Car Lost Key Tips From The Top In The Industry
How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
It's an absolute nightmare to lose your car keys. It's not the most stressful thing in the world If you know how to handle it.
The first step is to locate a spare key and put it in a safe place or take proof of ownership to the dealership to have a replacement programmed. You can lose your keys in a variety of ways, which will affect how easy or hard it is to replace them.
1. Keys that are worn out
Over time, car keys are subjected to a lot of wear and tear. They are jingled in pockets, rubbing against each other, and inserted into locks over and over again. They may lose their shape and won't fit into the ignition cylinder. If this happens, the key could be stuck or isn't turning. It can be frustrating in both cases.
Fortunately, it's simple to avoid this from happening by creating extra copies of your car key when it is new. Then you can rotate them and reduce the amount of wear each one undergoes. You can also make use of the spare key in case you lose your car keys.
Another reason to consider a replacement is that your key fob has stopped functioning properly. As you've probably guessed that they are extremely handy to have and they do many things including unlocking your doors and launching your engine, to triggering the alarm. It can happen due to various reasons, but the most common is that they've damaged from use. They are small fragile and can be easily smashed in your pocket or bag. The buttons could easily break or wear down.
If this happens the first thing to do is check thoroughly in all places that it could be, including your bag or jacket and even in places you wouldn't normally put them (like inside a box for shoeshine). Contact your dealership and inquire if they have spare keys available. If not, they'll order one for you and get it fitted to your vehicle. This process can be costly however it's far better than the other.
You can lower the risk by not putting any other items to your key ring, and also by regularly lubricating your lock and the key. This will ensure that they both last longer and function properly. It's also a good idea to keep the spare key in a secure location in your home, such as with family or friends, so that you can always have it when you need it.
2. Damaged Lock
If the key fits inside the lock but you're unable to turn it, it might be a problem with the lock itself. The tumblers of the lock could be clogged with dirt and other debris. This could cause the mechanism to feel stiff. Locksmiths can make use of a special tool to clean and lubricate the lock, helping it to feel more smooth.
A car lock that doesn't turn may have been blocked by force. Someone may have tried to the door open using a tool, such as a pick or a bump key. If you notice any 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 issues.
Some locksmiths offer a service that disables your old keys inside the vehicle. This makes it much more difficult for someone to steal your vehicle. You will need to provide proof of your identity as well as proof that you own the vehicle before the process can begin. A V5C form with your name on it will typically be accepted.
It is recommended to keep a spare car key in your trunk or on your person in the event that you lose it. A spare key can help you get back on the road quickly and also prevents you from having to pay for a locksmith.
Depending on the model of vehicle and the key, you may need to contact a locksmith to get a new key. Dealerships can provide you with a replacement key, but it could cost you a towing fee and take a few days to make. A professional locksmith will typically produce a new key much faster and cheaper, and may even be able to program it to your vehicle in a way that is automatic. They also provide an array of additional services to help you keep your car secure including the door seal kit or alarms that 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 in starting and powering up your vehicle. It is common for these problems to take time to develop and get more severe over time as the cylinder wears out.
This problem is typically manifested by the inability of insert the key into the lock, or turn the ignition cylinder. This is a clear indication that the cylinder has worn out and requires replacement. You could try replacing the cylinder on your own, but it is recommended to get it done by an expert.
The ignition cylinder is a small metal cylindrical piece which is found inside the lock cylinder housing. It includes two tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a specific location that is suited to the appropriate key bumps. In lost keys of car , tumblers could get worn out or clogged with dirt. To get rid of this issue you'll need to clean the ignition port. This can be accomplished with the use of a small bottle of graphite lubricant. You can buy this at your local auto parts store and follow the instructions on the label.
Take off the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will provide you with an easier view of the port for the cylinder. Look for a pin inserted in the back of the cylinder. This is a security feature that protects your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder does not turn, you'll need to remove the retention pin to allow it to slip out of the housing.
The procedure is easy enough, but requires some time. Before drilling the pin, make sure that the pin is in the accessory position. You could also harm your car's electrical and electronic systems if you drill in the wrong spot. Note the part of the drill that protrudes from the keyway before drilling. This will act as an indicator to prevent you from damaging the cylinder by drilling too deeply.
4. Locked out
When you accidentally lock your keys inside your vehicle, the first step is to try not to 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, packaging tape, bobbypins or Slim Jims to get into your vehicle. It is important to keep in mind that there are many different methods that be effective, and you may require assistance from a professional in certain instances.
The key is to always look for the least destructive solution first. It's possible that you don't like the idea of a stranger helping you open your car, but in an emergency situation, it may be the best option. Many roadside assistance plans provide members the ability to access their vehicle without the need for a car key.
Relax, and then walk around your car's exterior to see if you have your keys in any other doors or in the trunk. It's easy for you to forget something as simple as the handle on a door or rearview mirror when you're in a hurry Be sure to be sure to check everywhere.
If you're still unable to get your car open Try to remain calm and seek assistance from a neighbor or friend that is nearby. A stranger may be able to help you in the event that they don't want to leave you in a bind. If they're unable to help you, then take a look at calling roadside assistance, or checking if your car insurance will cover it.
To avoid having a locked out key in the future, make sure to check the app provided by your car manufacturer or utilize a smart device to convert your phone into a car key fob. You can also buy a key safe that is magnetic to store your spare keys in the safe, keeping them away from thieves and hidden from.