How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car

It's a nightmare to lose your car keys. However, it's not the end of the world, if you know what to do.

You can either bring proof of ownership or a spare key to the dealer in order to get a new one programmed. There are a few different ways to lose keys, which will determine how simple or difficult it is to replace them.

1. Worn Out Key

Over time, car keys are subject to a lot of wear and tear. They are jingled in pockets, rubbing against each with each other, and then inserted into locks over and over again. They may lose their shape and not fit inside the ignition cylinder. The key may be stuck or not turn when this happens. Either way, it can be extremely difficult.

Luckily, it's easy to avoid this from happening by making additional copies of your car key when it's new. You can then rotate them to reduce the wear on each. Plus, if you ever do lose your car keys, there's an extra.

You may also need to replace lost car keys your key fob in case it has stopped working properly. As you've guessed, these are very handy to have and can perform a variety of jobs such as unlocking your doors and launching your engine to activating the alarm. It can happen for a variety of reasons, but most commonly it's because the button is worn out. They are tiny and delicate, usually being jostled around in your pocket or bag and can be easily worn down or have buttons ripped off.

In this case, you should check all possible locations such as your jacket, bag, and other places where you would normally put them (like in the shoe shine box). Contact your dealership and inquire if they have spare keys available. If not, they'll order one for you and have it fitted to your vehicle. It's not cheap however it's better than the alternatives.

You can minimize the risk by not adding any other items to your key ring and by regularly lubricating both your lock and the key. This will help them last longer and work properly. It's also recommended to keep an extra key in a safe place, like with your family or friends, so you'll always be prepared for the time 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 a problem with the lock. The lock tumblers could be blocked by dirt and debris, which can make the mechanism feel stiff. Locksmiths can make use of a specific tool to clean and lubricate the lock, helping it feel smooth once more.

Another reason why that a car lock won't turn is that it was jammed by force. Someone may have attempted to the door open using a tool like an axe or a bump key. If you notice any evidence of this on the door handle, you should take your car to an experienced locksmith as quickly as possible. The locksmith can repair the issue and avoid further issues.

Some locksmiths offer a service to disable your old key inside the vehicle, which makes it more difficult for anyone to steal your car. However, you'll need proof of identity and evidence that you are the owner of the vehicle in order to be able to avail this service. A V5C forcan be worn out or blocked with dirt. To resolve this issue you'll need to clean the ignition port. You can do this using the smallest bottle of graphite lubricant. You can purchase this product at your local auto parts store. Follow the directions on the bottle.

First, remove the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will give you a clearer view of the port for the cylinder. Find a pin into the back of the cylinder. This is a security measure that protects your vehicle from being taken. If the ignition cylinder does not turn, you'll need to remove the pin that holds it to allow it to slide out of the housing.

The procedure is simple but it requires patience. Before drilling the pin, ensure that the pin is in the accessory position. You can also damage your car's electrical and electronic systems by drilling in the wrong location. Mark the part of the drill that is protruding from the keyway before drilling. This will serve as a warning to stop you from drilling too deep and causing damage to the housing of the cylinder.

4. Locked Out

If you've locked your keys in your car, the very first thing to do is not to panic. You might think you're in a mess, but it's essential to remain calm as there are plenty of solutions and methods you can get back into your vehicle without breaking the window or calling a tow truck. You can use shoelaces, packaging tape, bobbypins or Slim Jims to get back into your vehicle. It's important to remember that there are many different methods that be effective, and you may need professional help in certain situations.

It is important to always select the least damaging option first. If you're in a situation that requires immediate attention, you may not like the idea that someone else will be able to open your vehicle for you, but it's the best option. It's important to note that a number of roadside assistance plans, such as the NRMA provide members with the option of accessing their vehicle without having a key.

Another excellent idea is to take an inhale and walk around the entire exterior of your car to check whether your keys are in any other door or in the trunk. If you're in a rush, it's easy to overlook something as simple as the door handle or the rearview mirror. Make sure to look everywhere.

If you're not able to unlock your car, be calm and ask an acquaintance or a neighbor who's nearby for help. A stranger may be able to help should they not want to leave you in a bind. If they're not able to help you, you may want to contact roadside assistance. You can also check whether your insurance will cover this.

Use the app of your car's manufacturer or use your smart phone to turn your phone into a key fob to ensure that your key is not 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 sight and safe from theft.