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How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car

It's a nightmare to lose your car keys. However, it's not the end of the world, provided you know what to do.

You can either bring evidence of ownership or a spare key to the dealer in order to get a new one programmed. Keys can be lost in various ways, which can affect how easy or hard it is to replace them.

1. lost car key with no spare

Over time, car keys are exposed to a lot wear and tear. They are frequently inserted into locks and pockets, then jiggled around and smacked against one another. They can lose their form and no longer fit inside the ignition cylinder. The key will either be stuck or not turn if this happens. Whatever the case, it could be extremely frustrating.

It's a good thing that you can avoid this from happening by making duplicate copies of your vehicle key when it is new. Then, you can rotate them, reducing the amount of wear each one experiences. Plus, if you ever do lose your car keys, you have a spare to use.

It is also possible to replace your key fob if it's been unable to function properly. As you know, these are very handy to have, and they can do a variety of jobs including unlocking your doors and launching your engine, to triggering the alarm. This can happen for various reasons, but the most common is that it's worn out from regular use. They are tiny, delicate and often jostled in your pocket or bag. The buttons could easily be damaged or worn down.

In this situation you should look into all possible locations, including your jacket, bag, and even places you wouldn't normally keep them (like in the shoe shine box). Call your dealership and ask whether they have spare keys in stock. If they don't have one in the store, they can purchase it and attach it to your vehicle. It's expensive but it's more efficient than the alternatives.

You can minimize the risk by not adding any other items to your key ring and also by regularly lubricating your lock and the key. This will make them both last longer and perform as they should. You should also keep a spare in a safe area, like 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 an issue with the lock. 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 specific tool to clean out and lubricate the lock, making it to feel more smooth.

Another reason why the lock on your car doesn't turn is because it was forced to close. A burglar might have attempted to open the door by using a tool, such as a pick or a bump key. If you find evidence of this on the door handle, take your vehicle to a professional locksmith as soon as you can. The locksmith can fix the damage and avoid future issues.

Some locksmiths can offer a service that disables your old key inside the vehicle, making it much more difficult for someone to take your vehicle. You will need to provide proof of your identity and that you have ownership of the vehicle before you can do this. Usually, a V5C bearing your name will be accepted.

It is also advisable 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 back on the road in a hurry and avoid having to spend money on a locksmith.

Based on the type of vehicle and the key, you may have to contact a locksmith to get a new key. Dealerships will provide you with a replacement key, but it could cost a towing fee and take several days to order. A professional locksmith can usually make a new key more quickly and at a lower cost, and may even be in a position to program it to your vehicle in a way that is automatic. They can also offer an array of additional services to help keep your car safe, 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 your ignition key and cylinder will wear out. A worn out cylinder may jam or bind when inserted, removed, or turned. This can cause issues with powering on and starting your vehicle. It is normal for these problems to develop slowly and then become more noticeable over time as the cylinder continues to wear.

This problem is most often caused by the inability to insert the key into the lock or rotate the ignition cylinder. This is a sign the cylinder must be replaced. You could try replacing the cylinder on your own, but it is generally better to get it done by a professional.

The ignition cylinder consists of a small, cylindrical piece of metal that is housed inside the lock cylinder housing. It is comprised of two tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a specific position that is only compatible with the key bumps that are appropriate. Over time the tumblers may be worn out or blocked with dirt. In order to fix this, you will have to clean the cylinder port of the ignition. This can be done with the use of a small bottle of graphite oil. You can purchase it at your local auto parts store and follow the directions on the label.

The first step is to remove the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will give you an easier view of the port for the cylinder. Look for a pin that is inserted into the cylinder's back. This is a security measure that stops your vehicle from being taken. If the ignition cylinder will not turn, you will need remove the retention pin in order to allow it to slip out of the housing.

The procedure is easy enough, but it requires a bit of patience. Make sure that the pin is in the accessory position prior to drilling. It is also possible to harm your car's electrical and electronic systems by drilling in the wrong location. Before drilling, make sure to mark the area of the drill bit that is protruding from the keyway with tape. This acts as a flag to prevent you from drilling too deep and causing damage to the housing of the cylinder.





4. Locked out

When you accidentally lock the keys to your vehicle, the first thing to do is try not to panic. Be calm. You may think you are in a mess however, there are plenty of ways to get back in your car without breaking the windows or calling a tow-truck. Whether it's using shoelaces, packaging tape, bobby pins Slim Jims, or modified coat hangers made from wire The majority of these options can be used with the correct tool or trick. It is important to keep in mind that not all methods work, and you may require help from a professional in some cases.

The key is to always take the most non-destructive approach first. You may not like the idea of a stranger helping you unlock your car, but if you're in an emergency situation, it might be the best solution. Many roadside assistance plans provide their members the option to open their car without the need for a car key.

Relax, and then walk around your car's exterior to determine if you've got your keys in any other doors or the trunk. When you're in a hurry it's easy to miss something as simple as the door handle or the rearview mirror. Be sure to check everywhere.

If you're still stuck in the process of unlocking your car, be calm and call your neighbor or a friend who is nearby for assistance. Most of the time strangers will be willing to help you out of a jam since they don't want you to be left in a bind. If they're unable to help you and you are stuck, it is best to call roadside assistance. You can also check whether your insurance will cover this.

Check the app of the manufacturer of your car or use your smart phone to turn your phone into a key fob in order to avoid having your key locked out in the future. You can also buy a magnetic key safe to store your spare keys in the safe, keeping keys safe from thieves and out of sight.