3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys can be an extremely frustrating experience. There are some steps you can do to help yourself in the event of this happening to you.
Check obvious places like your pockets or purse. Next, consider purchasing a spare key and keeping it in a secure location. This will help to prevent theft in the future.
1. Call the police
Contact the police if you cannot locate your keys. They can assist you in more ways than an emergency roadside assistance or locksmith. They'll also be capable of informing the public that someone has possibly stolen your car keys which could prevent others from using keys without authorization.
They are not able unlock the door of your car unless it is an emergency. They do not have any tools and they do not want to damage the vehicle. Based on the situation, police may be in a position to use the slim jim to unlock the door, but they'll require a valid reason for doing so. For example in the event that they see an infant or a pet trapped inside the vehicle in hot weather, they may smash the window to save the life of a person.
It's also a good idea to have an extra key in a safe place in case you get locked out of your car. Some people keep their spare keys in places easily accessible like their home or office. Others give them to family or friends members to hold onto in the event in the event of an emergency. If you have a spare, try to get it out of the way before calling the police or resorting to more drastic measures.
Many cars come with proximity remotes that come with an emergency code that is hidden. You may be able in the event that your vehicle is one of them to open the door from a distance by using a special tool a locksmith could have. It is a thin tool with a flat edge that can be used to pick locks.
2. Call a Tow truck
Find a company that provides emergency replacement car keys in the event that you lose your keys. You should save their contact details on your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend time looking into the services they offer and their costs, their coverage area, technology and professionals.
This will enable you to make an informed decision when the need arises. These companies can assist with the replacement of your key or an emergency one.
The best way to prevent losing your keys is to keep a spare set, and should you be able to, if you can, have two or three sets. Keep one set at home, another with your spouse or important person, and the other in your wallet. This will allow you to avoid being stuck in a strange place.
A spare key can make it easier to call for roadside assistance. A new key for a standard key is usually quite affordable. However, the price of a smart key can be quite expensive. They are equipped with an electronic chip that allows them to operate the vehicle. They will need to be connected by a dealer or manufacturer. This could take a few days.
To make the process as fast and painless as you can, it's always recommended to have the VIN number of your vehicle handy. This number is usually on your car's registration or, more often, on a metal plate in the driver's side doorpost. This information will allow the technician to reprogram your old key so that it functions with the new key.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It's always best to use a non-destructive approach first particularly if you have young children, pets or elderly people in the vehicle. So you don't run the risk of needing to call 999 or incur a high bill from an expert.
Air pump wedges are sold in auto lockout kit and by locksmith professionals and repo experts. They are made of durable, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a brief time before being deflated. You can slip 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 more suitable. The idea is to create a space in which you can place a long, thin rod to reach the door pin locked. If the coat hanger is thick enough, it may be able to work. You can also use a plastic rod, or even a blood-pressure cuff. The goal is to get the rod between the frame and the door so you can pull it and unlock the car.
It's best to stay clear of these methods unless you are in an emergency. In the event of an emergency, police may require a more destructive tool to gain access to your vehicle to rescue pet or passengers.
Keep a spare key at home or with a close friend in order to have a chance of getting back into your car in the event you are locked out. And, of course you must be sure to confirm that key replacement is included in your roadside assistance plan or insurance for your car.
4. Try Coathanger
You've likely seen the coat hanger trick in a movie. This is an option for older cars with manual locks. It functions like a slim jim. All you need is a thin coat hanger with a wire and pliers.
Untwist the coathanger using pliers so that one side is hooked and the other straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will help you locate the control arm connected to the lock rod. Once you find it, pull it up and the door will open.
Another way is to tie a string with a slip-knot located in the upper right corner on the driver's side of the door. You can move the string in a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a tooth) to shift it toward the inside rod. It may take a few attempts and both hands to unlock the lock.
You can also try using a plastic strip that is bent into a shape that fits into the small gap between the frame and door. This is a more challenging option but it could be the only method to get into the vehicle if you cannot locate your keys.
find more information is a good plan to keep a spare key somewhere that you can easily locate in an emergency. If you don't, you'll have to call for road assistance or a locksmith. Make sure that you have the key code number and your personal identification card on hand so that the road assistance or locksmith can help you out quickly.