What Is The Reason Car Lost Key Is The Right Choice For You?
How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
Losing your car keys can be a nightmare scenario. But it's not the end of the world provided you know what to do.
You can bring proof of ownership or bring in a spare key to the dealer to have a new one programmed. Keys can get lost in various ways, which will affect the ease or difficulty it is to replace them.
1. Keys that are worn out
Over time, keys for cars are subjected a lot of wear. They are jingled around in pockets, rub against each others, and then put into locks repeatedly again. They can lose their form and not fit into the ignition cylinder. If this occurs, the key will be stuck or won't turn. Whatever the case, it could be extremely annoying.
Luckily, it's easy to avoid this from happening by making additional copies of your car key when it's new. Then you can rotate them, reducing the amount of wear each one experiences. You can also make use of the spare key in case you lose your car keys.
You might also have to replace your key fob if it's stopped working properly. These are extremely useful and can be used for a variety of things, including opening doors, starting the engine, and activating your alarm. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, but most often it's because the button is worn out. They are small and delicate, often being tossed around in your pocket or bag and can easily be snatched down or have buttons broken off.
In this case you should look into all possible places like your bag, jacket and places you would not normally put them (like in the shoe shine box). Contact your dealership and inquire if they have spare keys available. If they don't have it in stock, they can order it and attach it to your vehicle. It can be expensive however it's better than the alternative.
You can reduce the risk by not adding any other items to your key ring and by regularly lubricating your lock and key. This will ensure that they both last longer and perform as they should. It is also recommended to keep a spare in a safe place, such as with your family or close friends. This means that you will always have the key when you need 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 clogged with dirt and debris. This can cause the mechanism to feel stiff. Locksmiths can employ an oil-based tool to clean and lubricate a lock. This will allow it to feel more smooth.
A car lock that isn't able to turn may have been blocked by force. A thief may have attempted to the door open using a tool, such as an axe or a bump key. If you find evidence of this on the door handle, you should take your vehicle to a professional locksmith as soon as possible. The locksmith can repair the damage and prevent future problems.
Certain locksmiths offer a service that disables your old keys inside your vehicle. This makes it 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 this can be done. A V5C form that has your name on it will usually 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 quicker and save you money by preventing you from calling a locksmith.
Based on the type of car and key, you might need to contact a locksmith in order to get a new key. Dealerships will give you keys to replace, however it could cost towing fees and take several days to order. A professional locksmith can create a key in a shorter time and cheaper. They may even be able program it to work with your vehicle automatically. They can also provide various services to keep your car safe, including the door seal kit and anti-theft alarms. Visit PolicyBachat to find out more about the services they offer.
3. Clogged ignition cylinder
Over time your key and ignition cylinder will wear out. A worn out cylinder may block or become stuck when it is removed, inserted, or turned, which could cause problems in starting and powering up your vehicle. It is typical for these issues to take time to develop and then become more noticeable over time as the cylinder wears.
This problem is typically indicated by the inability to insert the key into the lock or rotate the ignition cylinder. This is a clear indication that the cylinder is worn out and requires replacement. It is possible to replace the cylinder yourself, but it's usually best to get a professional.
The ignition cylinder is a small metal cylindrical piece that is situated within the lock cylinder housing. It includes a pair of tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a particular location that is suited to the appropriate key bumps. Over time the tumblers will be worn out or blocked with dirt. To fix this issue, you'll have to clean the cylinder port of the ignition. This can be done using a small bottle of graphite oil. You can buy this product from your local auto parts store. Follow the directions on the bottle.
Take off lost car key replacement and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will allow you to have an easier view of the port on the cylinder. Look for a pin inserted in the back of the cylinder. This is a security feature that prevents your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder isn't able to turn, then you will have to take off the retention pin to let it slide out of the housing.
The process is easy however, it takes patience. Make sure the pin is in accessory position prior to drilling. It is also important to keep in mind that there is a possibility of causing damage to your vehicle's electronics and electrical systems by drilling into the wrong spot. Mark the part of the drill that protrudes from the keyway prior to drilling. This will serve as a warning to stop you from drilling too deep and causing damage to the cylinder housing.
4. Locked out
The first thing to do when you lock your keys in your car is not to panic. You might think that you're in a mess, but it's essential to stay calm because there are a variety of options and methods that you can get back in your vehicle without damaging the window or calling the tow truck. You can use shoelaces, packaging tape, bobbypins or Slim Jims to get into your vehicle. It's important to remember that not all methods work, and you might require assistance from a professional in certain instances.
It is crucial to select the least damaging option first. You might not like the idea of someone else helping you unlock your car, but when you're in a crisis situation, it may be the best solution. A lot of roadside assistance plans give their customers the option to access their vehicle without the need for a car key.
Another great idea is to take a deep breath and walk around the entire exterior of your car to determine if your keys are inside any other door or in the trunk. When you're in a rush it's easy to miss something that is as simple as the door handle or rearview mirror. Be sure to check everywhere.
If you're still not able to unlock your car, be calm and ask your neighbor or a friend who is nearby to help. 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 to help you then you should call roadside assistance. You can also determine whether your insurance will cover this.
Check the app of the car's manufacturer, or use a smart phone to convert your phone into a key fob to avoid having your key locked out in the future. You can also purchase a key safe that is magnetic to keep your keys in the safe, which will keep keys safe from thieves and out of sight.