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How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car Losing your car keys can be an incredibly stressful situation. However, it's not the end of the world, provided you know what to do. The first step is to locate a spare key and put it in a safe location or take proof of ownership to the dealer to have a new one programmed. Keys can get lost in various ways, which can affect the ease or difficulty it is to replace them. 1. Worn Out Key Over time, keys for cars get many wear. They are jingled around in pockets, rubbing against each others, and then put into locks repeatedly again. This causes them to lose their shape, which could lead to them no longer fitting into the ignition cylinder properly. If this occurs, the key will either become stuck or isn't turning. In either case, it can be extremely difficult. Fortunately, it's simple to avoid this from happening by making extra copies of your car key when it's new. Then, you can rotate them and reduce the amount of wear each one experiences. In addition, if you do lose your car keys, you have another spare. Another reason why you may require a replacement is that your key fob isn't functioning properly. They are extremely useful and can perform a variety of functions, such as unlocking doors, launching the engine, and triggering your alarm. This can happen for various reasons, but the most common is that they've worn down from daily use. They are tiny and delicate, usually being tossed around in your bag or pocket and are able to be worn down or have buttons ripped off. If this happens the first thing to do is thoroughly check all the places you might find it, including your bag or jacket, and even places where you wouldn't normally store them (like in a shoebox). The next step is to call your dealer to find out if they have an extra key in stock. If not, they can make one for you and have it fitted to your vehicle. It can be expensive, but it is better than the alternatives. You can also reduce the risk of this happening by avoiding adding any other things to your key ring, and regularly lubricating your key and lock. This will ensure that they last longer and function properly. It's also recommended to keep the spare key in a safe 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 isn't able to fit into 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. A locksmith can use a specific tool to clean out and lubricate the lock, making it feel smooth once more. A car lock that isn't able to turn might have been jammed by force. Someone may have tried to pry open the door by using a tool like an axe or a bump key. If you see any evidence of this on the door handle, take your car to an experienced locksmith as quickly as possible. The locksmith can fix the damage and prevent further problems. Some locksmiths offer the option of disabling your old key inside the vehicle. This makes it much more difficult for thieves to take your vehicle. You'll need to provide proof of your identity and that you own the vehicle before this can be done. A V5C form that has 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 allow you to get on the road faster and can save you money by preventing you from needing to call locksmith. Depending on the model of vehicle and the key, you may need to contact a locksmith to get a new key. Dealerships can provide you with keys to replace, however it may cost an additional towing fee and can take a few days to make. A professional locksmith can typically create a new key quicker and less expensive and could be capable of programming it to your vehicle on autopilot. They also provide an array of additional services to help you keep your car safe including the door seal kit or 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 can be stuck or jammed when it is it is removed, inserted or turned which can interfere with powering on and starting your vehicle. These issues can be gradual, but become more noticeable as time passes. This problem is most often caused by the inability to insert the key into the lock, or rotate the ignition cylinder. This is a clear sign that the cylinder has damaged and requires replacement. It is possible to replace the cylinder on your own however, it's generally better to hire an expert. The ignition cylinder is a tiny metal cylindrical part that is situated inside the lock cylinder housing and contains two tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a particular position and only fits the correct key bumps. As time passes the tumblers may get worn down or clogged with dirt. To fix this problem it is necessary to clean the ignition port. You can do this with a small bottle graphite oil. You can buy this product at your local auto parts store. Follow the instructions on the bottle. The first step is to remove the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will allow you to see the cylinder port more clear. Look for a pin inserted into the back of the cylinder. This is a security measure that stops your vehicle from being taken. If the ignition cylinder isn't able to turn, you'll have to take off the pin that holds it in place to allow it to slide out of the housing. The process is easy but it requires patience. Make sure the pin is in accessory position prior to drilling. You could also harm your car's electrical and electronic systems when you drill in the wrong place. Note the part of the drill that extends from the keyway prior to drilling. This acts as a flag to prevent you from drilling too far and damaging the cylinder housing. 4. Locked Out The first thing you should do when you lock your keys inside your vehicle is to not get scared. Be calm. You might think you're in a mess however, there are plenty of ways to get back in your car without breaking the windows or calling a tow truck. You can make use of shoelaces, bobbypins, packaging tape or Slim Jims to get into your vehicle. It's important to note that there are many different methods that be effective, and you may need professional help in certain situations. The key is to always try 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 open your car for you, but it's the best choice. agree with this of roadside assistance plans give members the ability to access their vehicle without having a car key. Another great idea is to take a deep breath and walk around the exterior of your car to check whether your keys are located in any other door or in the trunk. It's easy to lose something as simple as a door handle or a rearview mirror when you're in a rush, so be sure to check everywhere. If you're still unable to open your car keep your cool and ask for help from a friend or neighbor who's nearby. A stranger may be able to help you should they not want to leave you stranded. If they're not able to assist you then you should contact roadside assistance. You can also check whether your insurance will cover this. Check the app of the car's manufacturer, or use an android phone to convert your phone into a key fob so you can avoid having your key locked out in the future. You can also buy a key safe that is magnetic to keep your keys in the safe, keeping keys safe from thieves and out of sight.