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 assist yourself in the event of this happening to you.
Look for obvious places such as your pockets or purse. You might want to consider purchasing a spare and storing it in a secure place. This can help prevent theft in the future.
1. Call the Police
If you've lost your keys and are unable to locate them, the best solution is to contact the police. They will be able assist you more than an auto locksmith or roadside assistance. They will also be able to inform the public that someone has possibly taken your car keys, which will stop people from using keys without authorization.
They are not able unlock the doors of your car unless there is an emergency. They don't have any tools and they don't want to risk damaging the vehicle. If the circumstances are right the police may be able use a slim Jim to open the car door. But, they must have a legitimate reason to do so. For instance when they spot an infant or a pet locked in the car during hot weather, they may break the window to save a life.
It is also advisable to keep an extra car key hidden in case you lock yourself out of your vehicle. Some people keep spare keys in areas accessible to them, such as their home or office. Some people offer them to their family or friends to keep in case of emergency. If you have a spare make contact with it prior to calling the authorities or taking more drastic actions.
A lot of cars come with proximity remotes that have an emergency code that is hidden. If yours is one of them, you might be able to open the doors from a distance using a special tool that locksmiths will possess. This tool is a slim jim that has a flat end that can be used to open locks.
2. Contact a Tow Truck
If you have lost your car keys, the first thing to do is locate a business that offers emergency replacement of car keys. It is best to save their contact numbers on your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time studying their offerings and the charges they charge, coverage area, technology, and professionals.
You'll be able make an informed decision if the need arises. No matter if you require an emergency locksmith or simply a replacement key, these companies will assist you in getting back on the road with minimal hassle.
The best method to avoid losing your keys is to have a spare set, and should you be able to, if possible, two or three sets. Keep one at home, then give one to your partner or significant other, and keep the other one in your purse or wallet. This will allow you to avoid being stranded in a strange place.
A spare key could prevent you from having to call for roadside assistance. The cost of a brand new key for a traditional one is usually very affordable, but the price of a smart one can be quite costly. These types of keys use an electronic chip to operate the vehicle, which means they'll require pairing with the car by a manufacturer or dealer which can take several days.
To make the process as simple and easy as it can be, it's always a good idea to have the VIN number of your vehicle in your possession. This number can be found on the paperwork for your vehicle or stamped on a metal plaque that is placed in the door of the driver. This information will allow professionals to modify your old key to ensure that it works with the new key.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's best to begin with a non-destructive method especially if you have young children or pets, or elderly people in your vehicle. This way, you don't have the risk of having to call 999 or be charged a high amount from a professional.
One of the most efficient ways to unlock your car is with an air pump wedge that are available in auto lockout kits and also by locksmiths and repo experts. They are made of robust, heavy-duty vinyl. They are designed to be inflated for a brief period of time, and then deflated. This lets you slide them between the door and the weather stripping without risking scratching or damaging the paint of the car.
find more can make use of wedges of any size, but a curved one is even more suitable for cars with a wide range of. The idea is to create a space where you can place the long, thin rod in order to reach the locked pin. A coat hanger might be suitable if it's sturdy enough, but you could also try a plastic rod or even a blood pressure cuff. The rod should be put between the frame and the door so that you can pull it to open the vehicle.
Almost all of these methods will trigger the car alarm, which is why it's best to avoid these methods unless you're in an emergency. If you don't, police might have to use more destructive tools to gain access to your car and rescue 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 the event you are locked out. And, of course you must be sure to check whether car key replacement is covered in your roadside assistance plan or insurance for your car.
4. Try Coathanger
The coat hanger trick is a well-known, and you've likely seen it in a movie. This is a solution for older cars with manual locks. It works like an incredibly slim jim. You will require a simple coat hanger, pliers, and a thin wire.
Untwist the coathanger using 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 and the door frame. This will help you locate the control arm connected to the rod for locking. Once you've located it, lift the lever and your door will open.
Another method is to tie a string using a slip knot in the upper right corner of the door for the driver. Then, wiggle the string back and forth (like flossing giant teeth) to move it towards the rod of the inside lock. It may take a few attempts and both hands to allow the lock to be released.
You could also consider using a strip of plastic that can be bent into a form that will fit into the gap between the door and the frame. This is a more challenging option but it could be the only method to enter the vehicle in case you can't locate your keys.
It is a good idea to keep a spare key in a place where you can easily find it in an emergency. If you don't, you'll have to call for road assistance or a locksmith. Be sure to have the key code number as well as your personal identification on your person so that locksmith or road assistance will be able to assist you in a timely manner.