15 Unexpected Facts About Car Lost Key That You've Never Heard Of

How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car

Losing your car keys can be an incredibly stressful situation. It's not the worst scenario If you know how to deal with it.

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

1. Keys that are worn out

Over time, keys to cars are subjected to a lot of wear. They are often placed in locks and pockets, then jiggled around and rubbed against each other. This can cause them to lose their shape, which could result in them not fitting into the ignition cylinder properly. If this occurs, the key will either become stuck or isn't turning. It can be frustrating in both cases.

It's easy to avoid this by making multiple copies of your new car key. You can then rotate them to lessen the wear on each. You can also make use of the spare key in case you have lost your car keys.

You may also need to replace your key fob if it has been unable to function properly. As you've probably guessed that they are extremely handy to have, and they can do various tasks, from unlocking your doors and launching your engine to activating the alarm. It can happen due to a few reasons however the most common is that it's just damaged from use. They are small and delicate, often being tossed around in your bag or pocket and are able to be worn down or have buttons that break off.

If this happens, the first thing you should do is to thoroughly examine all places that you might find it, including your bag or jacket, and even in places you wouldn't normally store them (like inside a shoeshine box). Contact your dealer and ask if they have spare keys in stock. If not, they can make one for you and get it installed in your vehicle. This can be expensive but it's a lot superior to 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 key. This will make them both last longer and function properly. It's also recommended to keep a spare key in a safe location such as with your family or friends, so you'll be prepared for the time you require it.

2. Damaged Lock

If you are able to 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 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 smoother.

A car lock that doesn't turn might have been jammed by force. A burglar might have employed a tool like 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 vehicle to a professional locksmith as soon as you can. The locksmith can repair the issue and avoid further problems.

Some locksmiths provide services that disable your old key inside your vehicle. This makes it much more difficult for someone to steal your vehicle. You will need to provide proof of your identity as well as proof that you own the vehicle before you can do this. A V5C form that has your name on it will usually be accepted.

It's also a good idea to keep an extra key on your person or in the trunk of your vehicle, in case you misplace your key. A spare key can help you get back on the road quicker and also save you money by preventing from having to call a locksmith.

Based on the type of vehicle and the key, you may need to contact a locksmith in order to get a new key. Dealerships will give you an alternative key, however it could cost an additional towing fee and can require several days to get. A professional locksmith will be able to produce a key much quicker and less expensive. They might even be able to program it to work with your vehicle automatically. They also offer a range of services to keep your car safe, such as an resealing kit for doors and anti-theft alarms. Find out more by visiting PolicyBachat.

3. Clogged Ignition Cylinder

Over time the ignition cylinder and key will wear out. A worn-out cylinder may block or become stuck when it is removed, inserted or turned, which may cause issues with starting and recharging your vehicle. It is normal for these issues to take time to develop and then become more noticeable over time as the cylinder wears out.

This issue is usually indicated by the inability to insert the key into the lock or rotate the ignition cylinder. This is a clear sign that your cylinder has gotten damaged and requires replacement. It is possible to replace the cylinder yourself however, it's generally better to seek out a professional.

The ignition cylinder is a small, cylindrical piece of metal that is located within the lock housing of the cylinder. It contains two tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a particular position and can only fit the key bumps that are correct. Over time, the tumblers can get worn down or clogged with dirt. To resolve this issue it is necessary to clean the ignition port. This can be done using the smallest bottle of graphite oil. You can purchase this product from your local auto parts store. Follow the instructions on the bottle.

Take off the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will provide you with an easier view of the cylinder port. Find a pin that is inserted into the cylinder's back. This is a security feature that prevents your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder does not turn, you'll have to remove the pin in order to allow it to slide out of the housing.

The procedure is easy enough, but requires some time. Be sure to check that the pin is in the accessory position prior to drilling. You can also harm your car's electrical and electronic systems if you drill in the wrong location. Before drilling, make certain to mark the part of the drill bit that is protruding out of the keyway with tape. This will act as a warning to stop you from drilling too far and damaging the cylinder housing.

4. Locked out

The first thing you should do when you lock your keys in your car is not to panic. You may think that you're in a mess, but it's essential to be calm because there are many solutions and methods you can get back in your vehicle without breaking the window or calling a tow truck. If you're using shoelaces, packaging tape, bobby pins Slim Jims, or modified coat hangers made from wire The majority of these options will work if you have the right tool or trick. It's important to note that not all methods will work, and you might require help from a professional in some situations.


It is crucial to choose the least destructive option first. what to do if lost car keys may not like the idea of a stranger helping you open your car, but in an emergency situation, it could be the best option. A lot of roadside assistance plans give members the ability to open their car without a car key.

Another idea is to take a deep breath and walk around the entire exterior of your vehicle to see if your keys are inside any other door or in the trunk. It's easy to forget something as simple as a door handle or a rearview mirror when you're in a hurry, so be sure to look everywhere.

If you're stuck in the process of unlocking your car, be calm and call an acquaintance or a neighbor who is nearby to help. Oftentimes someone will be willing to assist you out of a jam because they don't want to be left without a home. If they're not able to assist you, then you should think about calling roadside assistance or seeing if your car insurance will cover it.

To avoid losing a key in the future, make sure you are checking the app of your car's manufacturer or utilize a smart device to transform your phone into a key fob. You can also purchase a magnetic key safe to keep your keys in, which will keep them safe from thieves and out of view.

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Pub: 27 Mar 2024 20:23 UTC
Views: 51