How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car

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

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

1. Keys That Are Worn Out

Over time, car keys are exposed to a lot wear and wear and tear. They are jingled around in pockets, rubbing against each others, and then put into locks over and over again. They can lose their shape and not fit into the ignition cylinder. If this occurs, the key will be stuck or isn't turning. In either case, it can be extremely frustrating.

Fortunately, it's simple to avoid this from happening by making extra copies of your car key once it's brand new. Then you can rotate them and reduce the amount of wear and tear each one undergoes. You can also use the spare key if you have lost your car keys.

Another reason why you may require an upgrade is that your key fob isn't working properly. As you know they are extremely useful to have, and they can do a variety of jobs including unlocking your doors, and even starting your engine, to triggering the alarm. It can happen for many reasons, but most commonly it's because the button is worn out. They are small and delicate, often being jostled around in your bag or pocket and can be easily worn down or have buttons that break off.

If this happens, the first thing to do is thoroughly check all places that it could be, such as your bag or jacket and even in places you wouldn't normally put them (like inside a box for shoeshine). Call your dealership and ask if they have spare keys available. If they don't have one in the store, they can purchase it and attach it to your vehicle. This isn't cheap lost car key replacement but it's a lot superior to the alternatives.

You can also reduce the chance of this happening by not adding anything else to your key ring, and regularly lubricating your keys and lock. This will make them both last longer and perform as they should. It's also recommended to keep the spare key in a safe place in your home, such as with family or with your friends, so you'll be prepared for the time you require it.

2. Damaged Lock

If the key fits into the lock, but you are unable to turn it, it could be a problem with the lock itself. The tumblers in the lock may be blocked by dirt and other debris. This could cause the mechanism to feel stiff. Locksmiths can make use of an oil-based tool to clean and lubricate a lock. This will make it feel more comfortable.

Another possible reason that a car lock won't turn is because it was forced to close. A burglar might have used a tool such as a bump key or a pick to open the door open. If you find evidence of this on the door handle, you should take your car to an experienced locksmith as quickly as you can. The locksmith can fix the issue and avoid further issues.

Some locksmiths offer a service that disables your old key in the vehicle, making it much more difficult for someone to steal your car. You'll need proof of your identity as well as proof that you have ownership of the vehicle before this can be done. A V5C form that has your name on it is likely to be accepted.

It's also a good idea to carry a spare key on your person or in the trunk of your car in case you lose yours. A spare key can allow you to get back on the road swiftly and also prevents you from needing to pay for a locksmith.

You might need to contact a professional locksmith to replace the key based on the vehicle. Dealerships will give you a replacement key, but it could cost you a towing fee and take a few days to make. A professional locksmith will be able to make a key faster and cheaper. They may even be able to program it to communicate with your vehicle on autopilot. They also provide a range of additional services to help keep your car secure including a door re-sealing 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 may wear out. A worn-out cylinder can block or become stuck when it is removed, inserted or turned which can interfere with the powering-on and starting of your vehicle. These issues may develop slowly but will become more noticeable over time.

One of the most common symptoms of this issue is when the key cannot be inserted into the lock or incapable of rotating within the ignition cylinder. This is a clear indication that your cylinder has gotten damaged and requires replacement. You can try to replace the cylinder yourself, but it is usually better to get it done by a professional.

The ignition cylinder consists of a small cylindrical piece of metal that is located inside the lock housing for the cylinder. It contains two tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a certain position that is only compatible with the appropriate key bumps. As time passes, the tumblers can become worn down or clogged with dirt. To fix this issue, you'll need to clean the cylinder port of the ignition. This can be done with a small bottle of graphite lubricant. You can purchase this product at your local auto parts store. Follow the instructions on the bottle.

Remove the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your car. This will allow you to see the cylinder port more clear. Look for a pin inserted in the back of the cylinder. This is a security feature that keeps your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder doesn't turn, you'll need to remove the retention pin to let it slide out of the housing.

The procedure is easy, but it requires patience. Before drilling the pin, ensure that the pin is in the accessory position. You could also harm your car's electrical and electronic systems by drilling in the wrong spot. Note the part of the drill that protrudes from the keyway prior to drilling. This will serve as an indicator to prevent you from damaging the cylinder drilling too deeply.

4. Locked Out

If you've accidentally locked the keys to your car, the very first thing to do is not to panic. You might think that you're in a mess, but it's essential to stay calm because there are many options and methods that you can get back into your vehicle without damaging the window or calling an emergency tow truck. You can make use of shoelaces, bobbypins, packaging tape or Slim Jims to get back into your vehicle. It's important to note that not all methods be effective, and you may require help from a professional in some cases.

The most important thing is to try the least destructive solution first. If you are in a situation that requires immediate attention you might not like the idea that someone else will let you into their vehicle for you, but it's the best choice. It's important to note that a number of roadside assistance plans, including the NRMA offers members the option of accessing their vehicle without keys.

Another great suggestion is to take an inhale and walk around the exterior of your car to check whether your keys are in any other door or in the trunk. When you're in a rush it's easy to miss something as simple as the door handle or rearview mirror. Be sure to check everywhere.

If you're still struggling to open your car keep your cool and seek help from a neighbor or friend that is nearby. Oftentimes, a stranger will be willing to assist you out of a jam because they don't want to be left without a home. If they're unable to help, you may want to contact roadside assistance. You can also determine whether your insurance covers this.

Make sure you download the app from the manufacturer of your car or use a smart phone to convert your phone into a key fob to avoid having your key locked out in the future. You can also buy keys with magnetic locks to store keys you have left over, which will keep them out of the way and away from thieves.