3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
The loss of your car keys can be a very frustrating experience. There are a few things you can do yourself in the event of a loss.
First, look in the obvious locations, like your pockets or purse. You might want to consider purchasing an extra one and keeping it in a safe place. This can help prevent theft in the future.
1. Contact the police
If you've lost your keys and aren't able to find them, the most effective solution is to contact the police. They can help you in more ways than a roadside assistance or locksmith. They can also inform the public that your car keys might have been stolen to prevent other people from using keys without authorization.
However, they aren't in a position to unlock the door of your car unless it is an emergency situation. This is because they do not have the proper tools to do this and aren't looking to cause damage to the vehicle. If the circumstances are right the police might be able to use a slim Jim to open the door of the car. But they must have a valid reason to do so. If they discover that the child or animal is locked inside a vehicle in the heat, they could break the window.
It is also advisable to keep a spare car key somewhere hidden in case you need to lock yourself out of your car. Some people keep them in easy-to-access places, like their home or office. Others offer them to family or friends members to keep in case in the event of an emergency. If you have a spare, reach out to it prior to calling authorities or taking more drastic measures.
A lot of cars come with proximity remotes with an emergency code hidden behind them. It is possible in the event that your vehicle is one of them, to unlock the door from a distance with the same tool that a locksmith might have. This tool is a flat-ended slim jim that can be used to pick locks.
2. Call a Tow Truck
Find a company who provides emergency replacement of car keys if you have lost your keys. It is best to save the contact information of these companies in your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time researching the services they offer, charges, coverage area technology, and professional.
This will enable you to make an informed choice when the situation arises. No matter if you require an emergency locksmith or simply an extra key, these companies will assist you in getting back on the road with little hassle.
It is recommended to have two or three spare sets of keys. Keep one set at home, one with your important person and the third in your wallet. This will help you to avoid being stuck in a remote location.
A spare key can also help you avoid having to call for roadside assistance. The cost of purchasing a new key for a traditional key is typically very affordable, but the cost of a smart key can be quite expensive. These keys have an electronic chip that allows them to operate the vehicle. They will need to be paired by a manufacturer or dealer. This could take a few days.
It's a good idea to make the process as easy and quick as is possible you keep the VIN number of the vehicle in your pocket. You can find this number on the paperwork for your vehicle or engraved on a metal plaque in the driver's doorpost. This information will assist the emergency car key replacement professional determine how to go about making your old key work with the new one.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's always best to use a non-destructive approach first especially if you have children, pets, or elderly people in the vehicle. There's no need to worry about calling 911 or paying a huge bill for an expert.
Air pump wedges are available in auto lockout kit and by repo and locksmith professionals. They're made of durable, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a short period of time and then deflated. This allows you to slip them between the door and the weather stripping without risking scratching or damaging the paint of your car.
For the majority of cars, a curved wedge is preferred. The idea is to create space in which you can place the rod to reach the pin that locks your door. A coat hanger might work if it's thick enough, but you can try a rod made from plastic or even a blood pressure cuff. The aim is to get the rod between the door and the frame to allow you to pull it out and unlock the car.
It is best to avoid these methods unless you have an emergency. Otherwise, the police may have to use an additional tool to enter your vehicle and rescue your pet or passengers.
Keep an extra car key at home or with a person close to you so you can gain access to your vehicle in the event that you are locked out. And, of course it is important to check whether car key replacement is covered in your roadside assistance plan or auto insurance.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
The coat hanger trick is a classic one, and you've likely seen it in a movie. This is an option for older cars that have manual locks. It functions like an incredibly slim jim. All you need is a thin wire coat hanger and pliers.
With the pliers, loosen the coat hanger so that it has one end hooked and one straight. Slide the hook into the space between the window and the door frame. This will help you locate the control arm connected to the rod that locks. Once you've located it, lift the lever and your door will open.
Another option is to tie a long string with a slip knot in the upper right corner of the driver's door. Then, move the string back and forward (like flossing giant teeth) to move it towards the rod inside the lock. It could take a few attempts and both hands to unlock the lock.
You could also consider using a strip of plastic that can be bent into a form that will fit in the gap between the frame and door. This is a more challenging option, but it may be the only method to get in the vehicle if you cannot find your keys.
key replacement car is a good idea to keep a spare key in a place where that you can easily locate in the event of an emergency. You'll need to call road assistance or a locksmith if you don't. You must have your key code number as well as personal identification with you so that road assistance or a locksmith could help you promptly.