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How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
Losing car keys is a nightmare scenario. It's not the worst thing that could happen If you know how to handle it.
You can either bring in proof of ownership or a spare key to the dealer to have 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. Keys That Are Worn Out
Over time, keys for cars are subjected to a lot of wear and wear and tear. They are often jingled in pockets, rub against each others, and then put into locks over and over again. They may lose their shape and no longer fit inside the ignition cylinder. The key will either become stuck or not turn if this happens. Either way, it can be extremely difficult.
It's a good thing that you can prevent this from happening by creating extra copies of your car key when it is new. You can then rotate them to reduce the wear on each one. You can also use the spare key if you lose your car keys.
Another reason you might need replacement is if your key fob has stopped working properly. lost key to car no spare are extremely useful and can be used for a variety of things, including unlocking doors, starting the engine, or even activating your alarm. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, but most commonly it is due to the button has worn out. They are small fragile and can be easily smashed in your purse or pocket. The buttons could easily break or wear down.
If this occurs, the first thing you need to do is check thoroughly in all places that you might find it, including your bag or jacket and even places where you wouldn't normally store them (like inside a box for shoeshine). Contact your dealership and inquire whether they have spare keys on hand. If not, they'll make one for you and then have it paired with your vehicle. It's not cheap but it's more efficient than the alternative.
You can further reduce the chance of this happening by not adding anything else to your key ring, and regularly lubricating your key and lock. This will ensure that both last longer and perform as they should. It's also recommended to keep the spare key in a safe location such as with your family or friends, so that you'll have it when you need it.
2. Damaged Lock
If the key fits into the lock but you can't turn it, it might be a problem 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 employ a specific tool to clean out and lubricate the lock to make it feel smooth once more.
Another possible reason the lock on your car doesn't turn is that it was forced to close. A burglar might have attempted to open the door by using a tool like the pick or bump key. If you notice any 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 damage and prevent further issues.
Some locksmiths provide a service to disable your old key in the vehicle, which makes it more difficult for anyone to steal your car. 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 usually be accepted.
It is recommended to keep an extra car key in your trunk or on your person in case you lose it. A spare key can help you get to the road more quickly and can save your money by preventing you from calling locksmith.
You might need to contact a professional locksmith to replace keys based on your car. Dealerships are able to provide replacement keys, however they'll need a towing cost and may need to order one for you, which can take a few days. A professional locksmith will be able to make a key faster and less expensive. They may even be able to program it to communicate with your vehicle on autopilot. They can also offer various additional services to help you keep your car safe like the door seal kit or anti-theft alarms. Find out more by visiting PolicyBachat.
3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder
Over time your ignition key and cylinder will wear out. A worn-out cylinder can be stuck or jam when it is removed, inserted or turned, which could cause problems starting and powering up your vehicle. It is common for these issues to develop slowly and become more pronounced over time as the cylinder wears.
One of the most common symptoms of this problem is when the key can't be inserted into the lock, or is not able to rotate in the cylinder for ignition. This is a clear indication that the cylinder has worn out and needs to be replaced. It is possible to replace the cylinder on your own however it is generally recommended to get an expert.
The ignition cylinder is a small cylindrical piece of metal that is located within the lock cylinder housing. It has two tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a particular position that only fits the correct key bumps. In time, tumblers could become worn or clogged up with dirt. To fix this problem you'll need to clean the ignition port. This can be accomplished with tiny bottles of graphite oil. You can purchase this product at your local auto parts store. Follow the directions on the bottle.
First, take off 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 which is placed in the cylinder's back. This is a security feature that stops 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 slide out of the housing.
The process is easy but it requires patience. Before drilling the pin, ensure that the pin is in the accessory position. It is also important to remember that there is a possibility of damaging your car's electronics and electrical systems by drilling in the wrong location. Before drilling, be certain to mark the part of the drill bit protruding from the keyway with tape. This acts as a warning to stop you from damaging the cylinder by drilling too deeply.
4. Locked Out
The first thing you need to do when you lock your keys inside your car is to not panic. You might think you're in a mess, but it's essential to be calm because there are many options and methods that you can get back in your vehicle without breaking the window or calling the tow truck. Whether it's using shoelaces, packaging tape, bobby pins, Slim Jims or modified coat hangers made of wire, most of these methods will work with the right tool or trick. But, it's important to be aware that not all methods can be successful and you may need to call a professional for help in certain instances.
The key is to take the most non-destructive approach 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 may be the best option. It's also worth noting that many roadside assistance plans, such as the NRMA, offer members the option of entering their vehicle without keys.
Another excellent suggestion is to take a deep breath and walk around the 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 as simple as the door handle or the rearview mirror. Make sure you check everywhere.
If you're unable to unlock your car, stay calm and contact your neighbor or a friend who's nearby for help. A stranger may be willing to help you should they not want to leave you in a bind. If they're unable to help, you may want to call roadside assistance. You can also check whether your insurance will cover this.
To avoid a locked out key in the future, make sure you check the app provided by your car manufacturer or utilize a smart device to convert your phone into a key fob. You can also buy an electronic keysafe to keep keys you have left over, which will keep them out of the way and away from thieves.