Car Lost Key 101: Your Ultimate Guide For Beginners
How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
It's an absolute nightmare to lose your car keys. However, it's not the end of the world provided you know what to do.
First, find Learn Alot more and store it in a safe place, or bring evidence of ownership to the dealership to have a new one programmed. There are several ways you can lose keys, which will determine how easy or difficult it is to replace them.
1. Key Worn Out
Over time, keys for automobiles are subjected to to a lot of wear. They are jingled around in pockets, rub against each other, and inserted into locks over and over again. They can lose their shape and won't fit inside the ignition cylinder. The key may become stuck or not turn if this happens. Whatever the case, it could be extremely difficult.
Luckily, it's easy to prevent this from happening by making additional copies of your car key once it's brand new. Then, you can rotate them to reduce the amount of wear each one goes through. In addition, if you lose your car keys, you have another spare.
Another reason why you may require an upgrade is that the key fob you have is not working properly. They are extremely useful and can perform a variety of functions, such as opening doors, starting the engine, and triggering your alarm. It can happen due to several reasons but the most frequent is that it's just worn down from daily use. They are small, delicate and often jostled in your pocket or bag. The buttons could easily be damaged or worn down.
In this situation you should look into every possible place like your bag, jacket and even places you wouldn't normally store them (like in the shoe shine box). Next, call your dealership to inquire if they've got an extra key available. If not, they'll purchase one for you and then have it installed in your vehicle. This isn't cheap however it's far better than the other.
You can also reduce the likelihood of this happening by avoiding adding any other items to your key ring and regularly lubricating your key and lock. This will ensure that both last longer and function properly. It's also recommended to keep a spare key in a safe place, like with your family or friends, so that you'll 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 by dirt and debris, which could make the mechanism feel stiff. Locksmiths can make use of a specific tool to clean out and lubricate the lock to make it to feel more smooth.
Another reason why that a car lock won't turn is because it was jammed by force. A thief may have attempted to open the door by using a tool, such as the pick or bump key. If you notice evidence of this on your door handle, bring the vehicle to a locksmith right away. The locksmith can repair the issue and avoid further problems.
Some locksmiths provide services that disable your old key inside your vehicle. This makes it harder for thieves to take your vehicle. But, you'll require proof of identity and proof that you're the owner of the vehicle in order to have this done. Usually, a V5C that bears your name will be accepted.
It's recommended to carry a spare 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 swiftly and avoid having to spend money on a locksmith.
Depending on the type of vehicle and the key, you may need to contact a locksmith to get a new key. Dealerships will provide you with a replacement key, but it could cost a towing fee and take a few days to make. A professional locksmith will typically make a new key quicker and less expensive and could be in a position to program it to your vehicle in a way that is automatic. They can also offer a range of additional services to help keep your car secure like the door seal kit or alarms that prevent theft. Visit PolicyBachat to learn more.
3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder
Over time, your key and ignition cylinder will wear out. A worn out cylinder may block or become stuck when inserted, removed, or turned, which could cause problems with powering on and starting your vehicle. These issues can be gradual, but become more noticeable as time passes.
This problem is typically manifested by the inability of insert the key into the lock or rotate the ignition cylinder. This is a sign the cylinder needs to be replaced. It is possible to replace the cylinder yourself however, it's generally better to hire a professional.
The ignition cylinder is a small, cylindrical piece of metal that is located within the lock housing for the cylinder. It contains two tumblers. Each tumbler has a distinct location and is only suited to the correct key bumps. Over time, tumblers may get worn out or clogged with dirt. To resolve this issue you'll need to clean the ignition port. This can be done using the smallest bottle of graphite lubricant. You can buy this product from your local auto parts store. Follow the directions on the bottle.
Remove the dashboard and steering-wheel covers from your vehicle. This will let you view the cylinder port more clearly. Look for a pin that is inserted into the cylinder's back. This is a safety feature that protects your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder isn't able to rotate, you'll have to take off the pin that holds it in place to allow it to slide out of the housing.
The procedure is easy enough, but it requires a bit of patience. Before drilling the pin, ensure that the pin is in the accessory position. It is also important to note that there is a chance of damaging your car's electronics and electrical systems by drilling into the wrong place. Mark the part of the drill that protrudes from the keyway prior to drilling. This will act as a flag to prevent you from drilling too deeply and causing damage to the cylinder housing.
4. Locked out
The first thing you need to do when you lock your keys in your vehicle is to not get scared. You might think you're in a mess, but it's essential to remain calm as there are plenty of options and methods that you can get back into your vehicle without damaging the window or calling the tow truck. Whether it's using shoelaces, packaging tape, bobby pins Slim Jims, or modified wire coat hangers Most of these strategies will work if you have the right tool or trick. It is important to keep in mind that not all methods will work, and you may need professional help in certain cases.
The key is to look for the least destructive solution first. If you're in a crisis you might not be a fan of the idea of having someone else will open your car for you, but it is the best option. It's important to note that a number of roadside assistance plans, such as the NRMA offers members the option of accessing their vehicle without keys.
Another tip is to take deep breaths and walk around the exterior of your vehicle to check whether your keys are in any other door or in the trunk. If you're in a rush, it's easy to overlook something that is as simple as the door handle or the rearview mirror. Make sure you 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 that is nearby. 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, you must think about calling roadside assistance or seeing if your car insurance covers it.
To avoid a locked out key in the future, be sure you are checking your car manufacturer's app or use a smart device to convert your phone into a key fob. You can also purchase keys with magnetic locks to store keys you have left over and keep them out of the way and away from thieves.