3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys could be an extremely frustrating experience. There are some steps you can do to assist yourself in the event of this happening to you.
Make sure you check the obvious places, such as your pockets or purse. Consider buying a spare key and keeping it in a secure location. This can prevent future thefts.
1. Call the Police
Contact the police if you cannot find your keys. They can help you more than a locksmith or roadside assistance. They will also be capable of informing the public that someone has possibly taken your car keys, which will stop people from using them without permission.
They can't open the doors of your car unless there is an emergency. This is because they do not have the proper tools to do so and they don't want to cause damage to the vehicle. In certain circumstances the police might be capable of using a slim jim to open the door, but they'll require a compelling reason for doing so. If they see that the child or animal is locked in a vehicle in hot weather, they could break the window.
It's an excellent idea to have a spare key hidden somewhere in case you get locked out of your vehicle. Some people keep spare keys in places that are easy to access like their home or office. Some people offer them to their family or friends to keep in case of an emergency. If you have a spare, reach out to it before calling the authorities or taking more drastic steps.
Many cars have proximity remotes that have an emergency key in them. If yours is one of them, you could be able to open the doors from a distance with a special tool that locksmiths possess. This tool is a flat-ended slim jim that can be used to open locks.
2. Call for a Tow Truck
If you lose your car keys The most important thing you can do is locate a company that offers emergency replacement of car keys. You should keep their contact information in your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend some time researching what services they provide as well as their prices as well as their coverage areas, technology and experts.
You will be able to make an informed choice when the time comes. These companies can help you with the replacement of your key or an emergency one.
It is recommended to have three or more spare keys. Keep one at home, give one to your partner or significant other, and keep the other one in your purse or wallet. This will ensure that you don't find yourself stranded in a foreign location.
A spare key can make it easier to call for assistance on the road. A new key for a standard key is usually quite affordable. However, the cost of a smart-key could be quite costly. These types of keys use an electronic chip to control the vehicle, therefore they'll require pairing with the car by a dealer or manufacturer which can take several days.
It's a good idea, to make the process as easy and quick as possible, to keep the VIN number of the vehicle in your pocket. It can be found on your car's paperwork or is usually stamped on a metal plate that is located in the doorpost for the driver's side. This information will allow the professional to reprogram your old key so that it functions with the new key.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It's best to begin with a non-destructive treatment especially when you have children or pets, as well as elderly people in your car. So you don't run the risk of needing to call 999 or pay a large bill from an expert.
Air pump wedges are sold in auto lockout kit and by repo and locksmith professionals. The wedges are made of heavy-duty vinyl that can be inflated and deflated quickly. This allows you to slide them between the door and the weather stripping without risking scratching or damaging the paint on the car.
For the majority of cars, a curved wedge is preferred. The idea is to create a space where you can insert an extremely thin rod to reach the locked door pin. If the coat hanger is strong enough, it could be able to work. You could also try an aluminum rod or a blood pressure cuff. The rod should be placed between the frame and the door so that you can pull it to open the vehicle.
The majority of these methods set off the car alarm This is why it's recommended to avoid them unless there is 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 car key at home or with a friend near you in case you need to gain access to your vehicle in the event that you are locked out. And, of course you must be sure to confirm that key replacement is part of your roadside assistance plan or insurance for your car.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
You've probably seen the coat hanger trick in a film. car key replacement is a great option for older vehicles that have locks that are manually operated and functions as an easy slim jim. All you require is a coat hanger made of wire and pliers.
Untwist the coathanger using pliers until 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 that is connected to the rod for locking. Once you've located it, lift the lever and your door should open.
Another method is to tie a string with a slip knot in the upper right-hand corner of the driver's door. Then, you can wiggle the string back and forth (like flossing massive teeth) to move it towards the rod inside the lock. It could take a few attempts and both hands to allow the lock to be released.
You can also try using a strip of plastic that is bent into a shape that will fit into the narrow gap between the door and the frame. This is a harder option however it could be your only option if you are unable to find your keys.
If you have an extra key, it's recommended to store it somewhere that you can easily access in the event of an emergency. You'll need to call road assistance or a lock-smith in the event that you don't. You must have your key code number and personal identification with you so that road assistance or a locksmith can help you promptly.