3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
The loss of keys to your car could be a frustrating and stressful experience. There are some steps you can do to help yourself if this happens.
The first step is to check the obvious places, like your pockets or purse. Consider buying an extra key and keeping it in a safe place. This can help prevent theft in the future.
1. Call the Police
If you've lost your keys and can't find them, the best thing to do is call the police. They can help you in a variety of ways, not just a roadside assistance or locksmith. They can also inform the public that your car keys could be missing, which will help prevent others from using keys without permission.
However, they aren't capable of unlocking your car's door unless there is an emergency situation. They do not have any tools and they do not want to damage the vehicle. If the circumstances are appropriate, the police may be able to use a small Jim to open the door of the car. However, they must have a valid reason to do this. For instance, if they see a small child or animal locked in the car during hot weather, they could break the window to save the life.
It's also a good idea to keep a spare key hidden somewhere in case you are locked out of your vehicle. Some people keep them in easily accessible locations, such as their home or their office. Others give them to family or friends members to keep in case in the event of an emergency. If you have an extra, reach out to it prior to calling the authorities or taking more drastic actions.
Many cars come with proximity remotes with a hidden emergency code. If yours is one of them, you may be able to unlock the doors from a distance using the help of a specific tool that a locksmith will have. It is a flat-ended slim jim that can be used to open locks.
2. Contact a Tow truck
Find a company that provides emergency car key replacement if you have lost your keys. It is recommended to save their contact details in your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend some time researching what services they provide as well as their prices, their coverage area, technology and experts.
This will help you make a well-informed decision if the need arises. These companies can assist you with a replacement or emergency key.
The best method to avoid losing your keys is to have an extra set, and when possible, three or more sets. Keep one at home, give one to your partner or your significant other, and then keep the other one in your wallet or pocket. This will ensure that you never end up in a remote location.
A spare key could prevent you from needing to call roadside assistance. The cost of a brand new key for a traditional one is usually quite affordable, but the cost of a smart key could be quite expensive. They are equipped with an electronic chip that allows them to control the car. They will need to be connected with a manufacturer or dealer. This can take a number of days.
It's a good idea, to make the process as easy and quick as is possible you keep the VIN number of the car in your pocket. key replacements is usually on the paperwork of your car or, more often, on a metal plate in the doorpost for the driver's side. This information will aid the emergency key replacement professional determine the best way to proceed with making your old key work with the new one.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It's best to start with a non-destructive treatment, especially in the case of children or pets, as well as elderly people in your vehicle. This way, you don't have the risk of needing to call 999 or be charged a high amount from a professional.
Air pump wedges are available in auto lockout kit and by locksmith professionals and repo experts. These wedges are made from durable vinyl that can be deflated and inflated quickly. You can slide them between the weather stripping and the door without having to worry about scratching paint.
You can make use of a standard wedge, or a curved one is even better for most cars. The idea is to create a space where you can place the long, thin rod in order to get to the pin locked. If the coat hanger is strong enough, it may be able to work. You can also use an aluminum rod, or even a blood-pressure cuff. The rod should be put between the door and the frame to allow you to pull it to open the vehicle.
It is best to avoid these methods unless you are in an emergency. If you don't, police may have to employ more destructive tools to get inside your vehicle and save your passengers.
Keep a spare key somewhere at your home or with a friend, so that you have a chance of getting back into your car in case you lock yourself out. Also you must be sure to check whether car key replacement is covered in your roadside assistance plan or auto insurance.
4. Try a Coathanger
The coat hanger trick is a classic and you've likely seen it in a film. This is a great option for older cars with manual locks. It works like a slim jim. All you require is a thin coat hanger made of wire and pliers.
With the pliers, untwist the coat hanger so that it has one end hooked and one straight. Place the hook in the space between the window and the door frame. This will give you a better chance of locating the control arm which is attached to the rod for locking. When you locate it, pull it up and the door should open.
Another way is to tie a string with an elongated slip-knot on the upper right corner of the driver's side door. Then, you can wiggle the string back and forth (like flossing massive teeth) to move it towards the rod of the inside lock. It may take several attempts and both hands to allow the lock to be released.
You could also try a plastic strip that is bent into a shape that fits into the narrow gap between the door and frame. This isn't the most ideal solution however it could be your only option if you can't find your keys.
It is a good idea to keep a spare key somewhere you can easily find it in the event of an emergency. You'll need to call road assistance or a locksmith if you don't. Make sure you have the key code number as well as your personal identification in to ensure that the locksmith or road assistance will be able to assist you quickly.