3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your keys to your car may be a frustrating experience. There are some things you can do to help yourself in the event of a loss.
The first step is to check the obvious places, like your pockets or purse. Consider buying a spare key and keeping it in a safe place. This will help prevent thefts in the future.
1. Call the Police
If you've lost your keys and can't locate them, the best thing to do is call the police. They can help you more than an auto locksmith or roadside assistance. They could also inform the public that your car keys might be missing, which will help prevent others from using keys without permission.
However, they aren't capable of unlocking your car's door unless there is an emergency situation. They don't have any tools and they do not want to damage the vehicle. In auto car key replacement might be able to use a slim jim to open the door, but they'll require a compelling reason to do this. If they discover that an animal or a child is locked in a vehicle in hot weather, they may break the window.
It is also advisable to keep an extra car key hidden in case you need to lock yourself out of your car. Some people keep their spare keys in places accessible to them like their office or home. Others give them to family or friends members to keep in case in the event of an emergency. If you have a spare, you should try to reach it before calling the police or taking more drastic measures.
Many cars come with proximity remotes that come with an emergency code that is hidden. It is possible to use your car, if it is one of them to open the door from a distance by using an instrument that locksmiths might use. It is a slim jim that has a flat end that can be used to pick locks.
2. Call a Tow truck
If you have lost your car keys, the most important thing to do is locate a business that offers emergency replacement of car keys. You should keep their contact details in your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend time looking into the services they offer and their costs as well as their coverage areas, technology and professionals.
You will be able to make an informed decision if the need arises. These companies can assist you with the replacement of your key or an emergency one.
The best way to avoid losing your keys is to keep an extra set and, should you be able to, if feasible, three or four sets. Keep one set at home, one with your spouse or significant person and the third in your wallet. This will ensure that you never end up in an unfamiliar place.
A spare key can also save you from needing to call roadside assistance. The cost of a new key for a traditional key is usually very affordable, but the price of a smart key can be quite expensive. These types of keys use an electronic chip to control the vehicle, so they'll have to be linked with the car by a dealer or manufacturer and can take several days.
To make the process as simple and easy as it can be it's best to keep the VIN number of your vehicle in your possession. It can be found on your car's registration or is usually stamped on a metal plaque in the doorpost for the driver's side. This information will aid the emergency key replacement specialist determine how to go about 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 method first especially if you have children, pets, or elderly people in the vehicle. That way you won't risk needing to call 999 or incur a high bill from a professional.
Air pump wedges can be found in auto lockout kits and by locksmith and repo professionals. They're made from tough, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a short time before being deflated. This lets you slide them between the door and the weather stripping without scratching or dinging the paint on the car.
For the majority of cars, a curved wedge is better. The idea is to create a space for you to insert an extremely thin rod to reach the door pin locked. A coat hanger could be suitable if it's sturdy enough, but you could also try a plastic rod or even a blood pressure cuff. The aim is to get the rod between the frame and the door to allow you to pull it out and unlock the car.
It's best to avoid these techniques unless you're in an emergency. Otherwise, the police may need to employ an additional tool to enter your vehicle to rescue passengers or pets.
Have a spare key at home or with a trusted friend in order to have a chance of getting back into your car in the event you get locked out. You should also check if your insurance for your vehicle or roadside assistance plan 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 solution for older vehicles that have manual locks and works as an easy slim jim. You only need a thin coat hanger with pliers and a thin wire.
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 help you find the control arm that is attached to the rod that locks. Once you've located it, pull the lever up and your door will open.
Another method is to tie a long string with an elongated slip knot in the upper right corner of the driver's door. Then, wiggle the string back and forth (like flossing massive teeth) to move it towards the inside lock rod. It may take several attempts and both hands to allow the lock to be released.
You can also try using a plastic strip that is bent into a shape that will fit into the gap between the door and frame. This is a more difficult option however it could be the only method to enter the vehicle if you are unable to locate your keys.
It is a good plan to keep a spare key somewhere you can find it in case of emergency. You'll need to contact road assistance or a locksmith in the event that you don't. car key replacement should have your key code number as well as your personal identification in order that road assistance or a locksmith can help you promptly.