3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
The loss of keys to your car may be a frustrating and stressful experience. Luckily, there are some actions you can take to assist yourself in this scenario.
Check obvious places like your purse or pockets. Consider buying an extra key and keeping it in a secure location. This can help prevent theft in the future.
1. Contact the police
Contact the police if can't locate your keys. They can assist you in a variety of ways, not just locksmith or roadside assistance. They'll also be capable of informing the public that someone has possibly stolen your car keys which will stop people from using them without permission.
They can't open your car's door unless it is an emergency. This is because they don't have the proper tools to do this and they don't want to cause damage to the vehicle. If the circumstances are suitable, the police may be able use a slim Jim to open the door of the car. But they must have a legitimate reason to do so. For example in the event that they see a small child or animal locked in the car during hot weather, they could smash the window to save the life of a person.
You should also keep a spare car key hidden in case you lock yourself out of your car. Some people keep them in accessible places like their home or office. Others lend them to family or friends members to hold onto in the event of an emergency. If you have an extra make contact with it prior to calling the authorities or taking more drastic actions.
Many cars have proximity remotes that conceal an emergency key hidden within them. It is possible in the event that your vehicle is one of these, to unlock the door from a distance using an instrument that locksmiths would have. It is a thin tool with a flat edge that can be used to pick locks.
2. Contact for a Tow Truck
If you lose your car keys the first thing to do is locate a company that offers emergency replacement of car keys. You should save their contact details on your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend time looking into the services they offer, their charges as well as their coverage areas, technology and professionals.
You'll be able make an informed choice when the time comes. If you require an emergency locksmith or simply an extra key, these companies can assist you in getting back to your vehicle with minimum hassle.
It is recommended to have three or more spare keys. Keep one set at home, one with your spouse or significant person, and the other in your wallet. This will help you to avoid being stranded in a remote location.
A spare key can also help you avoid having to call for roadside assistance. automotive car key replacement of a brand new key for a traditional one is usually very affordable, but the price of a smart key can be quite costly. These keys have an electronic chip that allows them to operate the car. They must be paired by a manufacturer or dealer. This can take a number of days.
To make the process as fast and easy as it can be it's recommended to have the VIN number of your vehicle handy. This can be found on the paperwork of your car or is often stamped on a metal plate in the doorpost for the driver's side. This information will assist the emergency key replacement specialist determine how to go about reprograming your old key to work with the new one.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's always best to use a non-destructive method first, especially if there are children, pets, or elderly people in the vehicle. This way, you don't have the risk of having to call 999 or incur a high bill from a professional.
Air pump wedges are available in auto lockout kits and by repo and locksmith professionals. They're made from durable, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a short period of time, and then deflated. This lets you slide them between the door and the weather stripping, without scratching or damaging the paint of the car.
For the majority of cars, a curved wedge is better. The idea is to create space for you to insert the rod to reach the locked door pin. A coat hanger might be a good choice if it's strong enough, but you could also try a plastic rod or even a blood pressure cuff. The goal is to place the rod between the door and the frame so you can pull it and unlock the car.
The majority of these methods cause the car alarm to go off and that's why it is best to stay clear of them unless there is an emergency. If you don't, police might have to use more destructive tools to gain access to your vehicle and save your passengers.
Have a spare key at home or with a trusted friend, so that you have a chance to get back into your vehicle in the event that 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 movie. This is a great option for older cars that have manual locks. It functions like the slim jim. You will require a simple coat hanger, pliers, and a small wire.
With the pliers, untwist the coat hanger until it has one end hooked and one straight. Place the hook in the gap between the window frame and door frame. This will give you a better chance of locating the control arm which is attached to the lock rod. When you locate it, pull it up and the door should open.
Another method is to tie a string using an elongated slip-knot on the upper right corner of the driver's side door. Move the string in a back-andforth motion (like flossing a huge tooth) to move it towards the inside rod of the lock. It is possible to use both hands and it may take several attempts however, if you are successful, the lock will let go and you should be able to unlock the door.
You can also try using a plastic strip that you bend into a shape that will fit in the gap between the frame and door. This isn't the most ideal solution, but may be your only option if you are unable to find your keys.
It is a good idea to keep a spare key in a place where you can find it in an emergency. You'll need to call road assistance or a locksmith if you don't. It is recommended to carry your key code number and your personal identification in order that road assistance or a locksmith will help you quickly.