allow it to feel more smooth.
A car lock that isn't able to turn might have been jammed by force. The thief could have used a tool such as bump keys or a pick to pry the door open. If you see any evidence of this on the door handle, take your car to a professional locksmith as soon as you can. The locksmith can repair the damage and avoid future problems.
Certain locksmiths offer a service that disables your old key inside your vehicle. This makes it more difficult for thieves to take your vehicle. However, you'll require proof of identity and evidence that you are the owner of the vehicle in order to get this done. Usually, a V5C bearing your name will be accepted.
It's also a good idea to keep a spare key on your person or in the trunk of your car in case you lose yours. Having a spare will allow you to get back on the road quickly and prevents you from needing to pay for a locksmith.
Based on the type of car and key, you may need to contact a locksmith to replace it. Dealerships can provide replacement keys, however they require a towing charge and you may have to order one for you, which can take days. A professional locksmith can produce a key much quicker and less expensive. They might even be able 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 anti-theft alarms. Find out more on PolicyBachat.
3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder
Over time your ignition key and cylinder will wear out. A worn out cylinder may block or become stuck when it is removed, inserted, or turned. This can cause issues in starting and powering up your vehicle. These issues can be gradual, but become more noticeable as time passes.
This problem is most often indicated by the inability to insert the key into the lock, or turn the ignition cylinder. This indicates that the cylinder must be replaced. You can attempt to replace the cylinder by yourself, however it is generally better to get it done by professionals.
The ignition cylinder consists of a small cylindrical piece of metal which is contained inside the lock housing of the cylinder. It has two tumblers. Each tumbler has a distinct location and is only suited to the correct key bumps. As time passes the tumblers will become 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 the smallest bottle of graphite lubricant. lost key to car can buy this at a local auto parts store and follow the directions on the label.
Remove the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your car. This will let you view the cylinder port more clearly. Look for a pin in the back of the cylinder. This is a safety feature that protects your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder will not turn, you'll have to remove the pin in order to allow it to slide out of the housing.
The process is easy however, it takes patience. Be sure to check that the pin is in the accessory position prior to drilling. You can also harm your car's electrical and electronic systems if you drill in the wrong location. Before drilling, be certain to mark the part of the drill bit that is protruding from the keyway with tape. This will serve as an indicator to prevent you from damaging the cylinder by drilling too deeply.
4. Locked out
If you've accidentally locked your keys in your car, the first thing to do is not to be in a panic. You may think that you're in a mess, but it's crucial to stay calm because there are many solutions and methods you can get back into your vehicle without damaging the window or calling an emergency tow truck. It doesn't matter if you're using shoelaces packaging tape, bobby pins Slim Jims, or modified wire coat hangers, most of these methods will work with the right tool or trick. It's important to note that there are many different methods that be effective, and you may require assistance from a professional in certain situations.
The key is to always take the most non-destructive approach first. You may not like the idea of a stranger helping you unlock your car, but in an emergency situation, it might be the best option. A lot of roadside assistance plans give their members the option to enter their vehicle 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 the trunk. When you're in a rush it's easy to miss something that is as simple as the door handle or rearview mirror. Be sure to check everywhere.
If you're still not able to unlock your car, stay calm and call your neighbor or a friend who's nearby for help. Oftentimes, a stranger will be willing to assist you out of a jam because they don't want to be left stranded. If they're not able to assist you then you should contact roadside assistance. You can also determine if your insurance covers this.
Check the app of the manufacturer of your car or use your smart phone to turn your phone into a key fob in order to avoid having your key locked out in the future. You can also purchase keys with magnetic locks to store your spares keys to keep them out of sight and safe from theft.