Your Family Will Thank You For Getting This Car Lost Key
How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
It's an absolute nightmare to lose your car keys. It's not the worst thing in the world If you know how to handle it.
First, locate a spare key and put it in a safe location or bring proof of ownership to the dealership to get a new one programmed. There are several ways to lose your keys, and this will determine how easy or difficult it is to replace them.
1. Keys that are worn out
Over time, keys for cars are subjected to a lot of wear and tear. They are often inserted into locks and pockets, jiggling around and rubbed against each other. They can lose their form and won't fit in the cylinder of ignition. If this happens, the key could either get stuck or it won't turn. It can be frustrating in both cases.
It's easy to avoid this by making multiple copies of your new car key. Then, you can rotate them to reduce the amount of wear and tear each one goes through. Additionally, if you do lose your car keys, there's an extra.
You might also have to replace your key fob if it has stopped working properly. They are extremely useful and can perform a variety of functions, such as unlocking doors, launching the engine, and activating your alarm. This could be due to several reasons, but the most common is that they've damaged from use. They are small and delicate, usually being tossed around in your pocket or bag and can easily be snatched down or have buttons ripped off.
If this occurs, the first thing to do is thoroughly check every place it could be, such as your bag or jacket, and even the places you wouldn't normally put them (like inside a shoeshine box). Contact your dealership and inquire whether 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 can be expensive but it's more efficient than the alternatives.
You can minimize the risk by not adding any other items to your key ring, and by regularly lubricating both 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 such as with your family or friends, so that you'll be prepared for the time you require it.
2. Damaged Lock
If you can turn the key but it isn't able to fit into the lock, there could be an issue with the lock. The lock tumblers may be blocked by dirt and debris. This could cause the mechanism to feel stiff. Locksmiths can make use of a special tool to clean and lubricate the lock, making it to feel more smooth.
A car lock that won't turn could have been jammed by force. A burglar might have used a tool, such as bump keys or a pick to open the door open. If you see evidence of this on the door handle, you should bring your vehicle to a locksmith immediately. The locksmith can fix the damage and prevent further problems.
Certain locksmiths offer services that disable your old keys inside your vehicle. This makes it more difficult for thieves to take your vehicle. You will need to provide proof of your identity as well as proof that you have ownership of the vehicle before this can be done. A V5C form that has your name on it is likely to be accepted.
You should also keep a spare car key in your trunk or on your person in case you lose it. A spare key can allow you to get back on the road swiftly and also prevents you from having to spend money on locksmith services.
Based on the type of vehicle and the key, you might need to contact a locksmith to repair it. Dealerships can provide keys for replacement, but they require a towing charge and will likely need to order one for you, which could take days. A professional locksmith can typically make a new key faster and cheaper, and may even be able to program it to your vehicle automatically. They can also offer an array of additional services that can help you ensure your vehicle is secure, such as the door seal kit or anti-theft alarms. Find out more on PolicyBachat.
3. Clogged ignition Cylinder
Over time, the ignition cylinder and key can wear out. A worn-out cylinder may jam or bind as it is inserted, removed or turned, which may cause issues with starting and powering up your vehicle. It is typical for these issues to develop slowly and then become more noticeable over time as the cylinder continues to wear.
This problem is typically caused by the inability to insert the key into the lock, or rotate the ignition cylinder. This is a clear sign that your cylinder has gotten damaged and requires replacement. It is possible to replace the cylinder on your own however it is generally recommended to seek out an expert.
The ignition cylinder is a tiny cylindrical piece of metal which is found inside the lock cylinder housing and includes a pair of tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a certain position that only fits the correct key bumps. As time passes, tumblers can become worn or clogged up with dirt. To fix this problem it is necessary to clean the ignition port. You can do this with the smallest bottle of graphite oil. You can buy 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. Find a pin that is inserted into the cylinder's back. This is a security feature that prevents your vehicle from being taken. If the ignition cylinder doesn't turn, then you will need to remove the pin that holds it to let it slide out of the housing.
The procedure is easy enough but requires some patience. Before drilling the pin, make sure that the pin is in the accessory position. You could also damage your car's electrical and electronic systems by drilling in the wrong location. Before drilling, be sure to mark the portion of the drill bit protruding from the keyway with tape. This acts as a signal to prevent you from drilling too deep and damaging the cylinder housing.
4. Locked Out
When you accidentally lock the keys to your car, the first step is to try not to get scared. Keep calm. You might think you're in a mess but there are a variety of ways to get back in 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, Read the Full Content to keep in mind that not every method will work, and you might need to contact a professional for assistance in some cases.
The key is to always look for the least destructive solution first. You might not like the idea of someone else helping you unlock your car, but when you're in a crisis situation, it could be the best solution. Many roadside assistance plans offer their members the option to open their car without having a car key.
Another excellent suggestion is to take an inhale and walk around the exterior of your vehicle to check if your keys are inside any other door or in the trunk. When you're in a hurry it's easy to forget something as basic as the door handle or the rearview mirror. Be sure to check everywhere.
If you're unable to unlock your car, be calm and call your neighbor or a friend who's nearby for help. Oftentimes strangers will be willing to assist you out of a jam since they don't want you to be left stranded. If they're not able to help you, you may want to call roadside assistance. You may also inquire whether your insurance will cover this.
Make sure you download the app from the car's manufacturer, or use an android phone to convert your phone into a key fob in order to keep your keys from being locked out in the future. You can also purchase a key safe that is magnetic to keep your keys in the safe, keeping them safe from thieves and hidden from.