How to Deal With a lost car keys Key in Your Car
It's a nightmare to lose your car keys. But it's not the end of the world, when you know what to do.
First, locate a spare key and keep it in a safe location or take proof of ownership to the dealer to get a new one programmed. Keys can be i've lost my car keys in different 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 subject to a lot of wear and tear. They are frequently inserted into locks and pockets, jiggling around and smacked against one another. This causes them to lose their shape, which can result in them not fitting into the ignition cylinder in a proper way. If this happens, the key will be stuck or will not turn. Whatever the case, it could be extremely annoying.
Fortunately, it's simple to stop this from happening by creating duplicate copies of your vehicle key when it's new. Then you can rotate them and reduce the amount of wear and tear each one goes through. You can also make use of the spare key in case you have lost keys for car no spare your car keys.
Another reason why you may require an upgrade is that your key fob isn't functioning properly. These are extremely useful and can be used for a variety of things, including unlocking doors, launching the engine, and triggering your alarm. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, but most often it's because the button is been worn out. They are small and delicate, often being jostled around in your pocket or bag and can easily be snatched down or have buttons broken off.
In this instance, you should check all possible places like your jacket, bag, and places you would not normally keep them (like in a shoe shine box). Next, contact your dealer to find out if they have a spare key in stock. If not, they'll make one for you and then have it installed in your vehicle. This can be expensive, but it's much better than the alternative.
You can further 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 make them both last longer and perform as they should. It's also an excellent idea to keep a spare key in a secure location such as with your family or with your friends, so you'll be prepared for the time you require it.
2. Damaged Lock
If the key fits into the lock, but you are unable to turn it, it could be a problem with the lock itself. The tumblers in the lock may be blocked by dirt and debris, which could make the mechanism feel stiff. A locksmith can use an oiled tool to clean and lubricate the lock. This will make it feel smoother.
A car lock that won't turn could have been jammed by force. The thief could have employed a tool like a bump key lost or a pick to open the door open. If you see evidence of this on your door handle, bring the vehicle to a locksmith immediately. The locksmith can fix the damage and prevent further issues.
Certain locksmiths offer a service that disables your old keys inside your vehicle. This makes it more difficult for thieves to take your vehicle. But, you'll need proof of identity and evidence that you are the owner of the vehicle in order to be able to avail this service. A V5C form with your name on it will typically be accepted.
You should also keep an extra 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 can save you money by preventing you from having to call a locksmith.
Depending on the model of vehicle and the key, you may need to call a locksmith to repair it. Dealerships will give you an alternative key, however it may cost towing fees and take a few days to make. A professional locksmith can make a key faster and less expensive. They might even be able program it to communicate with your vehicle on autopilot. They can also offer an array of additional services to help you keep your car secure, such as a door re-sealing kit or anti-theft alarms. Find out more on PolicyBachat.
3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder
Over time the ignition cylinder as well as key will wear out. A worn-out cylinder may jam or bind as it is removed, inserted or turned, which may cause problems starting and powering up your vehicle. It is common for these issues to take time to develop and get more severe over time as the cylinder wears.
This problem is most often manifested by the inability of insert the key into the lock, or rotate the ignition cylinder. This is a clear indication that the cylinder has worn out and requires replacement. You can attempt to replace the cylinder by yourself, however it is recommended to have it done by an expert.
The ignition cylinder consists of a small metal cylindrical piece which is contained within the lock cylinder housing. It is comprised of two tumblers. Each tumbler has a specific position and only fits the key bumps that are correct. As time passes, tumblers can become worn or clogged up with dirt. In order to fix this issue, you'll have to clean the cylinder port of the ignition. You can do this using the smallest bottle of graphite oil. You can buy this at a local auto parts store and follow the instructions on the label.
First, take off the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will let you observe the cylinder port clearly. Find a pin that is inserted into the cylinder's back. 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 in order to allow it to slip out of the housing.
The procedure is simple, but it requires patience. Make sure that the pin is in the accessory position prior to drilling. It is also possible to harm your car lost key's electrical and electronic systems when you drill in the wrong spot. Before drilling, make certain to mark the part of the drill bit protruding out of the keyway with tape. This acts as a flag to prevent you from drilling too deep and damaging the cylinder housing.
4. Locked Out
The first thing you need to do when you lock your keys in your car is not to panic. You might think you're in a big mess, but it's important to be calm because there are plenty of solutions and ways 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 back into your vehicle. It's important to note that there are many different methods that work, and you may need professional help in certain situations.
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 unlock your car keys lost, but when you're in a crisis situation, it might be your best option. Many roadside assistance plans offer their members the option to access their vehicle without a car key.
Another idea is to take a deep breath and walk around the exterior of your vehicle to see if your keys are inside any other door or in the trunk. When you're in a rush it's easy to miss something as basic as the door handle or the rearview mirror. Make sure you check everywhere.
If you are still stuck in the process of unlocking your car, stay calm and ask your neighbor or a friend who's nearby for help. Oftentimes someone is willing to help you to get out of the jam since they don't want you to be left in a bind. If they are unable to help, you may want to call roadside assistance. You may also inquire whether your insurance will cover this.
Check the app of the car's manufacturer, or use your smart phone to turn your phone into a key fob so you can avoid having your key locked out in the future. You can also purchase an electronic key safe to keep your keys in, which will keep keys safe from thieves and out of sight.