How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car

Losing car keys is an incredibly stressful situation. However, it's not the end of the world provided you know what to do.

The first step is to locate an extra key and store it in a safe location or take evidence of ownership to the dealership to get a new one programmed. Keys can get lost in various ways, which will affect the ease or difficulty it is to replace them.

1. Keys that are worn out

Over time, car keys are subject to a lot of wear and tear. They are frequently put into locks and pockets, then jiggled around and rubbed against each other. This causes them to lose their shape, which can cause them to stop fitting into the ignition cylinder in a proper way. If this occurs, the key will be stuck or will not turn. It can be frustrating in either case.

It's easy to avoid this by making multiple copies of your new car key. You can then rotate them to reduce the wear on each one. You can also use the spare key if you have lost your car keys.

You may also need to replace your key fob if it has been unable to function properly. They are extremely useful and be used for a variety of things, including opening doors, starting the engine, and activating your alarm. This could be due to several reasons however the most common is that they've damaged from use. They are tiny and delicate, often being tossed around in your bag or pocket and can easily be snatched down or have buttons that break off.

If this occurs the first thing you should do is thoroughly check all the places it could be, including your bag or jacket and even places where you would not normally place them (like inside a shoeshine box). Call your dealership and ask if they have spare keys available. If they don't have one in stock, they can order it and attach it to your vehicle. This isn't cheap however it's far better than the alternative.

You can reduce the risk by not adding any other items to your key lost car ring and also by regularly lubricating your lock and key. This will ensure that they both last longer and function properly. Also, keep an extra in a secure area, like with your family or close friends. This way, you will always have the key at hand when you need 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 with dirt and other debris. This can cause the mechanism to feel stiff. A locksmith can use a special tool to clean out and lubricate the lock to make it to feel more smooth.

A car lock that doesn't turn might have been jammed by force. The thief could have used a tool such as bump keys or a pick to open the door open. If you can see evidence of this on your door handle, you should take the car to a locksmith immediately. The locksmith will be able to repair the issue and avoid further issues.

Some locksmiths can offer a service to disable your old keys in the vehicle, which makes it harder for thieves to take your car. You will need to provide proof of your identity as well as proof that you own the vehicle before this can be done. Usually, a V5C bearing your name will be accepted.

It's also a good idea to carry a spare key on your person or in the trunk of your car, in case you misplace yours. Having a spare will allow you to get back on the road swiftly and also prevents you from having to spend money on locksmith.

Depending on the model of car and key, you might need to contact a locksmith in order to repair it. Dealerships can supply replacement keys, however they require a towing charge and may need to order one for you, which could take a few days. A professional locksmith can usually create a new key quicker and less expensive and might even be in a position to program it to your vehicle in a way that is automatic. They can also offer a range of additional services to help keep your car safe like a door re-sealing kit or anti-theft alarms. Visit PolicyBachat to learn more.

3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder

Over time your ignition key and cylinder may wear out. A worn-out cylinder can jam or bind as it is inserted, removed or replacement turned, which may cause issues with starting and recharging your vehicle. It is typical for these issues to develop slowly and get more severe over time as the cylinder wears out.

One of the most typical symptoms of this problem is when the key can't be inserted into the lock, or is unable to be rotated within the ignition cylinder. This is a sign that the cylinder must be replaced. You can attempt to replace the cylinder by yourself, however it is generally better to get it done by an expert.

The ignition cylinder consists of a small, cylindrical piece of metal that is housed inside the lock housing for the cylinder. It has two tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a particular location and is only suited to the key bumps that are correct. Over time the tumblers will become worn down or clogged with dirt. To fix this problem you'll need to clean the ignition port. This can be done using the smallest bottle of graphite oil. You can purchase this product from your local auto parts store. Follow the instructions on the bottle.

Take off the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will allow you to view the cylinder port more clear. Find a pin that is put into the back of the cylinder. This is a security measure that prevents your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder will not turn, you will need remove the retention pin to allow it to slide out of the housing.

The process is easy however, it takes patience. Make sure the pin is in accessory position prior to drilling. It is also important to remember that there is a possibility of damaging your car's electronics and electrical systems if you drill into the wrong spot. Before drilling, be sure to mark the portion of the drill bit protruding from the keyway using tape. This acts as a flag to prevent you from drilling too far and causing damage to the housing of the cylinder.

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 you're in a bind, but there are many options to get back into your car without breaking the windows or calling a tow-truck. You can use shoelaces packaging tape, bobbypins, or Slim Jims to get into your vehicle. However, it's important be aware that not every method can be successful and you may need to contact an expert for assistance in certain situations.

It is important to always select the least damaging option first. If you are in a situation that requires immediate attention you might not like the idea that a stranger will be able to open your vehicle for you, but it is your best option. Many roadside assistance plans provide their members the option to enter their vehicle without the need for a car key.

Another idea is to take a deep breath and walk around the entire exterior of your car to see if your keys are inside any other door or in the trunk. It's easy for you to forget something as simple as the handle on a door or rearview mirror when you're in a rush, so be sure to check everywhere.

If you're still unable to get your car open, try to remain calm and ask for help from a friend or neighbor that is nearby. A stranger might be able to help if they don't wish to leave you stranded. If they're not able to assist you then you should contact roadside assistance. You can also check whether your insurance covers this.

Check the app of the car's manufacturer, or use an android phone to convert your phone into a key fob to ensure that your key is not locked out in the future. You can also purchase a magnetic keysafe to store keys you have left over and keep them out of sight and away from thieves.