How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car<br /><br />It's an absolute nightmare to lose your car keys. It's not the worst thing in the world when you know how to handle it.<br /><br />The first step is to locate a spare key and put it in a safe place or take proof of ownership to the dealer to have a new one programmed. Keys can be lost in various ways, which will affect how easy or hard it is to replace them.<br /><br />1. Worn Out Key<br /><br />Over time, keys for cars get a lot of wear. They are jingled in pockets, rubbing against each with each other, and then inserted into locks over and over again. This can cause them to lose their shape, which could lead to them no longer fitting into the ignition cylinder properly. If this happens, the key could either become stuck or will not turn. It can be frustrating in both cases.<br /><br />It's simple to avoid this by making multiple copies of your new car key. You can then rotate them, reducing the amount of wear each one experiences. You can also utilize the spare key in the event that you have lost your car keys.<br /><br />Another reason you might need a replacement is that your key fob has stopped working properly. They are extremely useful and do many things, including unlocking doors, launching the engine, and activating your alarm. It can happen for a variety of reasons, but the most common reason is it is because the button has worn out. They are tiny and delicate, frequently being tossed around in your bag or pocket and can easily be snatched down or have buttons that break off.<br /><br />In this instance, you should check all possible places like your bag, jacket, and even places you wouldn't normally store them (like in a shoe shine box). Contact your dealer and ask if they have spare keys available. If not, they'll make one for you and have it paired with your vehicle. This isn't cheap, but it's much better than the other.<br /><br />You can also reduce the chance of this happening by avoiding adding any other items to your key ring and regularly lubricating your key and lock. <a href="https://www.g28carkeys.co.uk/letchworth-auto-locksmiths-near-me/">lost my car key</a> will help them last longer and perform as they should. It's also a good idea to keep a spare key in a safe location such as with your family or friends, so you'll always have it when you need it.<br /><br />2. Damaged Lock<br /><br />If you are able to turn the key but it doesn't fit in the lock, there may be an issue with the lock. The lock tumblers could be clogged with dirt and debris, which can make the mechanism feel stiff. Locksmiths can employ an oil-based tool to clean and lubricate the lock. This will make it feel more comfortable.<br /><br />Another possible reason the lock on your car doesn't turn is because it was jammed by force. The thief could have used a tool, such as a bump key or a pick to open the door open. If you see evidence of this on the door handle, bring your vehicle to a locksmith as soon as possible. The locksmith can repair the damage and prevent further problems.<br /><br />Some locksmiths offer services that disable your old keys inside the vehicle. This makes it harder for someone to steal your vehicle. You'll need proof of your identity and proof that you are the owner of the vehicle in order to be able to avail this service. Usually, a V5C with your name will be accepted.<br /><br />It is recommended to keep an extra car key in your trunk or on your person in the event that you lose it. A spare key can help you get back on the road quickly and avoid needing to pay for locksmith.<br /><br />You may have to call an expert locksmith to replace the key based on the vehicle. Dealerships are able to provide replacement keys, however they require a towing charge and will likely need to purchase one for you, which can take a few days. A professional locksmith will typically create a new key faster and cheaper and could be in a position to program it to your vehicle on autopilot. They can also provide a range of services to ensure your vehicle is safe, such as the door seal kit and alarms that prevent theft. Find out more on PolicyBachat.<br /><br />3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder<br /><br /><br /><br />Over time your ignition key and cylinder may wear out. A worn out cylinder may jam or bind when it is removed, inserted, or turned which can interfere with powering on and starting your vehicle. It is common for these problems to develop slowly and then become more noticeable over time as the cylinder wears out.<br /><br />One of the most common symptoms of this issue is when the key cannot be inserted into the lock, or is not able to rotate in the cylinder for ignition. This is a clear sign that the cylinder is damaged and requires replacement. It is possible to replace the cylinder on your own, but it's usually best to seek out a professional.<br /><br />The ignition cylinder is a small metal cylindrical piece that is situated inside the lock cylinder housing. It has a pair of tumblers. Each tumbler has a specific position and only fits the right key bumps. As time passes the tumblers may become worn down or clogged with dirt. To fix this problem it is necessary to clean the ignition port. This can be done using tiny bottles of graphite oil. You can buy this at a local auto parts store and follow the directions on the label.<br /><br />First, take off the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will give you a clearer view of the cylinder port. Look for a pin that is put into the cylinder's back. This is a security measure that protects your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder doesn't rotate, you'll need to remove the retention pin to let it slide out of the housing.<br /><br />The procedure is easy enough, but it requires a bit of patience. Be sure to check that the pin is in accessory position prior to drilling. You can also damage your car's electrical and electronic systems when you drill in 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 an indicator to prevent you from causing damage to the cylinder by drilling too deeply.<br /><br />4. Locked out<br /><br />If you've locked the keys to your car, the very first step is to try not to panic. Keep calm. You might think you're in a mess but there are a variety of options to get back into your car without breaking the windows or calling a tow-truck. You can make use of shoelaces, packaging tape, bobbypins or Slim Jims to get into your vehicle. It's important to note that there are many different methods that work, and you may require help from a professional in some instances.<br /><br />The key is to always look for the least destructive solution first. If you're in a crisis you might not like the idea of having someone else will be able to open your vehicle for you, but it is the best choice. It's worth noting that a lot of roadside assistance plans, like the NRMA, offer members the option of accessing their vehicle without having a key.<br /><br />Take a deep breath, and then walk around your car's exterior to see if you have your keys in any other doors or in the trunk. It's easy for you to forget something as simple as a door handle or a rearview mirror when you're in a rush, so be sure to check everywhere.<br /><br />If you're not able to unlock your car, be calm and contact a neighbor or friend who is nearby to help. A stranger may be willing to help you should they not want to leave you in a bind. If they're unable to help, you may want to contact roadside assistance. You can also check whether your insurance will cover this.<br /><br />Make sure you download the app from the car's manufacturer, or use a smart phone to convert your phone into a key fob in order to avoid having your key locked out in the future. You can also purchase a magnetic keysafe to store keys you have left over, which will keep them out of sight and safe from theft.<br /><br />