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 in the world when you know how to deal with it.

You can bring evidence of ownership or a spare key to the dealer for a new one programmed. There are many ways to lose your keys, and this will determine how easy or difficult it is to replace them.

1. Key Worn Out

Over time, keys for cars are subjected to a lot of wear and tear. They are often jingled in pockets, rub against each with each other, and then inserted into locks over and over again. They can lose their form and won't fit into the ignition cylinder. The key will either become stuck or not turn if this happens. It can be frustrating in both cases.

It's easy to avoid this by making multiple copies of your brand new car key. Then you can rotate them, reducing the amount of wear and tear each one undergoes. You can also make use of the spare key in case you lose your car keys.

You may also need to replace your key fob if it's stopped working properly. As you've guessed, these are very handy to have and they do a variety of jobs such as unlocking your doors and starting your engine to activating the alarm. It can happen due to several reasons however the most common is that it's just worn out from regular use. They are small delicate and are often tossed around in your pocket or bag. The buttons can easily be damaged or worn down.

If this occurs, the first thing you need to do is thoroughly check every place it could be, including your bag or jacket, and even places where you wouldn't normally store them (like inside a shoeshine box). Call your dealership and ask if they have spare keys available. If they don't have a spare key in the store, they can purchase it and pair it with your vehicle. This can be expensive however it's far better than the other.

You can minimize the risk by not putting any other items to your key ring and by regularly lubricating your lock and key. This will make them both last longer and perform as they should. It's also an excellent idea to keep an extra key in a secure location, like with your family or with your friends, so you'll always have it when you need it.

2. Damaged Lock

If you are able to turn the key, but it doesn't fit in the lock, it could be an issue with the lock. The tumblers of the lock could be clogged up with dirt and damaged debris. This can cause the mechanism to feel stiff. A locksmith can use an instrument that is specifically designed to clean and lubricate the lock, making it feel smooth once more.

A car lock that isn't able to turn could have been jammed by force. The thief could have employed a tool like bump keys or a hammer to force the door open. If you notice any evidence of this on the door handle, take your vehicle to an experienced locksmith as quickly as you can. The locksmith can repair the damage and prevent future problems.

Certain locksmiths offer the option of disabling your old keys inside the vehicle. This makes it more difficult for thieves to take your vehicle. You'll need proof of your identity and that you own the vehicle before the process can begin. A V5C form with your name on it will typically be accepted.

It's recommended to carry a spare key car lost on your person or in the trunk of your car just in case you lose yours. A spare key will help you get on the road faster and also save your money by preventing you from needing to call locksmith.

You may need to call a professional locksmith to replace the key depending on the car. Dealerships will provide you with keys to replace, however it may cost towing fees and require several days to get. A professional locksmith will typically produce a new key much more quickly and at a lower cost and could be capable of programming it to your vehicle on autopilot. They also provide an array of additional services that can help you ensure your vehicle is secure, such as a door re-sealing kit or alarms that prevent theft. Visit PolicyBachat to find out more about the services they offer.

3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder

Over time, your key and ignition cylinder may wear out. A worn-out cylinder could be stuck or jam when it is removed, inserted or turned, which could cause issues with starting and powering up your vehicle. These issues can be gradual but they will become more apparent as time passes.

This issue is usually caused by the inability to insert the key into the lock or turn the ignition cylinder. This is a clear sign that the cylinder is damaged and requires replacement. You can attempt to replace the cylinder yourself, but it is recommended to have it done by professionals.

The ignition cylinder is a small metal cylindrical piece that is housed inside the lock housing for the cylinder. It is comprised of two tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a particular position that is only compatible with the key bumps that are appropriate. As time passes the tumblers may get worn down or clogged with dirt. To fix this, you will need to clean the ignition cylinder port. This can be done using tiny bottles of graphite lubricant. You can buy this at a local auto parts store and follow the instructions on the label.

The first step is to remove the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will give you a clearer view of the port for the cylinder. Look for a pin into the back of the cylinder. This is a security measure that protects your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder does not turn, you will have to remove the pin in order to allow it to slip out of the housing.

The process is simple enough but requires some patience. Before drilling the pin, ensure that the pin is in the accessory position. It is also important to remember that there is a risk of causing damage to your car's electronics and electrical systems by drilling in the wrong location. Before drilling, make sure to mark the portion of the drill bit protruding from the keyway using tape. This acts as a flag to prevent you from drilling too far and causing damage to the cylinder housing.

4. Locked out

If you've accidentally locked the keys to your car, the first thing to do is try not to get scared. You might think you're in a big mess, but it's essential to remain calm as there are a variety of options and methods that you can get back into your vehicle without breaking the window or calling the 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 strategies will work with the right tool or trick. It is important to keep in mind that not all methods will work, and you might require help from a professional in some instances.

It is important to always choose the least destructive option first. If you're in a situation that requires immediate attention you might not like the idea of having someone else will be able to open your car for you, but it's the best option. It's also worth noting that many roadside assistance plans, such as the NRMA provide members with the option of entering their vehicle without a key.

Another great suggestion is to take deep breaths and walk around the exterior of your car to check if your keys are inside any other door or in the trunk. If you're in a rush it's easy to miss something as basic as the door handle or rearview mirror. Make sure you check everywhere.

If you're still stuck in the process of unlocking your car, be calm and contact a neighbor or friend who is nearby to help. Sometimes, a stranger will be willing to help you out of a jam because they don't want to be in a bind. If they're unable to help you, then think about calling roadside assistance or seeing if your car insurance will cover it.

Make sure you download the app from your car's manufacturer or use your smart phone to turn your phone into a key fob to avoid having your key locked out in the future. You can also buy a magnetic keysafe to store your spares keys and keep them safe and away from thieves.