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How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car The loss of car keys is an incredibly stressful situation. It's not the worst thing that could happen If you know how to deal with it. First, find a spare key and put it in your safe place or take evidence of ownership to the dealership to get a new one programmed. There are a few different ways to lose your keys, which will determine how simple or difficult it is to replace them. 1. Keys that are worn out Over time, car keys are exposed to a lot wear and tear. They are jingled around in pockets, rubbing against each with each other, and then inserted into locks repeatedly again. This causes them to lose their shape, which may result in them not fitting into the ignition cylinder correctly. If this happens, the key could be stuck or will not turn. It can be frustrating in either case. It's easy to avoid this by making multiple copies of your brand new car key. You can then rotate them to reduce the wear on each one. You can also use the spare key if you have lost your car keys. Another reason you might need a replacement is that your key fob has stopped functioning properly. As you know that they are extremely handy to have and they do a variety of jobs, from unlocking your doors and launching your engine to activating the alarm. It can happen for many reasons, but the most common reason is it is because the button is been worn out. They are tiny and delicate, usually being tossed around in your bag or pocket and can be easily worn down or have buttons ripped off. If this occurs the first thing to do is check thoroughly in all places that it could be, including your bag or jacket and even places where you wouldn't normally put them (like inside a shoeshine 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. It's expensive however it's better than the alternatives. You can also reduce the chance of this happening by avoiding adding anything else to your key ring and regularly lubricating your key and lock. This will ensure that they both last longer and function properly. It is also recommended to keep a spare in a safe area, like with your family or close friends. This way, you will always have the key in case you require it. 2. Damaged Lock If the key fits inside the lock, but you are unable to turn it, it could be a problem with the lock itself. The tumblers of the lock could be clogged by 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 allow it to feel more smooth. Another possible reason a car lock doesn't turn is that it was forced to close. Someone may have attempted to open the door by using a tool like the pick or bump key. If you see evidence of this on your door handle, take the car to a locksmith right away. The locksmith can repair the damage and prevent further problems. Certain locksmiths offer services that disable your old key inside the vehicle. This makes it more difficult for someone to steal your vehicle. You'll need to provide proof of your identity and that you have ownership of the vehicle before this can be done. A V5C form with your name on it is likely to be accepted. You should also 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 swiftly and avoid having to spend money on a locksmith. You may have to call an expert locksmith to replace the key based on the car. Dealerships can provide you with a replacement key, but it could cost an additional towing fee and can take several days to order. A professional locksmith will typically make a new key quicker and less expensive and could be in a position to program it to your vehicle on autopilot. They can also provide various services to ensure your vehicle is secure, including an resealing kit for doors and anti-theft alarms. Find out more by visiting PolicyBachat. 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 inserted, removed or turned, which could cause issues with starting and powering up your vehicle. These issues can be gradual but they will become more apparent as time passes. This problem is most often manifested by the inability of insert the key into the lock or rotate the ignition cylinder. This indicates that the cylinder is in need of being replaced. It is possible to replace the cylinder yourself however it is generally recommended to hire a professional. The ignition cylinder is a small metal cylindrical part that is located inside the lock cylinder housing. It contains a pair of tumblers. Each tumbler has a specific location and is only suited to the key bumps that are correct. As time passes the tumblers may get worn down or clogged with dirt. To get rid of this, you will need to clean the ignition cylinder port. You can do this using tiny bottles of graphite lubricant. You can buy this at a local auto parts store and follow the instructions on the label. First, take off the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will provide you with a clearer view of the port on the cylinder. Look for a pin that is inserted into the cylinder's back. This is a security measure that protects your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder isn't able to turn, then you will have to remove the retention pin to allow it to slide out of the housing. The procedure is simple but it requires patience. Make sure that the pin is in accessory position prior to drilling. You can also cause damage to your car's electrical or electronic systems when you drill in the wrong place. Make sure you mark the portion of the drill that is protruding from the keyway before drilling. This acts as a signal to prevent you from drilling too deep and causing damage to the cylinder housing. 4. Locked out If you've locked your keys in your vehicle, the first step is to try not to panic. Keep calm. You might think you're in a mess, but there are many options to get back into your car without damaging windows or calling a tow truck. If you're using shoelaces, bobby pins, packaging tape, Slim Jims or modified wire coat hangers The majority of these options will work if you have the correct tool or trick. However, it's important keep in mind that not every method can be successful and you may need to contact a professional for assistance in certain instances. It is crucial to choose the least destructive option first. If you are in an emergency, you may not like the idea that someone else will let you into their vehicle for you, but it's the best choice. Many roadside assistance plans offer their members the option to enter their vehicle without a car key. Another tip is to take a deep breath and walk around the exterior of your vehicle to check if your keys are inside any other door or in the trunk. When you're in a hurry it's easy to forget something as simple as the door handle or the rearview mirror. Make sure to look everywhere. If you're still struggling to get your car open, try to remain calm and seek assistance from a friend or neighbor that is nearby. A stranger may be able to help if they don't wish to leave you in a bind. If they're not able to assist you, you must think about calling roadside assistance or seeing if your car insurance will cover it. To avoid lost keys in car locked out key in the future, make sure you are checking your car manufacturer's app or use a smart device to turn your phone into a key fob. You can also purchase a magnetic key safe to store your spare keys in the safe, keeping them safe from thieves and hidden from.