3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
The loss of keys to your car can be a stressful experience. There are some things you can do to help yourself in the event of this happening to you.
The first step is to check the obvious places, such as your pockets or purse. Consider buying an extra one and keeping it in a safe place. This will help prevent thefts in the future.
1. Contact the police
Call the police if you can't locate your keys. They will be able help you more than a locksmith or roadside assistance. They will also be able to inform the public that someone has possibly stolen your car keys, which will stop people from using keys without authorization.
However, they aren't in a position to unlock your car door unless it is an emergency situation. They don't have tools and do not want to damage the vehicle. Based on the situation, police may be able to use a slim jim to open the door, but they will need to have a good reason to do this. For instance in the event that they see an infant or a pet trapped inside the vehicle in hot weather, they could break the window to save a life.
It is also advisable to keep a spare car key somewhere hidden in case you need to lock yourself out of your vehicle. Some people keep spare keys in places easily accessible, such as their home or office. Some people offer them to family or friends to keep in case of an emergency. If you have a spare, try to locate it before calling the police or resorting to more extreme measures.
Many cars come with proximity remotes that come with an emergency code that is hidden. It is possible to use your car, if it is one of them to open the door from a distance by using the same tool that a locksmith could have. It is a thin jim with a flat end that can be used to pick locks.
2. Contact a Tow Truck
If you have lost your car keys, the first thing to do is locate 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 looking into the services they offer and their costs, their coverage area, technology and professionals.
You'll be able to make an informed decision if the need arises. If you require an emergency locksmith or simply a replacement key, these companies can help you get back on the road with little hassle.
It is recommended to have two or three spare sets of keys. Keep one at home, and give one to your spouse or significant other, and keep the other one in your purse or wallet. This will help you to avoid being stranded in a strange place.
A spare key can save you from having to call roadside assistance. The cost of a brand new key for a traditional key is usually quite affordable, but the cost of a smart key can be quite costly. These types of keys make use of an electronic chip to control the vehicle, so they'll require pairing with the vehicle by a dealer or manufacturer and could take a few days.
To make the process as fast and painless as you can it's best to have the VIN number of your car in hand. It's possible to find this number on the documents for your vehicle or stamped on a metal plaque in the door of the driver. This information will help the emergency car key replacement expert determine how to go about reprograming your old key to work with the new one.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It is always advisable to use a non-destructive approach first especially if you have children, pets, or elderly people in the car. auto key replacement won't have to risk calling the number 999 or paying a big bill for an expert.
Air pump wedges are sold in auto lockout kits and by locksmith and repo professionals. They're made of tough, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a short time before being deflated. You can slip them between the weather stripping and the door without worrying about scratching the paint.
You can use a standard wedge, or a curved one is more suitable for the majority of cars. The idea is to create a space where you can insert the rod to reach the locked door pin. A coat hanger might work if it's thick enough, but you could try a rod made from plastic or even a blood pressure cuff. The rod should be put between the frame and the door to allow you to pull it to open the vehicle.
Almost all of these methods cause the car alarm to go off and that's why it's best to avoid them unless there's an emergency. In the event of an emergency, police may need to employ a more destructive tool to enter your vehicle and save your passengers or pets.
Have a spare key at home or with a trusted friend to ensure that you have a chance of getting back in your car in case you get locked out. Also it is important to check whether car key replacement is included in your roadside assistance plan or insurance for your vehicle.
4. Try Coathanger
The coat hanger trick is a classic one, and you've likely seen it in a film. This is a solution for older cars with manual locks. It works as a slim jim. All you require is a coat hanger made of wire and pliers.
With the pliers, loosen the coat hanger so that it has one side hooked and one straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will allow you to locate the control arm that is connected to the lock rod. When you locate it, pull it back and the door should open.
Another method is to tie a long string using a slip knot at the upper right-hand corner of the driver's door. Wiggle the string in a back-andforth motion (like flossing a tooth) to move it towards the inside lock rod. It could take a few attempts and both hands to unlock the lock.
You can also try using a strip of plastic that is bent into a shape that fits into the gap between the door and the frame. This isn't the most ideal solution however it could be your only option if you can't find your keys.
If you have a spare key, it's best to keep it somewhere where you can easily access in case in an emergency. If you don't, you'll have to call for road assistance or a locksmith. It is recommended to carry your key code number as well as personal identification with you so that road assistance or a locksmith could help you promptly.