3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys can be a traumatic experience. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to help yourself in this situation.
First, check the obvious places, such as your pockets or purse. Then, think about buying an extra key and keeping it in a secure place. This can help prevent theft in the future.
1. Call the Police
Contact the police if cannot locate your keys. They will be able help you more than an auto locksmith or roadside assistance. They can also inform the general public that your car keys may be missing and help stop other people from using them without permission.
However, they are not capable of unlocking the door of your car unless it is an emergency situation. They don't have tools and don't want the vehicle damaged. Based on the situation the police might be capable of using an incredibly small jim to open the door, but they'll need to have a good reason to do this. For example when they spot an infant or a pet locked inside the car in hot weather, they could break the window to save the life of a person.
You should also keep a spare car key somewhere hidden in case you have to lock yourself out of your car. Some people keep spare keys in places that are easy to access such as their home or office. Others give them to family members or friends members to hold onto in the event of an emergency. If you have a spare, you should try to locate it before calling the police or taking more extreme measures.
Many cars have proximity remotes with a hidden emergency key in them. If yours is one of them, you could be able to unlock the doors from a distance by using a special tool that a locksmith will have. The tool is a slim jim that has a flat end that can be used to pick locks.
2. Call a Tow truck
If you lose your car keys The first thing to do is find a company that can provide an emergency car key replacement. It is recommended to keep their contact numbers on your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time researching the services they offer and the charges they charge, coverage area, technology, and professionals.
You'll be able make a well-informed decision when the time comes. No matter if you require an emergency locksmith or a new key, these companies will assist you in getting back to your vehicle with minimum hassle.
The best way to avoid losing your keys is to have an extra set and, if feasible, three or more sets. Keep one set at home, another with your significant other, and the other in your wallet. This will ensure that you don't end up in an unfamiliar place.
A spare key could save you from having to call roadside assistance. A new key for a standard key is typically very affordable. However, the price of a smart key can be quite costly. These keys utilize an electronic chip to operate the vehicle, therefore they'll need to be paired with the car by a manufacturer or dealer which could take a few days.
To make the process as fast and painless as you can, it's always best to keep the VIN number of your vehicle in your possession. This can be found on the paperwork of your car or is often stamped on a metal plate in the driver's side doorpost. This information will enable professionals to modify your old key to ensure that it works with the new key.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It's always best to employ a non-destructive method initially, especially if there are children, pets or elderly people in the car. There's no need to worry about calling the number 999 or paying a big bill for an expert.
One of the easiest ways to unlock your car is with an air pump wedge which are sold in auto lockout kits, and also by locksmiths and repo experts. The wedges are made of heavy-duty 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 the paint.
For the majority of cars, a curved wedge is better. The idea is to create a space so that you can put in the rod's length and thickness to get to the pin locked. A coat hanger might work if it's thick 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 to allow you to pull it to open the vehicle.
Most of these methods will trigger the car alarm, which is why it's recommended to avoid them unless there is an emergency. Otherwise, the police may need to employ an additional tool to gain access to your vehicle and save your passengers or pets.
Keep a spare car key home or with a person close to you to allow you to gain access to your vehicle when you lock yourself out. It is also important to determine if your insurance for your vehicle or roadside assistance plan covers the replacement of your car keys.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
The coat hanger trick is a well-known, and you've probably seen it in a film. automotive key replacement is an option for older cars that have manual locks. It works as a slim jim. You only need a thin coat hanger that has pliers and a wire.
Untwist the coathanger with pliers so that one side is snared and the other straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will give you a better chance of locating the control arm which is attached to the lock rod. Once you've found it, pull up and the door should be opened.
Another method is to tie a long string using a slip knot in the upper right corner of the driver's door. Move the string with a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a tooth) to shift it toward the inside rod. It is possible to use both hands, and it could take a few attempts however, if you are successful, the lock should release and you can unlock the door.
You can also try using a strip of plastic that can be bent into a form that will fit into the narrow gap between the door and frame. This is a more difficult choice however it could be the only option to get into the vehicle if you are unable to locate your keys.
It is a good plan to keep a spare key somewhere you can find it in the event of an emergency. You'll need to contact road assistance or a lock-smith if you don't. You must have your key code number as well as your personal identification in order that road assistance or a locksmith will assist you quickly.