3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
The loss of your car keys can be a very frustrating experience. There are, however, some steps you can take to help yourself in this circumstance.
Check obvious places like your pockets or purse. Consider buying car key replacements and keeping it in a secure place. This will help prevent thefts in the future.
1. Call the Police
Call the police if you can't find your keys. They will be able to assist you more than an auto locksmith or roadside assistance. They will also be able to inform the public that someone may have possibly stolen your car keys, which could prevent others from using keys without authorization.
However, they aren't capable of unlocking the door of your car unless it is an emergency situation. This is due to the fact that they don't have the tools needed to do this and they don't want to cause damage to the vehicle. If the circumstances are appropriate, the police may be able to use a slim Jim to open the car's door. However they must have a legitimate reason to do this. For instance when they spot an animal or small child locked inside the car in hot weather, they may smash the window to save a life.
It's also a good idea to have an extra key somewhere in case you get locked out of your car. Some people keep them in easy-to-access locations, such as their home or their office. Others lend them to friends or family members to hold onto in case of an emergency. If you have a spare, try to reach it before calling the police or taking more extreme measures.
Many cars have proximity remotes with a hidden emergency key hidden within them. If yours is one of them, you might be able to unlock the doors from a distance by using the help of a specific tool that locksmiths have. This tool is a slim jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to pick locks.
2. Call towing truck
If you lose your car keys The first thing to do is locate a business that provides emergency car key replacement. You should store their contact numbers on your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time researching the services they offer, charges, coverage area technology, and experts.
You will be able to make an informed choice when the need arises. These companies can help you with the replacement of your key or an emergency one.
The best way to avoid losing your keys is to have an extra set and, if you can, have three or four sets. Keep one at home, give one to your spouse or significant other, and keep the other one in your purse or wallet. This will ensure that you don't be stuck in a foreign location.
Having a spare can also help you avoid calling for roadside assistance. The cost of purchasing a new key for a traditional one is usually very affordable, but the cost of a smart key could be quite high. They are equipped with an electronic chip that allows them to control the vehicle. They will need to be paired with a manufacturer or dealer. This can take a number of days.
To make the process as quick and painless as possible, it's always a good idea to keep the VIN number of your car in hand. It's possible to find this number on the paperwork for your vehicle or stamped on a metal plaque in the doorway of the driver. This information will aid the emergency key replacement expert determine how to go about reprograming your old key to work with the new one.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It is best to start with a non-destructive solution, especially if you have young children or pets, as well as elderly people in your car. You won't have to risk calling 999 or paying a large bill for an expert.
Air pump wedges are available in auto lockout kit and by locksmith professionals and repo experts. The wedges are made of durable vinyl that can be deflated and inflated quickly. You can slip them between the weather stripping and the door without worrying about scratching paint.
For the majority of vehicles, a curving wedge is preferred. The idea is to create a space where you can insert the rod's length and thickness in order to get to the pin locked. If the hanger for your coat is sturdy enough, it could work. You could also try a rod made of plastic, or even a blood-pressure cuff. The rod should be put between the door and the frame to allow you to pull it to open the vehicle.
It is recommended to stay clear of these methods unless you are in an emergency. If you don't, police could have to use more destructive tools to enter the car and save your passengers.
Keep a spare car key home or with a friend near you in case you need to return to your car when you lock yourself out. Of course, you should be sure to verify that car key replacement is part of your roadside assistance plan or insurance for your vehicle.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
The coat hanger trick is a well-known and you've likely seen it in a film. This is a great solution for older vehicles that have manual locks and functions as an easy slim jim. You will require a simple coat hanger that has pliers and a small wire.
With the pliers, pull off the coat hanger until it has one end hooked and one straight. Slide the hook into the gap between the window frame and the door frame. This will give you a better 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 be opened.
Another method is to tie a string using a slip knot in the upper right-hand corner of the door for the driver. Move the string in a back-andforth motion (like flossing a tooth) to move it towards the inside rod. You may need to use both hands and it may take several attempts however, if you are successful, the lock will let go and you should be able to unlock the door.
You could also consider using a strip of plastic that is bent into a shape that will fit into the small gap between the door and frame. This is a more difficult choice but it could be the only method to enter the vehicle if you cannot locate your keys.
It is a good plan to keep a spare key in a place where that you can easily locate in an emergency. If you don't, you'll have to call for road assistance or a locksmith. You must have your key code number as well as your personal identification in order that road assistance or a locksmith can assist you quickly.