5 Car Lost Key Projects For Every Budget

How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car
Losing your car keys can be an unimaginable scenario. However, it's not the end of the world, if you know what to do.
The first step is to locate a spare key and keep it in your safe place, or bring proof of ownership to the dealership to have a replacement programmed. Keys can get lost in various ways, which will impact how easy or hard it is to replace them.
1. Keys that are worn out
Over time, keys for cars are subjected to a lot of wear. They are often jingled in pockets, rubbing against each other, and inserted into locks over and over again. They can lose their shape and no longer fit into the ignition cylinder. If this happens, the key will be stuck or isn't turning. Either way, it can be extremely frustrating.
It's a good thing that you can avoid this from happening by creating extra copies of your car key when it is new. You can then rotate them to lessen the wear on each. Plus, if you ever do lose your car keys, you'll have a spare to use.
Another reason you might need an upgrade is that the key fob you have is not functioning properly. They are extremely useful and can be used for a variety of things, including unlocking doors, launching the engine, and activating your alarm. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, but the most common reason is it is due to the button has worn out. They are tiny and delicate, usually being tossed around in your pocket or bag and can be easily worn down or have buttons that break off.
If this happens, the first thing to do is to thoroughly examine all places that it could be, such as your bag or jacket, and even in places you wouldn't normally store them (like in a shoebox). Next, contact lost key to car no spare to see if they have an extra key in stock. If they don't have a spare key in inventory, they can request it and attach it to your vehicle. It's not cheap, but it is better than the alternatives.
You can further reduce the likelihood 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 function properly. It's also recommended to keep a spare key in a secure location such as with your family or friends, so you can always have it available when you need 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 may be clogged up with dirt and debris. This could cause the mechanism to feel stiff. Locksmiths can make use of an oiled tool to clean and lubricate the lock. This will make it feel smoother.
A car lock that won't turn might have been jammed by force. A thief might have employed a tool like bump keys or a pick to open the door open. If you can see evidence of this on your door handle, you should bring the vehicle to a locksmith right away. The locksmith can repair the issue and prevent future problems.
Certain locksmiths may offer a service that disables your old key inside the vehicle, which makes it more difficult for anyone to steal your car. You'll need proof of your identity and prove that you own the vehicle before the process can begin. Usually, a V5C bearing your name is accepted.
It's also a good idea to carry a spare key on your person or in the trunk of your vehicle, in case you misplace yours. A spare key will help you get on the road faster and save you money by preventing you from having to call a locksmith.
You may have to call an expert locksmith to replace keys based on your car. Dealerships are able to provide replacement keys, however they'll need a towing cost and will likely need to purchase one for you, which can take days. A professional locksmith will be able to make a key faster and less expensive. They might even be able program it to communicate with your vehicle on autopilot. They can also provide various services to keep your vehicle safe, such as a door resealing kit and alarms that prevent theft. Visit PolicyBachat to learn more.
3. Clogged Ignition cylinder
Over time, your key and ignition cylinder can wear out. A worn-out cylinder could block or become stuck when it is removed, inserted or turned. This can cause issues with powering on and starting your vehicle. It is common for these issues to progress slowly and become more pronounced over time as the cylinder wears.
This problem is typically manifested by the inability of insert the key into the lock or rotate the ignition cylinder. This is a sign the cylinder is in need of being replaced. It is possible to replace the cylinder yourself, but it's usually best to hire an expert.
The ignition cylinder is a tiny cylindrical piece of metal that is located within the lock cylinder housing and includes two tumblers. Each tumbler has a distinct position and only fits the key bumps that are correct. As time passes the tumblers may become worn down or clogged with dirt. In order to fix this, you will need to clean the ignition cylinder port. This can be accomplished with tiny bottles of graphite lubricant. You can purchase it at your local auto parts store and follow the instructions on the label.
The first step is to remove the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will allow you to observe the cylinder port clearly. Look for a pin which is placed in the back of the cylinder. This is a security feature that prevents your vehicle from being taken. If the ignition cylinder does not turn, you'll have to remove the pin to allow it to slip 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. It is also possible to harm your car's electrical and electronic systems by drilling in the wrong spot. Mark the part of the drill that protrudes from the keyway prior to drilling. This will act as a signal to prevent you from drilling too far and causing damage to the housing of the cylinder.
4. Locked out
If you've accidentally locked the keys to your car, the first step is to try not to panic. Keep calm. You may think that you are in a mess however, there are plenty of ways to get back in your car without damaging the windows or calling a tow truck. You can make use of 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 work, and you may need professional help in certain cases.
The key is to always look for the least destructive solution first. If you're in an emergency you might not be a fan of the idea of having someone else will be able to open your vehicle for you, but it is the best choice. Many roadside assistance plans provide their customers the option to enter their vehicle without the need for a car key.
Take a deep breath, and then take a walk around the exterior of your car to see if you have your keys in any of the doors or in the trunk. If you're in a rush it's easy to miss something as basic as the door handle or the rearview mirror. Be sure to check everywhere.
If you are still not able to unlock your car, remain calm and ask an acquaintance or a neighbor who is nearby to help. Sometimes someone will be willing to help you out of a jam because they don't want you to be without a home. If they're unable to help you and you are stuck, it is best to call roadside assistance. You can also check whether your insurance covers this.
Make sure you download the app from the manufacturer of your car or use your smart phone to turn your phone into a key fob so you can ensure that your key is not locked out in the future. You can also buy an electronic key safe to keep your keys in the safe, keeping keys safe from thieves and out of sight.