How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car

The loss of car keys is a nightmare scenario. It's not the most stressful thing in the world If you know how to deal with it.

First, find a spare key and keep it in a safe place or bring evidence of ownership to the dealer to have a new one programmed. Keys can get lost car keys with no spare in a variety of ways, which will impact how easy or hard it is to replace them.

1. Worn Out Key

Over time, car keys are subjected to a lot of wear and tear. They are often inserted into locks and pockets, then jiggled around and rubbed against each other. This causes them to lose their shape, which can lead to them no longer fitting into the ignition cylinder in a proper way. If this happens, the key could either become stuck or isn't turning. Either way, it can be extremely annoying.

Luckily, it's easy to stop this from happening by making duplicate copies of your vehicle key when it is new. You can then rotate them in order to reduce the wear on each. You can also make use of the spare key in case you have lost key replacement near me your car keys.

Another reason you might need an upgrade is that the key fob you have is not functioning properly. As you've guessed, these are very handy to have and they do a variety of jobs, from unlocking your doors, and even starting your engine to activating the alarm. This can happen for various reasons however the most common is that it's just damaged from use. They are tiny and delicate, usually being tossed around in your bag or pocket and are able to be worn down or have buttons that break off.

If this happens the first thing you need to do is check thoroughly in 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). Contact your dealership and inquire if they have spare keys on hand. If they don't have it in stock, they can order it and attach it to your vehicle. This isn't cheap lost my key car key replacement, updated blog post,, but it's much better than the alternative.

You can also lower the chance of this happening by avoiding adding any other items to your key ring and regularly lubricating your key and lock. This will ensure that both last longer and work properly. It's also recommended to keep a spare key in a safe location, like with your family or friends, so that you'll have it when you need it.

2. Damaged Lock

If you can turn the key but it doesn't fit in the lock, there could be a problem with the lock. The tumblers of the lock could be clogged with dirt and other debris. This can cause the mechanism to feel stiff. Locksmiths can make use of an oil-lubricated tool to clean and lubricate a lock. This will make it feel smoother.

Another reason why a car lock doesn't turn is because it was jammed by force. A thief may have tried to open the door using a device such as a pick or a bump key. If you see any evidence of this on the door handle, take your car to an experienced locksmith as quickly as you can. The locksmith can repair the damage and prevent further issues.

Some locksmiths can offer a service to disable your old key inside the vehicle, making it harder for thieves to take your car. You'll need proof of your identity and prove that you have ownership of the vehicle before you can do this. Usually, a V5C bearing your name will be accepted.

It's recommended to keep an extra key on your person or in the trunk of your car, in case you lose your key. A spare key can help you get back on the road quicker and also save your money by preventing you from calling a locksmith.

You might need to contact a professional locksmith to change the key based on the car keys lost replacement. Dealerships can supply keys for replacement, but they require a towing charge and may need to get one from you, which could take a few days. A professional locksmith will be able to make a key faster and at a lower cost. They may even be able to program it to connect to your vehicle automatically. They can also offer an array of additional services to help you ensure your vehicle is secure, such as the door seal kit or anti-theft alarms. Visit PolicyBachat to find out more about the services they offer.

3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder

Over time, your key and ignition cylinder can wear out. A worn-out cylinder can be stuck or jam when it is inserted, removed or turned, which may cause issues with starting and recharging your vehicle. It is normal for these issues to develop slowly and then become more noticeable over time as the cylinder continues to wear.

This issue is usually indicated by the inability to insert the key into the lock or rotate the ignition cylinder. This is a clear sign that the cylinder has damaged and requires replacement. You could try replacing the cylinder on your own, but it is generally better to get it done by a professional.

The ignition cylinder is a tiny metal cylindrical piece that is situated inside the lock cylinder housing. It contains a pair of tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a particular position that is only compatible with the appropriate key bumps. Over time, tumblers may become worn or clogged up with dirt. In order to fix this issue, you'll need to clean the ignition cylinder port. This can be done using the smallest bottle of graphite oil. You can buy this product from your local auto parts store. Follow the directions on the bottle.

Remove the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your car. This will let you see the cylinder port more clear. Find a pin that is inserted into the back of the cylinder. This is a security feature that prevents your vehicle from being taken. If the ignition cylinder doesn't turn, you'll have to remove the pin that holds it in place to allow it to slide out of the housing.

The procedure is easy enough but requires some patience. Before drilling the pin, make sure that the pin is in the accessory position. It is also important to note that there is a possibility of damaging your vehicle's electronics and electrical systems if you drill into the wrong spot. Before drilling, make sure to mark the portion of the drill bit that is protruding from the keyway using tape. This will serve as a signal to prevent you from drilling too deeply and causing damage to the housing of the cylinder.

4. Locked out

If you've accidentally locked the keys to your car, the very first step is to try not to panic. You might think that you're in a huge mess, but it's crucial to be calm because there are many solutions and ways that you can get back into your vehicle without damaging the window or calling an emergency tow truck. If you're using shoelaces, packaging tape, bobby pins Slim Jims, or modified coat hangers made of wire, most of these methods can be used with the right tools or tricks. However, it's important to keep in mind that not all methods will work, and you may need to contact a professional for assistance in some cases.

The key is to always look for the least destructive solution first. You might not like the idea of someone else helping you open your car, but if you're in an emergency situation, it may be the best option. It's important to note that a number of roadside assistance plans, like the NRMA, offer members the option of getting into their vehicle without having a key.

Another excellent suggestion is to take deep breaths and walk around the exterior of your vehicle to determine whether your keys are located in any other door or in the trunk. When you're in a rush, it's easy to overlook something as simple as the door handle or rearview mirror. Make sure you check everywhere.

If you're not able to unlock your car, remain calm and call your neighbor or a friend who is nearby to help. A stranger might be able to help in the event that they don't want to leave you stranded. If they're not able help you, you must think about calling roadside assistance or determining if your vehicle insurance will cover it.

To avoid a locked out key in the future, make sure you check the app of your car's manufacturer or use a smart device to turn your phone into a car key fob. You can also purchase an electronic key safe to keep your keys in the safe, which will keep them away from thieves and out of sight.