3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your keys to your car could be a stressful experience. There are some steps you can do to help yourself in the event of this happening to you.
Make sure you check the obvious places, such as your purse or pockets. Consider buying a spare and storing it in a secure place. This will help you avoid theft in the future.
1. Call the Police
If you've lost your keys and are unable to find them, the most effective option is to call the police. They can assist you in many ways other than a roadside assistance or locksmith. They will also be capable of informing the public that someone has possibly taken your car keys, which will stop people from using them without authorization.
However, they are not able to unlock your car door unless it is an emergency situation. This is due to the fact that they don't have the tools needed to do it and they don't want to cause damage to the vehicle. If the circumstances are suitable, the police may be able to use a slim Jim to open the car door. However they must have a valid motive to do so. For instance, if they see an infant or a pet locked inside the car in hot weather, they might break the window to save the life.
It's also a good idea to have an extra key somewhere in case you're locked out of your car. Some people keep them in easy-to-access locations, such as their home or office. Others give them to family or friends members to keep in the event in the event of an emergency. If you have a spare, try to get it out of the way before calling the police or resorting to more drastic measures.
A lot of cars come with proximity remotes that come with an emergency code hidden behind them. It is possible to use your car, if it is one of them to open the door from a distance with a special tool a locksmith would have. This tool is a slim jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to pick locks.
2. Contact for a Tow Truck
Find a business that offers emergency replacement of car keys if you lose your keys. You should save their contact information in your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend time investigating their services, their charges, their coverage area, technology and professionals.
This will help you make an informed choice when the situation arises. No matter if you require an emergency locksmith or simply a new key, these companies will assist you in getting back to your vehicle with minimum hassle.
The best way to prevent losing your keys is to have an extra set and, when possible, two or three sets. Keep one set at home, another with your significant person and the third one in your wallet. This will help you avoid being stuck in a remote location.
Having a spare can also make it easier to call for assistance on the road. The cost of a brand new key for a traditional one is typically very affordable, but the price of a smart one can be quite expensive. These types of keys make use of an electronic chip that operates the vehicle, which means they'll have to be linked with the car by a dealer or manufacturer which can take several days.
To make the process as quick and easy as it can be it's recommended to keep the VIN number of your vehicle handy. This number can be found on the documentation for your vehicle, or engraved on a metal plaque that is placed in the door of the driver. This information will allow professionals to modify your old key to ensure that it functions with the new key.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's best to start with a non-destructive treatment, especially in the case of children or pets, as well as elderly people in your vehicle. You won't have to risk calling 999 or paying a large bill for a professional.
Air pump wedges are available in auto lockout kit and by locksmith professionals and repo experts. They are made of heavy-duty vinyl that can be deflated and inflated quickly. This allows you to slip them between the door and the weather stripping, without scratching or damaging the paint of your car.
You can use wedges of any size, but a curved one is better for most cars. The idea is to create a space where you can insert the rod's length, which is thin in order to reach the pin that is locked. A coat hanger might be a good choice if it's strong enough, but you could also try a rod made of plastic or even a blood pressure cuff. The goal is to place the rod between the frame and the door to allow you to pull it to unlock the car.
It's best to stay clear of these techniques unless you're in an emergency. If not, the police might require an even more destructive method to get into your vehicle to rescue passengers or pets.
Keep a spare key somewhere at home or with a trusted friend in order to have a chance to get back in your vehicle in the event that you are locked out. Of course you must be sure to verify that car key replacement is part of your roadside assistance plan or insurance for your car.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
The coat hanger trick is a classic and you've probably seen it in a movie. This is a great solution for older vehicles that come with locks that are manually operated and functions as a DIY slim jim. All you need is a thin wire coat hanger and pliers.
Untwist the coathanger by pliers so that one side is snared 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, push the lever upwards and your door will open.
Another option is to tie a string with a slip-knot located in the upper right corner on the driver's side of the door. Then, wiggle the string back and forth (like flossing huge teeth) to move it towards the inside lock rod. It could take a few attempts and both hands to get the lock to release.
You could also try a plastic strip that is bent into a shape that will fit in the gap between the door and the frame. This is a harder option, but may be your only option if you can't find your keys.
It is a good idea to keep a spare key somewhere you can easily find it in case of emergency. Otherwise, you can try these out will have to call for road assistance or a locksmith. You must have your key code number and personal identification with you so that road assistance or a locksmith will assist you quickly.