How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
Losing your car keys can be an unimaginable scenario. It's not the most stressful thing in the world If you know how to deal with it.
The first step is to locate a spare key and keep it in a safe place or bring evidence of ownership to the dealership to have a new one programmed. There are many ways you can lose your keys, and this will determine how simple or difficult it is to replace them.
1. Keys that are worn out
Over time, keys to cars are subjected to a lot of wear. They are often put into locks, jingled around in pockets and rubbed against each other. This can cause them to lose their shape, which could lead to them no longer fitting into the ignition cylinder in a proper way. If this happens, the key could either become stuck or won't turn. It can be a hassle in both instances.
Fortunately, it's simple to stop this from happening by creating additional copies of your car key when it's new. You can then rotate them in order to reduce the wear on each. In addition, if you lose your car keys, you have another spare.
Another reason to consider a replacement is that the key fob you have is not functioning properly. They are extremely useful and be used for a variety of things, including opening doors, starting the engine, and triggering your alarm. This could be due to several reasons but the most frequent is that it's worn down from daily use. They are small and delicate, usually being tossed around in your pocket or bag and are able to be worn down or have buttons ripped off.
In this situation you should look into all possible locations such as your jacket, bag, and places you would not normally put them (like in a shoe shine box). The next step is to call your dealer to inquire if they've got an extra key available. If not, they can purchase one for you and get it fitted to your vehicle. It's expensive however it's better than the alternatives.
You can also reduce the likelihood of this happening by avoiding adding any other things to your key ring and regularly lubricating your key and lock. This will make them both last longer and function properly. It's also recommended to keep a spare key in a safe location, like with your family or with your friends, so you can always be prepared for the time you require it.
2. Damaged Lock
If the key fits inside the lock but you're unable to turn it, it could be a problem with the lock itself. The tumblers of the lock could be blocked by dirt and debris. This could cause the mechanism to feel stiff. Locksmiths can employ an oil-based tool to clean and lubricate the 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 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 an experienced locksmith as quickly as possible. The locksmith can repair the damage and avoid future issues.
Some locksmiths offer a service to disable your old key inside the vehicle, making it more difficult for anyone to take your vehicle. You'll need to provide proof of your identity as well as proof that you own the vehicle before you can do this. A V5C form with your name on it will usually be accepted.
It's recommended to carry an extra key on your person or in the trunk of your car just in case you lose your key. A spare key can help you get to the road more quickly and can save your money by preventing you from needing to call a locksmith.
Based on the type of vehicle and the key, you may need to contact a locksmith in order to get a new key. Dealerships will provide you with a replacement key, but it could cost a towing fee and take several days to order. A professional locksmith can usually produce a new key much more quickly and at a lower cost and could be capable of programming it to your vehicle in a way that is automatic. They can also offer various additional services that can help you keep your car secure including a door re-sealing kit or anti-theft alarms. Find out more by visiting PolicyBachat.
3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder
Over time the ignition cylinder and key can wear out. A worn-out cylinder could block or become stuck when it is removed, inserted or turned, which could cause issues with starting and recharging your vehicle. It is common for these problems to develop slowly and then become more noticeable over time as the cylinder continues to wear.
One of the most common symptoms of this issue is when the key can't be inserted into the lock or not able to rotate in the ignition cylinder. This is a sign that the cylinder needs to be replaced. It is possible to replace the cylinder on your own, but it's usually best to hire an expert.
The ignition cylinder is a small cylindrical piece of metal that is situated inside the lock cylinder housing. https://www.g28carkeys.co.uk/replace-lost-car-keys-near-me/ has a pair of tumblers. Each tumbler has a specific position and only fits the correct key bumps. As time passes the tumblers may become worn down or clogged with dirt. In order to fix this, you will have to clean the cylinder port of the ignition. You can do this using a small bottle graphite oil. You can purchase this product at your local auto parts store. Follow the directions on the bottle.
The first step is to remove the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will give you more clarity of the port on the cylinder. Look for a pin inserted into the back of the cylinder. This is a security measure that protects your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder isn't able to turn, then you will have to take off the retention pin to let it slide out of the housing.
The process is straightforward enough but requires some patience. Make sure the pin is in the accessory position before drilling. You can also cause damage to your car's electrical or electronic systems if you drill in the wrong location. Mark the part of the drill that extends from the keyway before drilling. This will serve as a warning sign to keep you from causing damage to the cylinder by drilling too deeply.
4. Locked out
If you've locked the keys to your car, the first thing to do is try not to get scared. Be calm. You may think that you are in a mess however, there are plenty of solutions to get back into your car without damaging windows or calling a tow-truck. You can use shoelaces, packaging tape, bobbypins, or Slim Jims to get into your vehicle. However, it's important to be aware that not all methods can be successful and you might need to contact an expert for assistance in certain instances.
It is important to always choose the least destructive option first. It's possible that you don't like the idea of a stranger helping you open your car, but when you're in a crisis situation, it might be the best solution. It's worth noting that a lot of roadside assistance plans, including the NRMA provide members with the option of getting into their vehicle without keys.
Relax, and then walk around your car's exterior to determine if you've got your keys in any other doors or in the trunk. When you're in a hurry, it's easy to overlook something as basic as the door handle or rearview mirror. Make sure you 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 may be willing to help you in the event that they don't want to leave you in a bind. If they're not able help you, then you should think about calling roadside assistance or seeing if your car insurance will cover it.
Use the app of your car's manufacturer or use your smart phone to turn your phone into a key fob so you can avoid having your key locked out in the future. You can also purchase a magnetic keysafe to store your spares keys and keep them safe and away from thieves.