Five Car Lost Key Lessons From Professionals
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 that could happen when you know how to handle it.
The first step is to locate a spare key and put it in your safe place or bring evidence of ownership to the dealer to have a replacement programmed. You can lose your keys in various ways, which can affect how easy or hard it is to replace them.
1. Worn Out Key
Over time, keys for cars get many wear. They are jingled around in pockets, rubbing against one others, and then put into locks repeatedly again. This causes them to lose their shape, which can result in them not fitting into the ignition cylinder in a proper way. If this occurs, the key will either get stuck or it won't turn. It can be frustrating in either case.
Luckily, it's easy to avoid this from happening by creating additional copies of your car key once it's brand new. Then, you can rotate them to reduce the amount of wear and tear each one goes through. In addition, if you do lose your car keys, there's an extra.
Another reason why you may require a replacement is that your key fob isn't functioning properly. These are extremely useful and be used for a variety of things, including unlocking doors, starting the engine, and activating your alarm. It can happen for many reasons, but the most common reason is it is due to the button is worn out. They are small fragile and can be easily smashed in your bag or pocket. The buttons can easily be broken or worn down.
In this situation, you should check every possible place, including your jacket, bag, and other places where you would normally keep them (like in a shoe shine box). Next, call your dealership to find out if they have an extra key in stock. If not, they can purchase one for you and get it installed in your vehicle. This can be expensive however it's far better than the other.
You can also lower the risk of this happening by not adding any other items to your key ring, and regularly lubricating your key and lock. This will help them last longer and function properly. It is also recommended to keep the spare in a secure place, such as with your family or friends. This ensures that you always have the key when you need it.
2. Damaged Lock
If you are able to turn the key but it isn't able to fit into the lock, it could be a problem with the lock. The lock tumblers may be clogged with dirt and other debris. This could cause the mechanism to feel stiff. A locksmith can use a specific tool to clean and lubricate the lock, making it feel smooth once more.
Another possible reason the lock on your car doesn't turn is because it was jammed by force. A burglar might have used a tool, such as a bump key or a pick to open the door open. If you find evidence of this on the door handle, you should take your vehicle to a professional locksmith as soon as you can. The locksmith can repair the issue and avoid further issues.
Some locksmiths can offer a service that disables your old keys in the vehicle, making it more difficult for anyone to steal your vehicle. However, you'll need proof of your identity and proof that you're the owner of the vehicle in order to be able to avail this service. A V5C form that has 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, just in case you lose yours. A spare key can allow you to get back on the road quicker and can save you money by preventing from calling locksmith.
You may need to call a professional locksmith to change the key based on the car. Dealerships can provide replacement keys, however they require a towing charge and may need to purchase one for you, which can take days. A professional locksmith can usually make a new key faster and cheaper and could be in a position to program it to your vehicle in a way that is automatic. g28carkeys can also provide various services to keep your car safe, including a door resealing kit and alarms that prevent theft. Find out more by visiting PolicyBachat.
3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder
Over time, your key and ignition cylinder may wear out. A worn-out cylinder can block or become stuck when inserted, removed, or turned which can interfere with powering on and starting your vehicle. These issues can be gradual but will become more noticeable over time.
One of the most typical symptoms of this issue is when the key can't be put into the lock or is incapable of rotating in the cylinder for ignition. This is a clear indication that the cylinder has worn out and needs to be replaced. You can try to replace the cylinder yourself, but it is usually better to get it done by professionals.
The ignition cylinder consists of a small metal cylindrical piece that is housed inside the lock housing for the cylinder. It has two tumblers. Each tumbler has a specific location and is only suited to the correct key bumps. Over time, the tumblers can become worn down or clogged with dirt. In order to fix this, you will need to clean the ignition cylinder port. This can be done using tiny bottles of graphite lubricant. You can buy this product from your local auto parts store. Follow the directions on the bottle.
Take off the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your car. This will let you view the cylinder port more clearly. Look for a pin inserted in the back of the cylinder. This is a security measure that keeps your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder isn't able to turn, you'll have to remove the pin that holds it to allow it to slide out of the housing.
The process is easy however, it takes patience. Before drilling the pin, make sure that the pin is in the accessory position. It is also important to remember that there is a possibility of damaging the car's electronic and electrical systems by drilling in the wrong location. Before drilling, make sure to mark the portion of the drill bit that is protruding from the keyway using tape. This will act as a warning sign to keep you from damaging the cylinder by drilling too deeply.
4. Locked out
The first thing you should 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 crucial to be calm because there are many options and methods that you can get back into your vehicle without breaking the window or calling the tow truck. You can use shoelaces packaging tape, bobbypins, or Slim Jims to get back into your vehicle. However, it's important to be aware that not all methods can be successful and you might need to contact a professional for help in certain situations.
It is crucial to choose the least destructive option first. If you're in a situation that requires immediate attention you might not be a fan of the idea of having someone else will be able to open your car for you, but it's your best option. A lot of roadside assistance plans give members the ability to enter their vehicle without having a car key.
Another excellent idea is to take deep breaths and walk around the exterior of your vehicle to determine if your keys are inside any other door or in the trunk. When you're in a rush, it's easy to overlook something as simple as the door handle or rearview mirror. Make sure to look everywhere.
If you are still stuck in the process of unlocking your car, remain calm and contact your neighbor or a friend who is nearby for assistance. Oftentimes, a stranger will be willing to assist you out of a bind since they don't want you to be left stranded. If they're not able to assist you and you are stuck, it is best to call roadside assistance. You can also determine whether your insurance will cover this.
To avoid a locked out key in the future, make sure you check the app of your car's manufacturer or use a smart device to convert your phone into a key fob. You can also buy a magnetic key safe to keep your keys in the safe, which will keep them safe from thieves and out of sight.