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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 when you know how to handle it.

First, find a spare key and keep it in a safe location, or bring proof of ownership to the dealer to have a replacement programmed. There are many ways to lose your keys, which will determine how simple or difficult it is to replace them.

1. Keys that are worn out

Over time, car keys are subjected to a lot of wear and wear and tear. They are frequently inserted into locks, jingled around in pockets and smacked against one another. This causes them to lose their shape, which could cause them to stop fitting into the ignition cylinder correctly. The key may become stuck or not turn when this happens. Whatever the case, it could be extremely frustrating.

It's easy to avoid this by creating multiple copies of your brand new car key. Then, you can rotate them and reduce the amount of wear and tear each one goes through. Additionally, if you lose your car keys, you'll have a spare to use.

Another reason to consider an upgrade is that the key fob you have is not functioning properly. These are extremely useful and can do many things, including opening doors, starting the engine, and triggering your alarm. This could be due to various reasons but the most frequent is that they've worn out from regular use. They are tiny, delicate and often jostled in your bag or pocket. The buttons are prone to break or wear down.

If this occurs the first thing you need to do is to thoroughly examine all places that it could be, such as your bag or jacket, and even the places you wouldn't normally put them (like inside a box for shoeshine). Next, call your dealership to see if they have an extra key available. If not, they can make 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 minimize the risk by avoiding adding any other items to your key ring and by regularly lubricating both your lock and the key. This will ensure that they last longer and function properly. It is also recommended to keep a spare in a safe place, such as with your family or friends. This means that you will always have the key at hand when you require it.

2. Damaged Lock

If you can turn the key but it's not able to fit inside the lock, there could be an issue with the lock. The tumblers in the lock may be clogged with dirt and other debris. This can cause the mechanism to feel stiff. Locksmiths can employ an oil-based tool to clean and lubricate a lock. This will make it feel more comfortable.

Another reason why a car lock doesn't turn is that it was forced to close. A burglar might have tried to the door open using a device such as an axe or a bump key. If you see any evidence of this on the door handle, you should take your vehicle to a professional locksmith as soon as possible. The locksmith can repair the damage and avoid future issues.

Some locksmiths provide a service that disables your old key inside your vehicle. This makes it more difficult for someone to steal your vehicle. You'll need proof of your identity and that you own the vehicle before you can do this. A V5C form that has your name on it is likely to be accepted.

You should also keep an extra car key in your trunk or on your person in case you lose it. A spare key can allow you to get back on the road swiftly and also prevents you from having to pay for locksmith services.


Based on the type of vehicle and the key, you may need to contact a locksmith to replace it. Dealerships will provide you with an alternative key, however it may cost an additional towing fee and can take a few days to make. A professional locksmith will be able to make a key faster and cheaper. They might even be able to program it to communicate with your vehicle on autopilot. They can also provide a range of services to keep your car secure, including the door seal kit and alarms against theft. Find out more on PolicyBachat.

3. Clogged Ignition cylinder

Over time, the ignition cylinder and key will wear out. A worn out cylinder may be stuck or jammed when it is it is removed, inserted or turned. This can cause issues in starting and powering up your vehicle. These issues may develop slowly, but become more noticeable over time.

This issue is usually caused by the inability to insert the key into the lock, or turn the ignition cylinder. This is a sign the cylinder must be replaced. You can attempt to replace the cylinder on your own, but it is usually better to get it done by professionals.

The ignition cylinder is a tiny cylindrical piece of metal which is found within the lock cylinder housing and has two tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a certain position that only fits the appropriate key bumps. In time, tumblers could get worn out or clogged with dirt. To get rid of this, you will need to clean the ignition cylinder port. You can do this with the smallest bottle of graphite oil. You can buy this at a local auto parts store and follow the instructions on the label.

Take off the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will give you an easier view of the cylinder port. Look for a pin in the back of the cylinder. This is a security measure that stops your vehicle from being taken. If the ignition cylinder will not turn, you'll have to remove the pin to allow it to slip out of the housing.

The process is simple enough but requires some patience. Make sure 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 place. Before drilling, make sure to mark the portion of the drill bit protruding out of the keyway with tape. This will serve as a warning sign to keep you from damaging the cylinder by drilling too deeply.

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're in a mess however, there are plenty of options to get back into your car without damaging windows or calling a tow truck. Whether it's using shoelaces, packaging tape, bobby pins Slim Jims, or modified wire coat hangers The majority of these options can be used with the right tools or tricks. But, it's important to be aware that not all methods can be successful and you may need to contact a professional for assistance in certain situations.

The key is to look for the least destructive solution first. You may not like the idea of someone else helping you unlock your car, but in an emergency situation, it could be the best option. A lot of roadside assistance plans give members the ability to open their car without having a car key.

Relax, and then take a walk around the exterior of your car to check if you have your keys in any of the doors or the trunk. If replacing a lost car key in a rush it's easy to forget something as basic as the door handle or the rearview mirror. Be sure to check everywhere.

If you are still stuck in the process of unlocking your car, stay calm and call an acquaintance or a neighbor who is nearby to help. Sometimes someone is willing to help you out of a jam because they don't want to be left in a bind. If they're unable to help you, then consider calling roadside assistance or checking if your car insurance covers it.

To avoid losing a key in the future, be sure to check the app provided by your car manufacturer or use a smart device convert your phone into a car key fob. You can also purchase an electronic keysafe to keep keys that you don't use and keep them out of the way and safe from theft.

Member since: Friday, November 1, 2024

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