3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys can be a very frustrating experience. There are some steps you can do to assist yourself in the event of this happening to you.
First, look in the obvious places, like your purse or pockets. Then, think about buying a spare key and storing it in a secure place. This can prevent future thefts.
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 will be able to help you more than an auto locksmith or roadside assistance. They can also inform the public that your car keys could be missing to prevent others from using keys without permission.
They're not able to unlock the doors of your car unless there is an emergency. This is due to the fact that they don't have the right tools to do this and don't want to cause damage to the vehicle. In certain circumstances the police might be capable of using an incredibly small jim to open the door, but they will require a compelling reason to do so. If they discover that the child or animal is locked inside a vehicle in hot weather, they may 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 vehicle. Some people keep spare keys in places that are easy to access, such as their home or office. Some give them to friends or family members to keep in case of emergencies. If you have an extra, reach out to it prior to calling authorities or taking more drastic measures.
A lot of cars come with proximity remotes that have an emergency code hidden behind them. If yours is one of them, you may be able to open the doors from a distance using the help of a specific tool that a locksmith will have. car keys replacements is a small 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 in your phone under the heading "Emergency" and then spend time researching what services they provide, their charges, their coverage area, technology and professionals.
This will help you make an informed choice when the situation arises. If you require an emergency locksmith or simply a replacement key, these companies can help you get back on the road with little hassle.
It is best to have at least two or three spare sets of keys. Keep one at home, give one to your partner or significant other, and keep the other one in your wallet or pocket. This will allow you to avoid being stuck in a strange place.
A spare key can help you avoid having to call for roadside assistance. A new key for a traditional key is usually quite affordable. However, the price of a smart-key can be quite costly. These types of keys use an electronic chip to operate the vehicle, therefore they'll require pairing with the vehicle by a dealership or manufacturer and can take several days.
It's a good idea to make the process as easy and fast as you can, to keep the VIN number of the vehicle in your pocket. It can be found on the paperwork of your car or is usually stamped on a metal plate in the driver's side doorpost. This information will help the emergency key replacement specialist determine the best method for changing your old key's programming to work with the new one.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It's best to start with a non-destructive method especially if you have young children or pets, or elderly people in your car. This way, you don't have the risk of having to call 999, or be charged a high amount from a professional.
Air pump wedges can be found in the auto lockout kit as well as by repo and locksmith professionals. The wedges are made of durable vinyl that can be deflated and inflated quickly. This allows you to slip them between the door and the weather stripping, without scratching or damaging the paint of the car.
You can make use of an ordinary wedge, or a curved one is even more suitable for cars with a wide range of. The idea is to create a space where you can insert the rod's length and thickness in order to get to the pin locked. A coat hanger might be suitable if it's sturdy enough, but you could also try a rod made of plastic or even a blood pressure cuff. The rod should be placed between the frame and the door so that you can pull it to unlock the vehicle.
It's best to stay clear of these methods unless you are in an emergency. Otherwise, the police may have to use an even more destructive method to enter your vehicle and save your passengers or pets.
Keep a spare car key home or with a person close to you in case you need to gain access to your vehicle in the event that you are locked out. And, of course you must be sure to check whether car key replacement is included in your roadside assistance plan or auto insurance.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
The coat hanger trick is a classic, and you've likely seen it in a movie. This is an option for older cars that come with manual locks. It works as the slim jim. You will require a simple coat hanger that has pliers and a thin wire.
Untwist the coathanger with pliers until one side is snared and the other is straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will allow you to locate the control arm connected to the rod for locking. Once you've found it, pull the lever up and your door should open.
Another method is to tie a string using a slip-knot located in the upper right corner of the driver's side of the door. Move the string with a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a giant tooth) to pull it towards the inside rod. It may be necessary to use both hands, and it could take several attempts however, if you are successful, the lock will release and you can open the door.
You can also try using a strip of plastic that you bend into a shape that will fit in the narrow gap between the door and frame. This is a more difficult choice however it could be the only method to get in the vehicle if you cannot find your keys.
If you have a spare key, it's a good idea to leave it somewhere where you can easily access in the event in an emergency. In the event of an emergency, you'll need to call for road assistance or a locksmith. Make sure that you have the key code number and your personal identification in to ensure that the locksmith or road assistance can assist you in a timely manner.