3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys can be a very frustrating experience. There are, however, some actions you can take to assist yourself in this scenario.
Make sure you check the obvious places, such as your purse or pockets. Consider purchasing an extra 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 are unable to locate your keys. They can assist you in more ways than a roadside assistance or locksmith. They will also be capable of informing the public that someone may have possibly stolen your car keys, which could prevent others from using them without authorization.
However, they won't be able to unlock your car door in the event of an emergency situation. They don't have tools and do not want to damage the vehicle. Depending on the circumstances the police may be capable of using an incredibly small jim to open the door, but they will require a compelling reason for doing so. For example in the event that they see an animal or small child locked in the car during hot weather, they might break the window to save a life.
You should also keep a spare car key somewhere hidden in case you have to lock yourself out of your vehicle. Some people keep them in easy-to-access locations, such as their home or their office. Some people give them to family or friends to keep in case of an emergency. If you have a spare, reach out to it prior to calling authorities or taking more drastic steps.
Many cars have proximity remotes that conceal an emergency key in them. If yours is one of them, you might be able unlock the doors from a distance using the help of a specific tool that locksmiths have. It is a slim jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to open locks.
2. Call a Tow truck
If you lose your car keys the most important thing to do is find a company that provides emergency car key replacement. It is recommended to save their contact information in your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend some time investigating their services as well as their prices as well as their coverage areas, technology and professionals.
You will be able to make an informed decision if the time comes. No matter if you require an emergency locksmith or a new key, these companies will help you get back on the road with minimal hassle.
The best method to avoid losing your keys is to have an extra set, and should you be able to, if you can, have two or three sets. Keep one at home, give one to your partner or your significant other, and keep the other one in your purse or wallet. This will help you to avoid being stranded in a strange place.
Having a spare can also save you from calling for roadside assistance. The cost of a brand new key for a traditional one is typically very affordable, however the cost of a smart key could be quite expensive. These keys use an electronic chip that allows them to control the car. They will have to be paired by a manufacturer or dealer. This can take a number of days.
To make the process as fast and painless as you can it's recommended to have the VIN number of your vehicle handy. It's possible to find this number on the documentation for your vehicle, or stamped on a metal plaque that is placed in the driver's doorpost. This information will allow the technician to reprogram your old key so that it works with the new key.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It is best to start with a non-destructive treatment, especially if you have young children or pets, or elderly people in your car. So you don't run the risk of having to call 999 or incur a high bill from an expert.
Air pump wedges are sold in auto lockout kit and by repo and locksmith professionals. The wedges are made of heavy-duty vinyl that can be inflated and deflated quickly. You can slip them between the weather stripping and the door without having to worry about scratching the paint.
For most cars, a curved wedge is better. The idea is to create space in which you can place an extremely thin rod to reach the door pin locked. If the coat hanger is strong enough, it might be able to work. You can also use a plastic rod or a blood pressure cuff. The goal is to get the rod between the door and the frame to allow you to pull it to unlock the car.
It's best to stay clear of these methods unless you are in an emergency. If not, the police might require an even more destructive method to get into your vehicle and rescue your pet or passengers.
Keep a spare car key at home or with someone close to you so you can get back into your vehicle in the event that you are locked out. Also, you should be sure to confirm that key replacement is part of your roadside assistance plan or insurance for your vehicle.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
You've probably seen the coat hanger trick in a movie. This is an option for older cars with manual locks. It works as the slim jim. All you require is a coat hanger made of wire and pliers.
Untwist the coathanger using pliers until one side is hooked and the other straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will increase your chance of locating the control arm that is connected to the lock rod. Once you've found it, lift the lever and your door will open.
Another option is to tie a string with a slip knot at the upper right-hand corner of the door for the driver. auto key replacement can move the string in a back-andforth motion (like flossing a giant tooth) to move it towards 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 can be bent into a form that will fit in the narrow gap between the door and the frame. This is a harder option but it may be the only option if it's impossible to locate your keys.
It is a good idea to keep a spare key in a place where you can find it 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 on hand so that the road assistance or locksmith can assist you quickly.