3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys could be a traumatic experience. There are some steps you can do to help yourself in the event of this happening to you.
Check obvious places like your pockets or purse. Consider buying an extra one and keeping it in a safe place. This will help to prevent theft in the future.
1. Call the police
If you've lost your keys and can't locate them, the best solution is to contact the police. They will be able assist you more than a locksmith or roadside assistance. They can also inform the general public that your car keys could have been stolen, which will help prevent others from using keys without authorization.
They're not able to unlock the doors of your car unless there is an emergency. This is because they don't have the tools needed to do it and they don't want to cause damage to the vehicle. Based on the situation the police may be able to use the slim jim to unlock the door, but they will require a valid reason for doing so. If they discover that a child or an animal is locked in a car during hot weather, then they could break the window.
You should also keep an extra car key hidden in case you need to lock yourself out of your vehicle. Some people keep them in easily accessible places, like their home or their office. Others give them to family or friends members to keep in case in the event of an emergency. If you have an extra, reach out to it prior to calling authorities or taking more drastic actions.
Many cars have proximity remotes that conceal an emergency key inside. You may be able to use your car, if it is one of them, to unlock the door from a distance using a special tool a locksmith could possess. This tool is a slim jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to pick a lock.
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 car key replacement. You should save their contact details on your phone under the heading "Emergency" and then spend time researching what services they provide and their costs and their coverage area. technology and professionals.
This will enable you to make an informed choice when the need arises. These companies can assist with a replacement or emergency key.
The best way to prevent losing your keys is to keep an extra set and, if possible, three or four sets. Keep one at home, and give one to your partner or your significant other, and keep the other in your purse or wallet. This will ensure that you don't be stuck in a remote location.
A spare key could save you from having to call for roadside assistance. The cost of a brand new key for a traditional one is usually quite affordable, but the price of a smart key could be quite expensive. These types of keys make use of an electronic chip to operate the vehicle, therefore they'll need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealership or manufacturer, and this could take a few days.
To make the process as simple and painless as you can it's best to have the VIN number of your car in hand. You can find this number on the documents for your vehicle or engraved on a metal plaque in the doorway of the driver. This information will allow professionals to modify your old key so that it works with the new key.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It is always advisable to employ a non-destructive method initially especially if you have children, pets or elderly people in the vehicle. You don't have to worry about calling 999 or paying a large bill for a professional.
Air pump wedges can be found in auto lockout kits and by repo and locksmith professionals. They are made of robust, heavy-duty vinyl. They are designed to be inflated for a short period of time, and then deflated. You can slide them between the weather stripping and the door without worrying about scratching paint.
For the majority of vehicles, a curving wedge is better. The idea is to create a space in which you can insert the rod's length, which is thin to get to the pin locked. A coat hanger might be a good choice if it's strong enough, but you can try a rod made from plastic or even a blood pressure cuff. The goal is to get the rod between the frame and door to allow you to pull it out and unlock the car.
It is recommended to stay clear of these methods unless you are in an emergency. In the event of an emergency, police may need to employ a more destructive tool to gain access to your vehicle to rescue pets or your passengers.
Keep a spare key at your home or with a friend to ensure that you have a chance to get back into your car in case you get locked out. Also, make sure that your auto insurance or roadside assistance plan will cover car key replacement .
4. Try Coathanger
You've probably seen the coat hanger trick in a movie. This is a great option for older cars with manual locks. It works as the slim jim. All you require is a wire coat hanger and pliers.
Untwist the coathanger by pliers so that one side is snared and the other side is straight. The hook should be inserted into the gap between the window frame and the door frame. This will help you locate the control arm that is connected to the lock rod. Once you find it, pull it back and the door should be opened.
Another method is to tie a string with a slip-knot in the upper right corner of the driver's side door. Move the string in a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a tooth) to move it towards the inside rod of the lock. It is possible to use both hands and it could take a few attempts however, if it's successful, the lock will let go and you should be able to open the door.
You can also use the plastic strip bent into a shape that fits the gap between the door and frame. This is a more difficult option, but it may be the only way to get into the vehicle in case you can't find your keys.
If you have an extra key, it is recommended to store it in a place where you can easily access it in the event of an emergency. Otherwise, you will have to call road assistance or a locksmith. It is recommended to carry your key code number and your personal identification in order that road assistance or a locksmith could help you promptly.