3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
The loss of your car keys can be a traumatic experience. Luckily, there are some ways to assist yourself in this scenario.
Check obvious places like your pockets or purse. You might want to consider purchasing a spare and storing it in a secure place. This will help you avoid theft in the future.
1. Contact the police
Contact the police if you can't locate your keys. They will be able help you more than a locksmith or roadside assistance. They'll also be capable of informing the public that someone has possibly stolen your car keys which could prevent others from using them without permission.
They are not able unlock the doors of your car unless there is an emergency. This is because they don't have the right tools to do this and they don't want to cause damage to the vehicle. Depending on the circumstances, police may be capable of using a slim jim to open the door, but they will require a valid reason to do so. If they see that an animal or a child is locked in a car in the heat, they may break the window.
It is also advisable to keep an extra car key hidden in case you have to lock yourself out of your car. Some people keep them in easily accessible places, like their home or their office. Some people offer them to their family or friends to keep in case of emergencies. If you have an extra, reach out to it before calling authorities or taking more drastic actions.
Many cars come with proximity remotes with a hidden emergency key hidden within them. You might be able, if your car is one of them to open the door from a distance using a special tool a locksmith could possess. This tool is a flat-ended slim jim that can be used to open locks.
2. Call a Tow Truck
If you have lost your car keys the most important thing you can do is find a company that provides emergency car key replacement. It is recommended to save their contact details on your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend some time researching what services they provide and their costs as well as their coverage areas, technology and experts.
This will enable you to make an informed choice when the situation arises. These companies can assist you with the replacement of your key or an emergency one.
It is best to have two or three spare keys. Keep one at home, and give one to your spouse or your significant other, and keep the other in your purse or wallet. This will help you avoid being stuck in a strange place.
A spare key could prevent you from needing to call roadside assistance. The cost of a brand new key for a traditional one is typically very affordable, but the price of a smart key can be quite expensive. These keys use an electronic chip that allows them to control the car. They must be paired by a dealer or manufacturer. This can take a number of days.
It's a good idea, to make the process as easy and quick as is possible, to keep the VIN number of the vehicle in your pocket. This number is usually on the paperwork of your car or, more often, on a metal plaque in the doorpost for the driver's side. This information will enable the technician to modify your old key so that it works with the new key.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It is best to start with a non-destructive solution particularly when you have children, pets, or elderly people in your car. There's no need to worry about calling the number 999 or paying a big bill for an expert.
One of the most efficient ways to unlock your car is with an air pump wedge, which are offered in auto lockout kits, and also by locksmiths and repo experts. They are made of heavy-duty vinyl that can be inflated and deflated quickly. You can slide them between the weather stripping and the door without worrying about scratching the paint.
For the majority of cars, a curved wedge is preferred. The idea is to create space where you can insert a long, thin rod to reach the pin that locks your door. A coat hanger may be a good choice if it's strong enough, but you can try a rod made from plastic or even a blood pressure cuff. The rod should be placed between the door and the frame to allow you to pull it to unlock the vehicle.
It is recommended to stay clear of these methods unless you are in an emergency. If you don't, the police could have to use more destructive tools to gain access to your car and rescue your passengers.
Keep a spare key at your home or with a friend to ensure that you have a chance to get back into your car in the event you get locked out. It is also important to determine if your auto insurance or roadside assistance plan will cover the replacement of your car keys.
4. Try a Coathanger
You've probably seen the coat hanger trick in a movie. This is a great option for older cars that come with manual locks. It works like an incredibly slim jim. All you need is a thin coat hanger made of wire and pliers.
Untwist the coathanger with pliers to ensure that one side is hooked and the other side is straight. The hook should be inserted into the gap between the window frame and the door frame. This will give you a greater chance of locating the control arm which is attached to the rod for locking. Once you've located it, push the lever upwards and your door should open.
Another method is to tie a string using a slip-knot located in the upper right corner on the driver's side of the door. Then, move the string back and forward (like flossing giant teeth) to move it towards the inside lock rod. It may take several attempts and both hands to get the lock to release.
You can also make use of the plastic strip bent into a form to fit the small gap between the door and frame. key replacement car is a more difficult option however it could be your only option if it's impossible to locate your keys.
It is a good plan to keep a spare key in a place where you can easily find it in an emergency. In the event of an emergency, you'll need to call for road assistance or a locksmith. Make sure you have the key code number as well as your personal identification in your person so that locksmith or road assistance will be able to assist you quickly.