3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
The loss of your car keys can be a very frustrating experience. There are some steps you can do to assist yourself if this happens.
First, look in the obvious places, such as your pockets or purse. Next, consider purchasing an extra key and keeping it in a secure place. This will help to prevent theft in the future.
1. Contact the police
Call the police if you cannot locate your keys. They can assist you in a variety of ways, not just 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 them without permission.
They are not able unlock the doors of your car unless there is an emergency. This is because they do not have the tools needed to do it and aren't looking 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 valid reason for doing this. If they see that an animal or a child is locked inside a vehicle in the heat, they may break the window.
You should also keep a spare car key somewhere hidden in case you lock yourself out of your car. Some people keep their spare keys in places accessible to them such as their office or home. Others give them to friends or family members to hold onto in the event in the event of an emergency. If you have an extra, reach out to it before calling authorities or taking more drastic actions.
Many cars come with proximity remotes that come with an emergency code that is hidden. If yours is one of them, you might be able to unlock the doors from a distance by using a special tool that a locksmith will possess. It is a thin jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to pick a lock.
2. Call a tow truck
Find a company that provides emergency car key replacement if you lose your keys. You should store their contact numbers in 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 a well-informed decision when the need arises. These companies can assist you with the replacement of your key or an emergency one.
The best way to prevent losing your keys is to keep an extra set, and if you can, have three or four sets. Keep one at home, and give one to your partner or your significant other, and then keep the other one in your purse or wallet. This will allow you to avoid being stuck in a secluded spot.
The possession of a spare key can help you avoid calling for roadside assistance. A new key for a traditional key is usually quite affordable. However, the cost of a smart-key could be quite costly. These types of keys make use of an electronic chip that operates the vehicle, which means they'll have to be linked with the car by a manufacturer or dealer which can take several days.
To make the process as fast and easy as it can be it's best to keep the VIN number of your vehicle in your possession. This can be found on your car's paperwork or is often stamped on a metal plaque in the driver's side doorpost. This information will help the emergency car key replacement expert determine the best way to proceed with making your old key work with the new one.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It's best to start with a non-destructive solution 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 an expert.
One of the most efficient ways to unlock your car is with an air pump wedge, which are offered in auto lockout kits and also by repo and locksmith professionals. The wedges are made of durable vinyl that can be deflated and inflated quickly. This allows you to slide them between the door and the weather stripping, without scratching or damaging the paint of your car.
You can use a standard wedge, or a curved one is more suitable for the majority of cars. The idea is to create a space so that you can put in the long, thin rod to reach the pin that is locked. If the hanger for your coat is strong enough, it might work. You could also try a rod made of plastic or a blood pressure cuff. The goal is to place the rod between the frame and the door so you can pull it and unlock the car.
Almost all of these methods will trigger the car alarm This is 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 enter the car and save your passengers.
Keep a spare car key at home or with someone close to you to allow you to gain access to your vehicle if you lock yourself out. You should also check if your auto insurance or roadside assistance plan covers the replacement of your car keys.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
The coat hanger trick is a classic one, and you've probably seen it in a film. This is a great option for older vehicles that come with locks that are manual, and it works like a DIY slim jim. You only need a thin coat hanger that has pliers and a wire.
With the pliers, untwist the coat hanger until it has one end hooked and one straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will give you a greater chance of finding the control arm which is attached to the lock rod. Once you've found it, lift the lever and your door will open.
car replacement key is to tie a string with an elongated slip knot in the upper right corner of the door for the driver. Wiggle the string in 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 may take several attempts however, if you are successful, the lock should release and you can open the door.
You can also make use of a strip of plastic bent into a form to fit the narrow gap between door and frame. This is a more difficult choice but it could be the only way to get into the vehicle if you are unable to find your keys.
If you have an extra key, it's recommended to store it in a place where you can easily access it in case of an emergency. Otherwise, you will have to call for road assistance or a locksmith. Be sure to have the key code number and your personal identification on to ensure that the locksmith or road assistance can help you out quickly.