3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
The loss of keys to your car could be a frustrating and stressful experience. There are some things you can do yourself if this happens.
First, look in the obvious places, such as your purse or pockets. Then, think about purchasing an extra key and keeping it in a safe place. This will help prevent thefts in the future.
1. Contact the police
If you've lost your keys and aren't able to locate them, the best option is to call the police. They can assist you in many ways other than locksmith or roadside assistance. They'll also be able to inform the public that someone may have possibly taken your car keys, which can help prevent people from using them without permission.
However, they are not in a position to unlock the door of your car in the event of an emergency situation. They do not have any tools and they do not want to damage the vehicle. If the circumstances are suitable the police might be able use a slim Jim to open the car door. However they must have a valid reason to do this. If they discover that a child or an animal is locked in a vehicle during hot weather, then 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 vehicle. Some people keep them in easy-to-access places like their home or office. Others lend them to family members or friends members to hold onto in the event in the event of an emergency. If you have a spare, reach out to it before calling the authorities or taking more drastic actions.
Many cars have proximity remotes that have an emergency key in them. If yours is one of them, you may be able to unlock the doors from a distance using an instrument that only a locksmith will possess. This tool is a slim jim that has a flat end that can be used to pick locks.
2. Contact a Tow truck
Find a company who provides emergency car key replacement if you have lost your keys. It is best to save their contact numbers on your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time studying their offerings costs, coverage areas, charges, technology, and professionals.
This will enable you to make an informed decision when the situation arises. If you require an emergency locksmith or an extra key, these companies will help you get back on the road with little hassle.
It is best to have two or three spare keys. Keep one set at home, another with your spouse or important person and the third one in your wallet. This will ensure that you do not end up in a foreign location.
A spare key can help you avoid calling for roadside assistance. The cost of a new key for a traditional key is usually quite affordable, but the cost of a smart key could be quite high. These types of keys use an electronic chip that operates the vehicle, which means they'll have to be linked with the vehicle by a manufacturer or dealer, and this can take several days.
It's a good idea to make the process as simple and quick as possible you keep the VIN number of the vehicle in your pocket. This can be found on your car's registration or is often stamped on a metal plate in the doorpost for the driver's side. This information will assist the emergency key replacement specialist determine the best way to proceed with making your old key work with the new one.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's always best to try to use a non-destructive approach first particularly if you have young children, pets or elderly people in the car. That way you won't risk needing to call 999 or be charged a high amount from a professional.
Air pump wedges are available in auto lockout kits and by locksmith professionals and repo experts. They're made from tough, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a short period of time, and then deflated. They can be slipped between the weather stripping and the door without worrying about scratching paint.
You can use wedges of any size, but a curved one is even more suitable for cars with a wide range of. The idea is to create a space where you can put in the rod's length, which is thin in order to reach the pin that is locked. If the hanger for your coat is sturdy enough, it may work. You could also try an aluminum rod or a blood pressure cuff. The goal is to place the rod between the frame and the door so that you can pull it out and unlock the car.
Almost all of these methods cause the car alarm to go off and that's why it's recommended to avoid these methods unless you're in an emergency. In the event of an emergency, police may need to employ an even more destructive method to get into your vehicle and rescue your pets or your passengers.
Keep a spare car key at home or with someone close to you in case you need to get back into your vehicle in the event that you are locked out. Also, make sure that your insurance for your vehicle or roadside assistance policy covers the replacement of your car keys.
4. Try Coathanger
You've likely seen the coat hanger trick in a movie. This is a great option for older cars that have manual locks. It functions like an incredibly slim jim. You only need a thin coat hanger with pliers and a small wire.
With the pliers, loosen the coat hanger so that it has one side swung and one straight. Slide the hook into the gap between the window and door frame. This will give you a greater chance of locating the control arm that is connected to the lock rod. Once you find it, pull it up and the door should open.
Another method is to tie a string with a slip-knot in the upper right corner of the driver's side of the door. Move the string in a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a giant tooth) to pull it towards the inside rod. It may take several attempts and both hands to get the lock to release.
You can also try using a plastic strip that is bent into a shape that fits into the small gap between the door and the frame. This is a more difficult option, but it may be the only way to enter the vehicle if you cannot find your keys.
If you have an extra key, it is best to keep it in a place where you can easily access it in case in an emergency. Otherwise, key car replacement will have to call road assistance or a locksmith. Make sure you have the key code number as well as your personal identification in hand so that the locksmith or road assistance can assist you quickly.