How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car Losing car keys is an unimaginable scenario. However, it's not the end of the world, when you know what to do. The first step is to locate a spare key and put it in a safe place or take evidence of ownership to the dealer to get a new one programmed. Keys can be lost in a variety of ways, which will affect how easy or hard it is to replace them. 1. Worn Out Key Over time, keys for automobiles are subjected to many wear. They are repeatedly put into locks, jingled around in pockets and rubbed against each other. They may lose their shape and won't fit inside the ignition cylinder. If this occurs, the key will be stuck or will not turn. It can be frustrating in either case. It's a good thing that you can prevent this from happening by making additional copies of your car key once it's brand new. Then, lost vehicle key can rotate them, reducing the amount of wear and tear each one undergoes. You can also make use of the spare key in case you have lost your car keys. Another reason why you may require replacement is if the key fob you have is not working properly. As you've probably guessed they are extremely useful to have, and they can do a variety of jobs such as unlocking your doors and starting your engine to activating the alarm. It can happen due to several reasons however the most common is that they've worn down from daily use. They are tiny and delicate, often being jostled around in your pocket or bag and are able to be worn down or have buttons that break off. In this case you should look into every possible place such as your bag, jacket and even places you wouldn't normally keep them (like in the shoe shine box). Next, call your dealership to find out if they have an extra key available. If not, they can order one for you and get it installed in your vehicle. It's not cheap, but it is better than the alternatives. You can lower the risk by not putting any other items to your key ring and by regularly lubricating your lock and the key. This will ensure that they both last longer and perform as they should. You should also keep the spare in a secure area, like with your family or friends. This ensures that you always have the key in case you require it. 2. Damaged Lock If the key fits inside the lock, but you are unable to turn it, it might be an issue 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 special tool to clean and lubricate the lock to make it feel smooth once more. Another possible reason that a car lock won't turn is that it was forced to close. Someone may have tried to pry open the door using a tool, such as an axe or a bump key. If you find evidence of this on the door handle, take your car to a professional locksmith as soon as you can. The locksmith can fix the issue and prevent future issues. Some locksmiths offer the option of disabling your old key inside your vehicle. This makes it more difficult for thieves to take your vehicle. You will need to provide proof of your identity as well as proof that you own the vehicle before the process can begin. Usually, a V5C with your name is accepted. It's recommended to carry a spare key on your person or in the trunk of your car, in case you lose your key. A spare key will help you get on the road faster and save your money by preventing you from calling locksmith. You may need to call an expert locksmith to replace the key depending on the vehicle. Dealerships can provide replacement keys, however they will require a towing fee and will likely need to purchase one for you, which can take days. A professional locksmith can typically create a new key quicker and less expensive and could be in a position to program it to your vehicle on autopilot. They can also offer an array of additional services to help keep your car secure, such as the door seal kit or alarms to prevent theft. Visit PolicyBachat to learn more about the services they offer. 3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder Over time, the ignition cylinder and key will wear out. A worn-out cylinder may jam or bind as it is removed, inserted or turned, which could cause issues with starting and powering up your car. These problems can develop slowly but will become more noticeable as time passes. One of the most frequent symptoms of this problem is when the key cannot be inserted into the lock or is incapable of rotating in the cylinder for ignition. This is a sign that the cylinder must be replaced. You could try replacing the cylinder yourself, but it is usually better to get it done by a professional. The ignition cylinder is a tiny metal cylindrical piece that is located within the lock cylinder housing. It includes two tumblers. Each tumbler has a specific position and can only fit the right key bumps. As time passes, the tumblers can get worn down or clogged with dirt. To resolve this issue, you'll need to clean the ignition port. You can do this with the smallest bottle of graphite oil. 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 an easier view of the port on the cylinder. Look for a pin inserted into the back of the cylinder. This is a security feature that stops your vehicle from being taken. If the ignition cylinder does not rotate, you'll need to remove the pin that holds it to allow it to slide out of the housing. The procedure is simple but it requires patience. Make sure that the pin is in accessory position prior to drilling. You can also damage your car's electrical and electronic systems by drilling in the wrong spot. Note the part of the drill that extends from the keyway prior to drilling. This will serve as a flag to prevent you from drilling too deeply and causing damage to the cylinder housing. 4. Locked Out The first thing you should do when you lock your keys in your car is not to panic. Stay calm. You may think you are in a mess however, there are plenty of options to get back into your car without breaking the windows or calling a tow truck. If you're using shoelaces, bobby pins, packaging tape Slim Jims, or modified wire coat hangers Most of these strategies can be used with the right tool or trick. However, it's important be aware that not every method will work and that you may need to call a professional for help in some cases. It is essential to pick the safest option first. It's possible that you don't like the idea of a stranger helping you open your car, but in an emergency situation, it could be the best solution. A lot of roadside assistance plans give their members the option to access their vehicle without a car key. Another great tip is to take an inhale and walk around the exterior of your vehicle to check if your keys are inside any other door or in the trunk. It's easy for you to forget even the simplest things like a door handle or a rearview mirror when you're in a rush Be sure to be sure to check everywhere. If you're unable to get your car open, try to remain calm and ask for help from a neighbor or friend who is near. A stranger may be able to assist you should they not want to leave you stranded. If they are unable to assist you and you are stuck, it is best to call roadside assistance. You can also check if your insurance covers this. To avoid having a locked out key in the future, be sure you check your car manufacturer's app or use a smart device turn your phone into a key fob. You can also buy an electronic keysafe to keep keys that you don't use and keep them safe and away from thieves.
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