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How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car

The loss of car keys is an unimaginable scenario. It's not the worst thing that could happen if you know how to deal with it.

First, find a spare key and keep it in your safe place, or bring proof of ownership to the dealer to have a replacement programmed. There are many ways you can lose your keys, and this will determine how easy or difficult it is to replace them.

1. Worn Out Key

Over time, keys for cars are subject to a lot of wear and tear. They are often placed in locks, jingled around in pockets and smacked against one another. This can cause them to lose their shape, which could cause them to stop fitting into the ignition cylinder properly. If this happens, the key will either get stuck or it will not turn. It can be frustrating in both cases.

Luckily, it's easy to prevent this from happening by making additional copies of your car key when it is new. You can then rotate them to lessen the wear on each. You can also use the spare key if you lose your car keys.

Another reason you might need replacement is if the key fob you have is not functioning properly. As you know they are extremely useful to have, and they can do various tasks including unlocking your doors and starting your engine, to triggering the alarm. This can happen for several reasons but the most frequent is that it's damaged from use. They are small fragile and can be easily smashed in your bag or pocket. The buttons could easily be damaged or worn down.

In this case you should look into all possible places, including your jacket, bag, and even places you wouldn't normally store them (like in the shoe shine box). The next step is to call your dealer to see if they have an extra key in stock. If not, they'll make one for you and then have it paired with your vehicle. It's expensive however it's better than the alternative.

You can further reduce the chance of this happening by not 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. Also, keep an extra in a secure area, like with family or friends. This ensures that you always have the key when you require it.

2. Damaged Lock

If the key fits inside the lock but you're unable to turn it, it could be an issue with the lock itself. The lock tumblers could be blocked by dirt and debris, which could make the mechanism feel stiff. Locksmiths can make use of an oil-based tool to clean and lubricate a lock. This will allow it to feel more smooth.

A car lock that won't turn may have been blocked by force. A thief may have tried to open the door using a tool, such as a pick or a bump key. If you notice any evidence of this on the door handle, take your car to a professional locksmith as soon as possible. The locksmith can fix the damage and prevent further problems.

Some locksmiths can offer a service to disable your old keys in the vehicle, making it much more difficult for someone to take your vehicle. However, 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.

It's also a good idea to carry an extra key on your person or in the trunk of your car in case you misplace yours. A spare key can allow you to get to the road more quickly and also save you money by preventing from needing to call locksmith.

Depending on the type of car and key, you may need to contact a locksmith in order to repair it. Dealerships can provide you with an alternative key, however it could cost you a towing fee and require several days to get. A professional locksmith can usually make a new key faster and cheaper and could be capable of programming it to your vehicle in a way that is automatic. They also provide a range of additional services to help keep your car secure, such as an re-sealing kit for doors or alarms that prevent theft. Learn more about them by visiting PolicyBachat.

3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder

Over time the ignition cylinder as well as key will wear out. A worn-out cylinder can block or become stuck when it is removed, inserted or turned, which could cause problems in starting and powering up your vehicle. These issues may develop slowly, but become more noticeable over time.

This issue is usually 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 damaged and requires replacement. You could try replacing the cylinder by yourself, however it is recommended to have it done by professionals.

The ignition cylinder is a tiny metal cylindrical part which is found within the lock cylinder housing and has a pair of tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a particular position and only fits the correct key bumps. Over time, tumblers may be worn out or blocked with dirt. To fix this problem you'll need to clean the ignition port. This can be done with the use of 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 allow you to have a clearer view of the cylinder port. Look for a pin which is put into the back of the cylinder. This is a security measure that stops your vehicle from being taken. If the ignition cylinder does not turn, you will need remove the retention pin to allow it to slide out of the housing.

The procedure is easy, but it requires patience. Make sure that the pin is in accessory position before drilling. It is also important to note that there is a possibility of causing damage to your vehicle's electronics and electrical systems by drilling in the wrong location. Before drilling, be sure to mark the area of the drill bit protruding from the keyway using tape. This acts as a warning to stop you from damaging the cylinder drilling too deeply.

4. Locked Out

The first thing to do when you lock your keys in your vehicle is to not get scared. Be calm. You may think that you are in a mess, but there are many solutions to get back into your car without damaging windows or calling a tow truck. You can use shoelaces, packaging tape, bobbypins or Slim Jims to get back into your vehicle. It's important to note that not all methods work, and you may require help from a professional in some situations.

It is important to always pick the safest option first. You might not like the idea of someone else helping you unlock your car, but in an emergency situation, it may be the best option. A lot of roadside assistance plans give their customers the option to enter their vehicle without having a car key.

Another great idea is to take an inhale and walk around the entire exterior of your vehicle to determine whether your keys are located in any other door or in the trunk. When you're in a hurry, it's easy to overlook something as simple as the door handle or the rearview mirror. Make sure to look everywhere.

If you're stuck in the process of unlocking your car, stay calm and contact your neighbor or a friend who's nearby for help. A stranger may be willing to help you if they don't wish to leave you in a bind. If they're not able to assist you, you must take a look at calling roadside assistance, or seeing if your car insurance covers it.

To avoid a locked out key in the future, make sure you check your car manufacturer's app or utilize a smart device to transform your phone into a key fob. You can also purchase a magnetic key safe to keep your keys in the safe, keeping them away from thieves and out of view.