How to Deal With a Lost car key What to do Key in Your Car
The loss of car keys is an incredibly stressful situation. It’s not the most stressful thing in the world if you know how to deal with it.
First, locate a spare key and put it in your safe place or take evidence of ownership to the dealership to get a new one programmed. There are a few different 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 automobiles are subjected to a lot of wear. They are frequently placed in locks and pockets, then jiggled around and smacked against one another. They can lose their shape and no longer fit in the cylinder of ignition. If this happens, the key could either become stuck or will not turn. It can be frustrating in either case.
Fortunately, it’s simple to avoid this from happening by creating duplicate copies of your vehicle key when it’s new. Then you can rotate them to reduce the amount of wear and tear each one experiences. Plus, if you ever lose your car keys, you have a spare to use.
Another reason why you may require a replacement is that the key fob you have is not working properly. As you know that they are extremely handy to have and can perform various tasks, from unlocking your doors, and even starting your engine, to triggering the alarm. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, but most commonly it’s because the button has been worn out. They are tiny fragile and can be easily smashed in your pocket or bag. The buttons could easily break or wear down.
In this situation you must check all possible locations such as your bag, jacket and places you would not normally put them (like in the shoe shine box). Contact your dealer and ask if they have spare keys available. If they don’t have a spare key in inventory, they can request it and pair it with your vehicle. It’s expensive, but it is better than the alternative.
You can lower the risk by not adding any other items to your key ring, and by regularly lubricating both your lock and key. This will ensure that both last longer and work properly. Also, keep the spare in a secure location, such as with your family or friends. This ensures that you always have the key when you require it.
2. Damaged Lock
If you can turn the key, but it’s not able to fit inside the lock, there could be an issue with the lock. The tumblers in the lock may be blocked by dirt and debris, which can make the mechanism feel stiff. Locksmiths can make use of a special tool to clean out and lubricate the lock, helping it feel smooth again.
A car lock that isn’t able to turn might have been jammed by force. Someone may have tried to pry open the door using a tool, such as an axe or a bump key. If you notice evidence of this on your door handle, bring your vehicle to a locksmith as soon as possible. The locksmith can fix the damage and prevent future problems.
Some locksmiths can offer a service to disable your old key inside the vehicle, which makes it more difficult for anyone to steal your vehicle. But, you’ll require proof of identity and proof that you’re the owner of the vehicle to have this done. Usually, a V5C with your name is accepted.
It’s recommended to keep an extra key on your person or in the trunk of your car, in case you lose yours. A spare key will allow you to get back on the road quickly and avoid needing to pay for a locksmith.
Based on the type of car and key, lost car key what to do you may have to call a locksmith to get a new key. Dealerships can provide you with a replacement key, but it could cost an additional towing fee and can take several days to order. A professional locksmith can usually produce a new key much quicker and less expensive, and may even be able to program it to your vehicle on autopilot. They also provide an array of additional services to help keep your lost car key service safe like the door seal kit or alarms that prevent theft. Learn more about them by visiting PolicyBachat.
3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder
Over time, the ignition cylinder and key will wear out. A worn-out cylinder could jam or bind as it is inserted, removed or turned, which could cause problems starting and powering up your car. It is common for these problems to progress slowly and become more pronounced over time as the cylinder wears out.
One of the most frequent signs of this problem is when the key cannot be put into the lock or not able to rotate in the ignition cylinder. This is a clear sign that the cylinder has worn out and needs to be replaced. You could try replacing the cylinder by yourself, however it is recommended to have this done by a professional.
The ignition cylinder is a small metal cylindrical piece which is found inside the lock cylinder housing and includes two tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a specific location that is suited to the key bumps that are appropriate. As time passes the tumblers may get worn down or clogged with dirt. To fix this issue, you’ll need to clean the cylinder port of the ignition. This can be accomplished with a small bottle of graphite lubricant. You can buy this product at your local auto parts store. Follow the instructions on the bottle.
The first step is to remove the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will let you observe the cylinder port clearly. Look for a pin inserted in the back of the cylinder. This is a security measure that prevents your vehicle from being taken. If the ignition cylinder does not turn, you’ll need to remove the pin that holds it to allow it to slide out of the housing.
The procedure is simple but it requires patience. Make sure that the pin is in the accessory position before drilling. You could also cause damage to your car’s electrical or electronic systems if you drill in the wrong place. Before drilling, be certain to mark the part of the drill bit protruding out of the keyway with tape. This will act as a signal to prevent you from drilling too far and causing damage to the cylinder housing.
4. Locked Out
If you’ve locked the keys to your car, the very first thing to do is not to be in a panic. You might think that you’re in a mess, but it’s essential to be calm because there are a variety of solutions and ways that you can get back in your vehicle without breaking the window or calling the tow truck. You can make use of shoelaces, packaging tape, bobbypins, or Slim Jims to get into your vehicle. It’s important to note that there are many different methods that work, and you may require assistance from a professional in certain instances.
It is crucial to choose the least destructive option first. If you are in a situation that requires immediate attention you might not like the idea that someone else will be able to open your car for you, but it is your best option. A lot of roadside assistance plans give their members the option to enter their vehicle without having a car key.
Take a deep breath and then walk around your car’s exterior to see if you have your keys in other doors or the trunk. It’s easy to lose something as simple as the handle on a door or rearview mirror when you’re in a rush So, make sure you be sure to check everywhere.
If you’re unable to get your car open Try to remain calm and ask for help from a family member or friend who’s nearby. A stranger might be able to assist you should they not want to leave you stranded. If they are unable to help you, you may want to contact roadside assistance. You may also inquire if your insurance covers this.
To avoid losing a key in the future, be sure you check your lost car key no spare manufacturer’s app or utilize a smart device to turn your phone into a key fob. You can also purchase a magnetic key safe to keep your keys in the safe, which will keep them safe from thieves and out of sight.