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How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car

Losing car keys is an unimaginable scenario. It's not the worst thing that could happen when you know how to deal with it.

First, find a spare key and put it in a safe location or take evidence of ownership to the dealership to get a new one programmed. There are a few different ways you can lose your keys, which will determine how simple or difficult it is to replace them.

1. Keys That Are Worn Out

Over time, keys to cars are subjected a lot of wear. They are often placed in locks and pockets, then jiggled around and rubbed against each other. They can lose their form and won't fit into the ignition cylinder. The key may get stuck or stop turning when this happens. Whatever the case, it could be extremely difficult.

It's simple to avoid this by making multiple copies of your new car key. You can then rotate them to lessen the wear on each one. You can also make use of the spare key in case you lose your car keys.

Another reason why you may require replacement is if your key fob has stopped working properly. As you've guessed they are extremely useful to have and they do many things, from unlocking your doors and starting your engine to activating the alarm. This can happen for several reasons however the most common is that it's just worn down from daily use. They are small fragile and can be easily smashed in your bag or pocket. The buttons could easily be broken or worn down.

If this occurs, the first thing you should do is check thoroughly in every place it could be, including your jacket or bag and even the places you would not normally place them (like in a shoebox). Next, call your dealership to inquire if they've got an extra key available. If not, they'll purchase one for you and get it installed in your vehicle. This can be expensive but it's a lot better than the alternative.

You can also reduce the likelihood of this happening by avoiding adding anything else to your key ring and regularly lubricating your key and lock. lost keys to car will ensure that they both last longer and work properly. It's also a good idea to keep an extra key in a secure location, like with your family or with your friends, so you'll have it available 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, there may be an issue with the lock. The lock tumblers may be blocked by dirt and other debris. This can cause the mechanism to feel stiff. Locksmiths can employ an instrument that is specifically designed to clean out and lubricate the lock, making it feel smooth once more.

A car lock that won't turn could have been jammed by force. The thief could have employed a tool like bump keys or a pick to pry the door open. If you see evidence of this on the door handle, you should bring your vehicle to a locksmith right away. The locksmith will be able to repair the damage and avoid future issues.

Some locksmiths provide a service to disable your old key in the vehicle, making it harder for thieves to take your car. You'll require proof of identity and evidence that you are the owner of the vehicle in order to have this done. Usually, a V5C bearing your name will be accepted.


It's recommended to keep a spare key on your person or in the trunk of your car in case you misplace yours. A spare key can allow you to get on the road faster and also save your money by preventing you from having to call locksmith.

You may have to call an expert locksmith to replace the key depending on the vehicle. Dealerships can provide you with a replacement key, but it may cost an additional towing fee and can take several days to order. A professional locksmith will be able to make a key faster and less expensive. They may even be able program it to work with your vehicle automatically. They can also offer an array of additional services to help you keep your car secure including an re-sealing kit for doors or alarms to prevent theft. Find out more by visiting PolicyBachat.

3. Clogged ignition Cylinder

Over time your key and ignition cylinder will wear out. A worn out cylinder may jam or bind when it is removed, inserted or turned, which could cause problems in starting and powering up your vehicle. These issues may develop slowly but will become more noticeable as time passes.

One of the most typical symptoms of this issue is when the key cannot be inserted into the lock, or is incapable of rotating within the ignition cylinder. This indicates that the cylinder must be replaced. You can try to replace the cylinder yourself, but it is recommended to get it done by professionals.

The ignition cylinder is a small metal cylindrical part that is located within the lock cylinder housing and has a pair of tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a specific location that is suited to the correct key bumps. As time passes, the tumblers can become worn down or clogged with dirt. To get rid of this issue, you'll need to clean the cylinder port of the ignition. You can do this using tiny bottles of graphite lubricant. You can buy this product from your local auto parts store. Follow the instructions on the bottle.

Remove the dashboard and steering-wheel covers from your car. This will give you a clearer view of the port on the cylinder. Find a pin that is inserted into the cylinder's back. This is a security measure that protects 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 procedure is simple but it requires patience. Make sure the pin is in accessory position before drilling. You can also damage your car's electrical and electronic systems by drilling in the wrong spot. Before drilling, make lost key of car to mark the portion of the drill bit that is protruding out of the keyway with tape. This will act as a flag to prevent you from drilling too deep and causing damage to the housing of the cylinder.

4. Locked out

The first thing you should do when you lock your keys inside your car is to not panic. You might think that you're in a big mess, but it's important to be calm because there are a variety of solutions and methods you can get back in your vehicle without breaking the window or calling an emergency tow truck. You can use shoelaces, packaging tape, bobbypins, or Slim Jims to get back into your vehicle. But, it's important to be aware that not all methods will work and that you might need to contact a professional for help in some cases.

The key is to always try the least destructive solution first. If you're in an emergency you might not like the idea that a stranger will open your vehicle for you, but it is your best option. It's worth noting that a lot of roadside assistance plans, such as the NRMA offers members the option of getting into their vehicle without keys.

Relax, and then take a walk around the exterior of your car to see if you have your keys in any of the doors or the trunk. If 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're not able to unlock your car, remain calm and contact an acquaintance or a neighbor who is nearby for assistance. A stranger may be willing to help in the event that they don't want to leave you in a bind. If they're not able to assist you then you should contact roadside assistance. You may also inquire whether your insurance covers this.

Use 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 buy keys with magnetic locks to store your spares keys to keep them out of the way and safe from theft.

Member since: Thursday, October 31, 2024

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