3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your keys to your car can be a frustrating and stressful experience. Luckily, there are some actions you can take to assist yourself in this circumstance.
Make sure you check the obvious places, such as your pockets or purse. Next, consider buying an extra key and keeping it in a secure place. This can prevent future thefts.
1. Contact the police
Call the police if you can't find your keys. They can assist you in many ways other than a roadside assistance or locksmith. They'll also be capable of informing the public that someone may have possibly stolen your car keys which can help prevent people from using them without permission.
They are not able unlock your car's door unless it is an emergency. They don't have tools and don't want to risk damaging the vehicle. If the circumstances are suitable, the police may be able use a slim Jim to open the car's door. However, they must have a legitimate reason for doing this. If they see that a child or an animal is locked in a vehicle in hot weather, they could break the window.
It is also advisable to keep a spare car key hidden in case you need to lock yourself out of your car. Some people keep them in easy-to-access places, like their home or office. Others give them to friends or family members to hold onto 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 have proximity remotes that conceal an emergency key in them. If yours is one of them, you might be able unlock the doors from a distance by using an instrument that only locksmiths possess. This tool is a slim jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to pick locks.
2. Contact a Tow Truck
Find a company who provides emergency replacement car keys in the event that you lose your keys. You should store their contact numbers on your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time studying their offerings costs, coverage areas, charges technology, and professional.
You'll be able make an informed decision if the time comes. Whether you need an emergency locksmith or an extra key, these companies will help you get back on the road with minimal hassle.
The best way to prevent losing your keys is to have a spare set, and should you be able to, if possible, three or more sets. Keep one at home, then give one to your spouse or significant other, and keep the other one in your purse or wallet. This will allow you to avoid being stranded in a secluded spot.
A spare key could save you from needing to call roadside assistance. The cost of a new key for a traditional key is typically very affordable, however the cost of a smart key could be quite expensive. These keys use an electronic chip that allows them to control the car. They will have to be connected with a manufacturer or dealer. This can take a number of days.
It's a good idea to make the process as easy and fast as you can and to keep the VIN number of the vehicle in your pocket. It's possible to find this number on the paperwork for your vehicle or engraved on a plaque made of metal in the driver's doorpost. This information will assist the emergency car key replacement expert determine the best way to proceed with reprograming your old key to work with the new one.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It is always advisable to use a non-destructive approach first particularly if you have young children, pets or elderly people in the vehicle. So you don't run the risk of needing to call 999 or be charged a high amount from an expert.
One of the simplest methods to unlock a vehicle is with an air pump wedge, which are offered in auto lockout kits, and also by repo and locksmith professionals. They're made of durable, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a short time before being deflated. You can slide them between the weather stripping and the door without worrying about scratching the paint.
For the majority of cars, a curved wedge is preferred. The idea is to create a space in which you can insert the long, thin rod to get to the pin locked. If the hanger for your coat is strong enough, it may be able to work. You could also try a rod made of plastic, or even a blood-pressure cuff. replace keys should be put between the door and the frame so that you can pull it to open the vehicle.
It is best to avoid these methods unless you have an emergency. If you don't, the police could have to use more destructive tools to get inside your car and rescue your passengers.
Keep a spare key somewhere at your home or with a friend to ensure that you have a chance to get back in your car in the event you are locked out. You should also check if your auto insurance or roadside assistance policy covers the replacement of keys to your car.
4. Try a Coathanger
The coat hanger trick is a well-known one, and you've probably seen it in a film. This is a great option for older cars with manual locks. It works like a slim jim. All you require is a coat hanger made of wire and pliers.
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 and door frame. This will increase your chance of locating the control arm that is connected to the lock rod. When you locate it, pull up and the door should be opened.
Another method is to tie a string using a slip-knot located in the upper right corner on the driver's side door. Then, wiggle the string back and forward (like flossing huge teeth) to move it towards the inside lock rod. You may need to use both hands and it could take a few attempts however, if it's successful, the lock should release and you can open the door.
You can also use a strip of plastic bent into a shape that fits the narrow gap between door and frame. This is a harder option however it could be your only option if you can't locate your keys.
It is a good idea to keep a spare key in a place where you can find it in case of emergency. Otherwise, you will have to call road assistance or a locksmith. You should have your key code number as well as personal identification with you so that road assistance or a locksmith could assist you quickly.
