3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys can be an extremely frustrating experience. There are some steps you can do to assist yourself in the event of a loss.
The first step is to check the obvious locations, like your pockets or purse. Next, consider buying an extra key and keeping it in a safe place. This will help you avoid theft in the future.
1. Contact the police
Contact the police if can't find your keys. They will be able to help you more than a locksmith or roadside assistance. They can also inform the general public that your car keys may have been stolen and help stop others from using keys without permission.
However, they won't be able to unlock the door of your car in the event of an emergency situation. They don't have tools and they don't want to risk damaging the vehicle. In certain circumstances the police may be able to use the slim jim to unlock the door, but they'll require a valid reason to do this. If they see that the child or animal is locked in a vehicle in the heat, they may break the window.
It is also advisable to keep a spare car key somewhere hidden in case you have to lock yourself out of your car. Some people keep them in accessible places like their home or office. Others offer them to family or friends members to keep in the event of an emergency. If you have a spare, try to locate it before calling the police or taking more extreme measures.
Many cars come with proximity remotes with an emergency code hidden behind them. You may be able in the event that your vehicle is one of them, to unlock the door from a distance by using an instrument that locksmiths might use. This tool is a slim jim with a flat end that can be used to pick a lock.
2. Call for a Tow Truck
Find a company who provides emergency replacement car keys in the event that you lose your keys. It is best to save their contact numbers in your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time studying their offerings costs, coverage areas, charges technology, and professional.
You'll be able to make an informed choice when the need arises. These companies can assist you with a replacement or emergency key.
It is recommended to have at least two or three spare keys. Keep one set at home, another with your spouse or important person, and the other in your wallet. This will help you to avoid being stranded in a remote location.
A spare key can help you avoid calling for assistance on the road. A new key for a traditional key is usually quite affordable. However, the cost of a smart-key can be quite costly. These keys have an electronic chip that allows them to control the car. They will need to be connected by a manufacturer or dealer. key replacement car can take several days.
It's a good idea, to make the process as simple and fast as you can you keep the VIN number of the vehicle in your pocket. This number can be found on the paperwork for your vehicle or on a plaque made of metal in the doorway of the driver. This information will assist the emergency key replacement professional determine the best method for reprograming your old key to 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 there are 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 an expert.
One of the most efficient methods to unlock a car is with an air pump wedge, that are available in auto lockout kits and also by locksmiths and repo professionals. They're made from durable, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a short period of time and then deflated. You can slip them between the weather stripping and the door without worrying about scratching paint.
You can make use of an ordinary wedge, or a curved one is even more suitable for the majority of cars. The idea is to create a space where you can put in the rod's length and thickness in order to reach the locked pin. If the coat hanger is sturdy enough, it could work. You could also try a plastic rod or a blood pressure cuff. The goal is to place the rod between the frame and the door so you can pull it to unlock the car.
It is best to avoid these techniques unless you're in an emergency. In the event of an emergency, police may require an additional tool to get into your vehicle to rescue pet or passengers.
Keep a spare car key home or with a person close to you in case you need to gain access to your vehicle if you lock yourself out. Of course, you should be sure to confirm that key replacement is covered in your roadside assistance plan or auto insurance.
4. Try a Coathanger
You've likely seen the coat hanger trick in a film. This is a good option for older vehicles that come with manual locks, and it works like an easy slim jim. All you need is a thin wire coat hanger and pliers.
With the pliers, untwist the coat hanger until it has one end hooked and one straight. Slide the hook into the space between the window and door frame. This will give you a greater chance of finding the control arm which is attached to the lock rod. Once you've found it, pull it up and the door should open.
Another option is to tie a string with a slip-knot in the upper right corner on the driver's side door. Then, wiggle the string back and forth (like flossing huge teeth) to move it towards the rod inside the lock. It may take several attempts and both hands to unlock the lock.
You could also consider using a strip of plastic that is bent into a shape that will fit in the narrow gap between the door and the frame. This is a more difficult option but it could be the only method to get in the vehicle if you are unable to find your keys.
It is a good idea to keep a spare key in a place where that you can easily locate in an emergency. Otherwise, you will have to call for road assistance or a locksmith. Make sure you have the key code number as well as your personal identification in to ensure that the road assistance or locksmith can help you out quickly.