3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys could be a very frustrating experience. There are, however, some ways to help yourself in this scenario.
Make sure you check the obvious places, such as your pockets or purse. Then, think about purchasing a spare key and keeping it in a safe place. This will help to prevent theft in the future.
1. Call the police
Contact the police if you cannot locate your keys. They can assist you in more ways than an emergency roadside assistance or locksmith. They can also inform the public that your car keys might be missing to prevent other people from using them without permission.
However, they won't be in a position to unlock your car's door unless it is an emergency situation. They don't have tools and they don't want the vehicle damaged. In certain circumstances the police might be in a position to use an incredibly small jim to open the door, but they'll require a compelling reason to do this. If they find that a child or an animal is locked inside a vehicle during hot weather, then they may break the window.
It is also advisable to keep a spare car key hidden in case you have to lock yourself out of your vehicle. Some people keep them in easily accessible locations, such as their home or office. Some give them to their family or friends to keep in case of an emergency. If you have a spare, try to reach it before calling the police or taking more drastic measures.
Many cars come with proximity remotes that conceal an emergency key in them. You might be able to use your car, if it is one of them, to unlock the door from a distance using the same tool that a locksmith might use. This tool is a flat-ended slim jim that can be used to pick locks.
2. Contact a Tow truck
If you lose your car keys, the most important thing you can do is find a company that provides emergency replacement of car keys. You should store their contact numbers in your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time studying their offerings and the charges they charge, coverage area technology, and professional.
You'll be able make a well-informed decision when the need arises. Whether you need an emergency locksmith or simply a new key, these companies can help you get back on the road with little hassle.
It is advisable to have three or more spare keys. Keep one set at home, another with your important person and the third in your wallet. This will ensure that you never be stuck in a remote location.
The possession of a spare key can save you from calling for assistance on the road. The cost of purchasing a new key for a traditional key is typically very affordable, however the cost of a smart key could be quite costly. These types of keys use an electronic chip to operate the vehicle, therefore they'll need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealership or manufacturer, and this can take several days.
It's a good idea, to make the process as easy and quick as possible and to keep the VIN number of the car in your pocket. This number is usually on the paperwork of your car or, more often, on a metal plate in the doorpost for the driver's side. This information will enable the professional to reprogram your old key so that it works with the new key.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It's best to start with a non-destructive method particularly if you have young children or pets, or elderly people in your vehicle. So you don't run the risk of having to call 999, or be charged a high amount from a professional.
One of the easiest ways to unlock your car is with an air pump wedge which are offered in auto lockout kits, and also by repo and locksmith experts. They are made of tough, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a brief time before being deflated. This allows you to slip them between the door and the weather stripping without scratching or damaging the paint on the car.
You can use a standard wedge, or a curved one is even more suitable for cars with a wide range of. The idea is to create a space for you to insert an extremely thin rod to reach the door pin locked. If the coat hanger is thick enough, it may be able to work. You can also use an aluminum rod, or even 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 is recommended to stay clear of these techniques unless you're in an emergency. Otherwise, the police may have to use a more destructive tool to get into your vehicle and save your pet or passengers.
Keep a spare car key at home or with a friend near you in case you need to return to your car if you lock yourself out. It is also important to determine if your auto insurance or roadside assistance plan will cover the replacement of your car keys.
4. Try a Coathanger
You've likely seen the coat hanger trick in a movie. This is an option for older cars that come with manual locks. It works like the slim jim. You will require a simple coat hanger that has pliers and a small wire.
With the pliers, loosen the coat hanger until it has one side hooked and one straight. The hook should be inserted into the gap between the window and door frame. This will increase your chance of finding the control arm that's connected to the rod for locking. Once you've found it, pull the lever up and the door should be opened.
Another method is to tie a long string with a slip knot in the upper right-hand corner of the driver's door. Wiggle the string in a back-andforth motion (like flossing a huge tooth) to move it towards the inside rod of the lock. auto car key replacement may need to use both hands, and it could take a few attempts, but if it is successful, the lock should be released and you will be able to unlock the door.
You can also use a strip of plastic bent into a shape to fit the narrow gap between door and frame. This is a more challenging option but it could be the only method to get in the vehicle in case you can't find your keys.
If you have a spare key, it's recommended to store it somewhere where you can easily access in case of an emergency. You'll need to contact road assistance or a locksmith in the event that you don't. Make sure you have the key code number and your personal identification card on hand so that the locksmith or road assistance will be able to assist you quickly.