3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys can be an extremely frustrating experience. Luckily, there are some actions you can take to help yourself in this circumstance.
First, check the obvious places, such as your purse or pockets. Then, think about purchasing a spare key and storing it in a secure location. This can help prevent theft in the future.
1. Contact the police
Contact the police if you cannot locate your keys. They can assist you in many ways other than a roadside assistance or locksmith. They can also inform the public that your car keys could have been stolen, which will help prevent other people from using them without permission.
However, they won't be capable of unlocking your car's door in the event of an emergency situation. This is because they do not have the tools needed to do it and they don't want to cause damage to the vehicle. Depending on the circumstances the police may be capable of using the slim jim to unlock the door, but they will need to have a good reason to do so. For instance, if they see a small child or animal locked inside the car in hot weather, they might break the window to save the life of a person.
It's an excellent idea to have a spare key hidden somewhere in case you're locked out of your vehicle. Some people keep their spare keys in areas accessible to them such as their home or office. Some give them to their family or friends to keep in case of an emergency. If vehicle key replacement have a spare, try to get it out of the way before calling the police or resorting to more extreme measures.
Many cars come with proximity remotes that have an emergency code that is hidden. You may be able in the event that your vehicle is one of these to open the door from a distance by using an instrument that locksmiths would have. It is a thin jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to pick a lock.
2. Contact a Tow Truck
If you lose your car keys the most important thing to do is locate a business that offers emergency car key replacement. It is best to save 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 experts.
This will help you make an informed decision when the need arises. These companies can assist you with a replacement or emergency key.
The best way to prevent losing your keys is to have an extra set and, should you be able to, if feasible, three or four sets. Keep one at home, and give one to your spouse or your significant other, and keep the other in your purse or wallet. This will ensure that you don't find yourself stranded in a foreign location.
A spare key can help you avoid having to call roadside assistance. The cost of a brand new key for a traditional key is usually quite affordable, however the cost of a smart key could be quite expensive. These keys have an electronic chip that allows them to control the car. They will need to be paired by a dealer or manufacturer. This can take several 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. It's possible to find this number on the documentation for your vehicle, or engraved on a metal plaque that is placed in the driver's doorpost. This information will allow the professional to reprogram your old key so that it functions 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 vehicle. That way you won't risk having to call 999, or incur a high bill from a professional.
One of the simplest ways to unlock a car is to use an air pump wedge, which are offered in auto lockout kits, and also by repo and locksmith experts. The wedges are made of durable vinyl that can be inflated and deflated quickly. This allows you to slide them between the door and the weather stripping without risking scratching or damaging the paint of your car.
You can make use of an ordinary wedge, or an angled one is more suitable for the majority of cars. The idea is to create a space where you can place the rod's length and thickness to reach the locked pin. If the hanger for your coat is sturdy enough, it could work. You can also use an aluminum rod or a blood pressure cuff. The goal is to place the rod between the frame and the door to allow you to pull it to unlock the car.
It's best to stay clear of these techniques unless you're in an emergency. If you don't, the police may have to employ more destructive tools to gain access to your car and rescue your passengers.
Keep a spare car key home or with a person close to you so you can return to your car in the event that you are locked out. Also you must be sure to check whether car key replacement is included in your roadside assistance plan or insurance for your car.
4. Try a Coathanger
You've likely seen the coat hanger trick in a movie. This is a good option for older vehicles that have locks that are manual, and it works like a DIY slim jim. All you require is a thin wire coat hanger and pliers.
Untwist the coathanger by pliers until one side is hooked, and the other is straight. Slide the hook into the space between the window and the door frame. This will increase your chance of finding the control arm which is attached to the rod for locking. Once you've located it, pull the lever up and your door should open.
Another method is to tie a string using a slip-knot in the upper right corner on the driver's side of the door. Then, wiggle the string back and forward (like flossing huge teeth) to move it towards the rod inside the lock. You may need to use both hands and it could take a few attempts however, if it's successful, the lock should release and you can unlock the door.
You could also consider using a plastic strip that is bent into a shape that will fit in the narrow gap between the door and the frame. This is a more challenging option however it could be the only option to get in the vehicle if you are unable to find your keys.
It is a good idea to keep a spare key somewhere you can easily find it in an emergency. You will need to call road assistance or a locksmith in the event that you don't. You should have your key code number as well as personal identification with you so that road assistance or a locksmith could help you quickly.