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How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car

Losing car keys is an incredibly stressful situation. It's not the most stressful scenario when you know how to handle it.

You can either bring in proof of ownership or bring in a spare key to the dealer in order to get a new one programmed. You can lose your keys in various ways, which will affect the ease or difficulty it is to replace them.

1. Keys that are worn out

Over time, keys to automobiles are subjected to to a lot of wear. They are often jingled in pockets, rubbing against one with each other, and then inserted into locks repeatedly again. This causes them to lose their shape, which could result in them not fitting into the ignition cylinder in a proper way. If this happens, the key could either become stuck or will not turn. It can be frustrating in either case.

It's simple 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 experiences. In addition, if you lose your car keys, you'll have another spare.

Another reason to consider a replacement is that your key fob has stopped working properly. As you've probably guessed they are extremely useful to have and can perform many things such as unlocking your doors and launching your engine to activating the alarm. This could be due to a few reasons but the most frequent is that it's damaged from use. They are small and delicate, frequently being jostled around in your bag or pocket and are able to be worn down or have buttons that break off.

If this occurs, the first thing you need to do is thoroughly check every place you might find it, including your jacket or bag and even places where you wouldn't normally store them (like inside a box for shoeshine). Call your dealership and ask if they have spare keys in stock. If not, they'll purchase one for you and get it paired with your vehicle. It's not cheap, but it is better than the alternatives.

You can lower the risk by not putting any other items to your key ring, and also by regularly lubricating your lock and the key. This will ensure that they both last longer and perform as they should. It's also a good idea to keep the spare key in a safe place, like with your family or friends, so that you can always have it when you need it.

2. Damaged Lock

If you can turn the key but it doesn't fit in the lock, there may be an issue with the lock. The tumblers in the lock may be clogged by dirt and debris, which could make the mechanism feel stiff. A locksmith can use an oiled tool to clean and lubricate a lock. This will make it feel more comfortable.

A car lock that doesn't turn could have been jammed by force. A burglar might have employed a tool like a bump key or a hammer to force the door open. If you can see evidence of this on the door handle, you should take the car to a locksmith right away. The locksmith can repair the damage and prevent future problems.


Some locksmiths provide the option of disabling your old keys inside the vehicle. This makes it much more difficult for thieves to take your vehicle. You will need to provide proof of your identity as well as proof that you have ownership of the vehicle before this can be done. A V5C form with your name on it will usually be accepted.

It is recommended to keep a spare car key in your trunk or on your person in the event that you lose it. Having a spare can allow you to get back on the road quickly and prevents you from having to pay for a locksmith.

Based on the type of vehicle and the key, you might need to contact a locksmith in order to repair it. Dealerships will give you an alternative key, however it could cost you an additional towing fee and can take a few days to make. A professional locksmith can typically make a new key more quickly and at a lower cost and might even be in a position to program it to your vehicle automatically. They also offer various services to ensure your vehicle is secure, including a door resealing kit and alarms that prevent theft. Visit PolicyBachat to find out more about the services they offer.

3. Clogged ignition cylinder

Over time the ignition cylinder and key can wear out. A worn-out cylinder could block or become stuck when it is removed, inserted or turned, which could cause problems with starting and powering up your car. These issues may develop slowly but will become more noticeable over time.

This problem is typically indicated 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 can attempt to replace the cylinder yourself, but it is recommended to have this done by professionals.

The ignition cylinder is a small metal cylindrical part that is situated within the lock cylinder housing and includes two tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a particular position and can only fit the key bumps that are correct. As time passes the tumblers will become worn down or clogged with dirt. To resolve this issue it is necessary to clean the ignition port. This can be done using tiny bottles of graphite oil. You can purchase this at a local auto parts store and follow the instructions on the label.

Remove the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will allow you to have a clearer view of the port for the cylinder. Find a pin that is put into the cylinder's back. This is a security feature that keeps your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder does not turn, you'll need remove the retention pin to allow it to slip out of the housing.

The process is simple enough, but requires some time. Make sure that the pin is in accessory position before drilling. It is also important to keep in mind that there is a possibility of damaging the car's electronic and electrical systems if you drill into the wrong spot. Make sure you mark the portion of the drill that is protruding from the keyway prior to drilling. This will serve as a warning to stop you from drilling too far and damaging the cylinder housing.

4. Locked Out

If you've accidentally locked your keys in your car, the very first thing to do is not to panic. Stay calm. You may think that you're in a bind but there are a variety of options to get back into your car without breaking the windows or calling a tow truck. You can use shoelaces, bobbypins, packaging tape or Slim Jims to get into your vehicle. It is important to keep in mind that not all methods work, and you might require assistance from a professional in certain situations.

The key is to always take the most non-destructive approach first. If you are in an emergency, you may not like the idea that a stranger will open your car for you, but it is the best choice. car lost key replacement of roadside assistance plans give members the ability to open their car without having a car key.

Another great tip is to take an inhale and walk around the exterior of your vehicle to determine whether your keys are in any other door or in the trunk. It's easy to lose even the simplest things like a door handle or a rearview mirror when you're in a hurry, so be sure to check everywhere.

If you're still struggling to get your car open keep your cool and seek assistance from a neighbor or friend who is near. A stranger may be willing to help you in the event that they don't want to leave you in a bind. If they're not able help you, then take a look at calling roadside assistance, or determining if your vehicle insurance covers it.

To avoid a locked out key in the future, be sure to 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 a magnetic keysafe to store your spares keys and keep them safe and away from thieves.

Member since: Saturday, November 2, 2024

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