3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys could be a traumatic experience. There are, however, some actions you can take to assist yourself in this circumstance.
First, look in the obvious places, like your purse or pockets. Next, consider purchasing a spare key and keeping it in a secure place. This will help you avoid theft in the future.
1. Call the Police
Contact the police if can't locate your keys. They can help you more than a locksmith or roadside assistance. They will also be capable of informing the general public that someone has possibly stolen your car keys which could prevent others from using keys without authorization.
They can't open the doors of your car unless there is an emergency. They do not have any tools and they do not want to damage the vehicle. In certain circumstances, police may be capable of using a slim jim to open the door, but they'll require a valid reason to do this. If they discover that an animal or a child is locked inside a vehicle in the heat, they could break the window.
It's also a good idea to keep an extra key somewhere in case you're locked out of your car. Some people keep them in accessible locations, such as their home or their office. Some people offer them to their family or friends to keep in case of emergency. If you have a spare, you should try to locate it before calling the police or resorting to more extreme measures.
A lot of cars come with proximity remotes that have an emergency code that is hidden. If yours is one of them, you may be able to unlock the doors from a distance by using a special tool that a locksmith will have. This tool is a slim jim with a flat end that can be used to pick locks.
2. Contact for a Tow Truck
Find a company who provides emergency replacement of car keys if you lose your keys. You should save their contact information in your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend time investigating their services and their costs, their coverage area, technology and professionals.
This will enable you to make an informed choice when the situation arises. These companies can assist you with a replacement or emergency key.
The best way to prevent losing your keys is to keep an extra set and, should you be able to, if possible, three or more sets. Keep one at home, give one to your spouse or your significant other, and then keep the other one in your wallet or pocket. This will ensure that you don't be stuck in a remote location.
A spare key can also prevent you from needing 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 one can be quite expensive. These keys utilize an electronic chip that operates the vehicle, which means they'll require pairing with the car by a dealership or manufacturer which can take several days.
It's a good idea, to make the process as simple and quick as is possible, to keep the VIN number of the car in your pocket. This can be found on your car's registration or, more often, on a metal plaque in the doorpost for the driver's side. This information will help the emergency car key replacement specialist determine the best way to proceed with changing your old key's programming to work with the new one.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It's always best to use a non-destructive approach first, especially if there are young children, pets or elderly people in the car. So you don't run the risk of having to call 999, or be charged a high amount from an expert.
Air pump wedges are sold in auto lockout kits and by locksmith professionals and repo experts. These wedges are made from durable vinyl that can be deflated and inflated quickly. You can slip 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 in which you can place a long, thin rod to reach the door pin locked. A coat hanger may 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 door and the frame to allow you to pull it to unlock the vehicle.
It's best to stay clear of these methods unless you are in an emergency. If not, the police might require an even more destructive method to get into your vehicle to rescue pet or passengers.
Keep an extra car key at home or with a friend near you in case you need to gain access to your vehicle if you lock yourself out. Also, make sure that your insurance for your vehicle or roadside assistance plan covers the replacement of keys to your car.
4. Try Coathanger
You've likely seen the coat hanger trick in a film. This is a great option for older vehicles with manual locks and works as a DIY slim jim. All you need is a thin coat hanger made of wire and pliers.
Untwist the coathanger using pliers to ensure that one side is hooked, and the other side is straight. Slide the hook into the gap between the window and door frame. This will increase your chance of finding the control arm which is attached to the lock rod. Once you've found it push the lever upwards and the door should be opened.
Another method is to tie a string using a slip-knot in the upper right corner of the driver's side of the door. Then, you can wiggle the string back and back and forth (like flossing huge teeth) to move it towards the rod of the inside lock. It is possible to use both hands and it could take a few attempts however, if it's successful, the lock will let go and you should be able to open the door.
see this page could also consider using a plastic strip that is bent into a shape that will fit in the gap between the door and frame. This is a more challenging option but it could be the only way to get in the vehicle if you cannot locate your keys.
It is a good idea to keep a spare key in a place where you can easily find it in the event of 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 will assist you quickly.