3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your keys to your car could be a frustrating and stressful experience. There are some steps you can do to help yourself in the event of this happening to you.
Make sure you check the obvious places, such as your pockets or purse. Then, think about buying a spare key and keeping it in a safe place. This will prevent any future thefts.
1. Contact the police
Contact the police if you can't find your keys. They will be able assist you more than a locksmith or roadside assistance. They can also inform the general public that your car keys might be missing, which will help prevent other people from using keys without authorization.
However, they won't be in a position to unlock your car's door in the event of an emergency situation. This is because they don't have the tools needed to do so and they don't want to cause damage to your vehicle. If the circumstances are right the police might be able to use a small Jim to open the car's door. However they must have a legitimate reason for doing this. For instance when they spot a small child or animal locked inside the car in hot weather, they could smash the window to save a life.
You should also keep a spare car key hidden in case you lock yourself out of your vehicle. Some people keep them in easily accessible places, like their home or office. Others give them to family or friends members to hold onto in the event of an emergency. If you have a spare, reach out to it before calling the authorities or taking more drastic actions.
Many cars have proximity remotes that have an emergency code hidden behind them. If yours is one of them, you may be able unlock the doors from a distance with the help of a specific tool that locksmiths will have. It is a slim jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to open locks.
2. Contact a Tow Truck
Find a company who provides emergency replacement of car keys if you have lost your keys. You should store their contact numbers in your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time looking into their services, charges, coverage area technology, and professional.
This will enable you to make a well-informed decision if the need arises. Whether you need an emergency locksmith or a replacement key, these companies will assist you in getting back to your vehicle with minimum hassle.
It is recommended to have at least two or three spare keys. Keep one set at home, another with your spouse or important person, and the other in your wallet. This will help you to avoid being stuck in a secluded spot.
A spare key can prevent you from needing to call roadside assistance. The cost of a new key for a traditional one is usually quite affordable, but the price of a smart one can be quite costly. These types of keys use an electronic chip to control the vehicle, which means they'll require pairing with the car by a dealership or manufacturer, and this could take a few days.
It's a good idea to make the process as simple and fast as you can, to keep the VIN number of the vehicle in your pocket. This number is usually on the paperwork of your car or, more often, on a metal plate that is located in the doorpost for the driver's side. This information will allow professionals to reprogram your old key so that it functions with the new key.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It's best to begin with a non-destructive method particularly in the case of children or pets, or elderly people in your car. There's no need to worry about calling 999 or paying a large bill for a professional.
Air pump wedges are sold in auto lockout kits and by locksmith and repo professionals. The wedges are made of high-quality vinyl that can be inflated and deflated quickly. This allows you to slip 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 more suitable. The idea is to create a space in which you can place the rod's length and thickness in order to get to the pin locked. If the coat hanger is sturdy enough, it could work. You could also try an aluminum rod or a blood pressure cuff. auto key replacement is to get the rod between the door and the frame to allow you to pull it out and unlock the car.
Most of these methods will trigger the car alarm This is why it's best to avoid them unless there's an emergency. If you don't, the police could have to use more destructive tools to enter the car and save your passengers.
Keep an extra car key at home or with someone 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 will cover car key replacement.
4. Try a Coathanger
You've probably seen the coat hanger trick in a film. This is a great solution for older vehicles that have locks that are manually operated, and it works like an easy slim jim. You will require a simple coat hanger with pliers and a thin wire.
Untwist the coathanger with pliers until one side is hooked and the other straight. Place the hook in the space between the window and 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, pull it back and the door will open.
Another option is to tie a string using an elongated slip-knot on the upper right corner on the driver's side of the door. Move the string with a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a huge tooth) to pull it towards the inside lock rod. It is possible to use both hands, and it could take several attempts, but if it is successful, the lock will release and you can unlock the door.
You can also use a plastic strip bent into a shape to fit the small gap between the door and frame. This is a more difficult choice however it could be the only method to get in the vehicle in case you can't locate your keys.
It is a good idea to keep a spare key somewhere you can find it in case of emergency. You'll need to contact road assistance or a lock-smith if you don't. You should have your key code number as well as personal identification with you so that road assistance or a locksmith can help you promptly.