3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
The loss of your car keys can be an extremely frustrating experience. Fortunately, there are a few ways to assist yourself in this scenario.
The first step is to check the obvious places, like your purse or pockets. Consider purchasing a spare and storing it in a secure place. This will help to prevent theft in the future.
1. Contact the police
Call the police if you can't find your keys. They will be able to assist you more than a locksmith or roadside assistance. They'll also be capable of informing the general public that someone has possibly taken your car keys, which can help prevent people from using them without authorization.
However, they aren't able to unlock your car's door unless there is an emergency situation. They do not have any tools and don't want to risk damaging the vehicle. If the circumstances are suitable, the police may be able to use a slim Jim to open the car door. But they must have a legitimate motive to do this. If they see that an animal or a child is locked in a car during hot weather, then they could 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 vehicle. Some people keep spare keys in areas that are easy to access, such as their office or home. Some give them to friends or family members to keep in case of emergency. If you have an extra make contact with it prior to calling authorities or taking more drastic measures.
Many cars have proximity remotes with an emergency code that is hidden. If yours is one of them, you could be able to open the doors from a distance by using the help of a specific tool that locksmiths will possess. It is a flat-ended slim jim that can be used to pick locks.
2. Contact a Tow Truck
Find a business that offers emergency car key replacement if you have lost your keys. You should store their contact numbers on your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time looking into their services costs, coverage areas, charges technology, and experts.
You'll be able make a well-informed decision when the time comes. These companies can help you with a replacement or emergency key.
It is advisable to have three or more spare keys. Keep one set at home, one with your important person, and the other in your wallet. This will help you to avoid being stuck in a remote location.
A spare key can also save you from having to call for roadside assistance. A new key for a traditional key is usually quite affordable. However, the price of a smart key can be quite expensive. These keys have an electronic chip that allows them to operate the vehicle. They will need to be paired by a manufacturer or dealer. This can take a number of days.
It's a good idea to make the process as easy and quick as possible, to keep the VIN number of the vehicle in your pocket. It can be found on your car's registration or, more often, on a metal plaque in the doorpost for the driver's side. This information will allow the professional to modify your old key to ensure that it works with the new key.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It is best to start with a non-destructive solution particularly when you have children, pets, or elderly people in your car. That way you won't risk having to call 999 or incur a high bill from an expert.
One of the most efficient methods to unlock a car is with an air pump wedge, which are sold in auto lockout kits, and also by locksmiths and repo professionals. The wedges are made of heavy-duty vinyl that can be inflated and deflated quickly. This allows you to slide them between the door and the weather stripping without risking scratching or dinging the paint of your car.
You can use wedges of any size, but an angled one is better for most cars. The idea is to create space in which you can place the rod to reach the locked door pin. If the hanger for your coat is sturdy enough, it could be able to work. replacement car key cost can also use a rod made of plastic, or even a blood-pressure cuff. The rod should be put between the frame and the door to allow you to pull it to unlock the vehicle.
Almost all of these methods cause the car alarm to go off This is why it's best to avoid them unless there's an emergency. If you don't, the police might have to use more destructive tools to get inside the car and save your passengers.
Keep a spare key somewhere at home or with a close friend to ensure that you have a chance to get back into your car in the event 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 movie. This is a great option for older vehicles with locks that are manual, and it works like a DIY slim jim. All you require is a thin coat hanger made of wire and pliers.
With the pliers, untwist the coat hanger until it has one side swung and one 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 rod for locking. Once you've found it, pull the lever up and your door should open.
Another option is to tie a string with a slip knot in the upper right corner of the door for the driver. Then, you can wiggle the string back and forth (like flossing massive teeth) to move it towards the rod of the inside lock. It may be necessary to use both hands and it may take several attempts however, if you are successful, the lock should release and you can open the door.
You can also try using a strip of plastic that you bend into a shape that fits into the gap between the door and frame. This is a more difficult choice but it could be the only method to get in the vehicle if you are unable to find your keys.
It is a good plan to keep a spare key somewhere you can easily find it in an emergency. You will need to call road assistance or a lock-smith if you don't. Make sure you have the key code number as well as your personal identification in your person so that locksmith or road assistance will be able to assist you quickly.