3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys can be a very frustrating experience. Luckily, there are some actions you can take to assist yourself in this situation.
Check obvious places like your pockets or purse. Consider buying a spare and storing it in a secure location. This will help prevent thefts in the future.
1. Contact the police
If you've lost your keys and can't find them, the best thing to do is call the police. They will be able to help you more than an auto locksmith or roadside assistance. They can also inform the general public that your car keys could have been stolen and help stop people from using keys without authorization.
However, they are not able to unlock the door of your car unless it is an emergency situation. They don't have tools and do not want to damage the vehicle. If the circumstances are suitable the police may be able to use a slim Jim to open the car's door. But they must have a legitimate reason for doing so. For instance in the event that they see an infant or a pet locked in the car during hot weather, they could cut the window to save the life of a person.
It is also advisable to keep a spare car key hidden in case you have to lock yourself out of your car. Some people keep them in easy-to-access places like their home or their office. Some give them to family or friends to keep in case of an emergency. If you have an extra make contact with it prior to calling the authorities or taking more drastic measures.
A lot of cars come with proximity remotes with an emergency code hidden behind them. If yours is one of them, you may be able unlock the doors from a distance with an instrument that only locksmiths possess. The tool is a slim jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to pick locks.
2. Contact a Tow truck
Find a business that offers emergency replacement car keys in the event that you have lost your keys. It is best to save the contact information of these companies in your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time looking into their services, charges, coverage area, technology, and professionals.
You will be able to make an informed choice when the time comes. These companies can help you with an emergency key replacement or replacement.
replacement auto key to avoid losing your keys is to keep an extra set, and when you can, have three or more sets. Keep one set at home, another with your spouse or significant person and the third one in your wallet. This will ensure that you don't find yourself stranded in an unfamiliar place.
A spare key can also prevent you from needing to call roadside assistance. The cost of purchasing a new key for a traditional one is usually very affordable, however the cost of a smart key can be quite expensive. These keys utilize an electronic chip that operates the vehicle, so they'll need to be paired with the car by a dealer or manufacturer which can take several days.
It's a good idea to make the process as easy and quick as is possible, to keep the VIN number of the car in your pocket. It can be found on your car's paperwork or is often stamped on a metal plate in the driver's side doorpost. This information will allow the technician to modify your old key to ensure that it functions with the new key.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It is always advisable to employ a non-destructive method initially particularly if you have children, pets or elderly people in the vehicle. You won't have to risk calling the number 999 or paying a big bill for a professional.
One of the simplest ways to unlock a car is with an air pump wedge that are available in auto lockout kits, and also by locksmiths and repo experts. They are made of high-quality vinyl that can be inflated and deflated quickly. This allows you to slip them between the door and the weather stripping without scratching or dinging the paint of your car.
You can make use of an ordinary 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 pin that locks your door. If the coat hanger is sturdy enough, it might be able to work. You can also use a rod made of plastic, or even a blood-pressure cuff. The goal is to get the rod between the frame and door so that you can pull it and unlock the car.
The majority of these methods will trigger the car alarm This is why it's best to avoid them unless there's an emergency. Otherwise, the police may require an even more destructive method to gain access to your vehicle and save your pets or your passengers.
Keep a spare key somewhere at home or with a close friend, so that you have a chance to get back in your vehicle in the event that you get locked out. And, of course it is important to check whether car key replacement is part of your roadside assistance plan or auto insurance.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
The coat hanger trick is a classic one, and you've probably seen it in a film. This is a solution for older cars that have manual locks. It functions like the slim jim. You only need a thin coat hanger that has pliers and a thin wire.
Untwist the coathanger with pliers so that one side is hooked, and the other side is straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will give you a greater chance of locating the control arm that's connected to the lock rod. Once you've found it, pull the lever up and your door will open.
Another method is to tie a string using an elongated slip-knot on the upper right corner of the driver's side door. Then, wiggle the string back and forth (like flossing massive teeth) to move it towards the rod of the inside lock. It may take several attempts and both hands to allow the lock to be released.
You could also consider using a strip of plastic that you bend into a shape that will fit into the small gap between the frame and door. This is a more challenging option but it could be the only method to get in the vehicle if you cannot locate your keys.
It is a good idea to keep a spare key somewhere that you can easily locate in an emergency. You'll need to call road assistance or a lock-smith if you don't. You must have your key code number as well as personal identification with you so that road assistance or a locksmith will help you promptly.