3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your keys to your car could be a frustrating and stressful experience. There are some steps you can do yourself in the event of this happening to you.
The first step is to check the obvious locations, like your purse or pockets. Then, think about purchasing an extra key and keeping it in a secure place. This will help you avoid theft in the future.
1. Call the police
Contact the police if you cannot find your keys. They will be able to help you more than a locksmith or roadside assistance. They can also inform the general public that your car keys could be missing to prevent other people from using keys without authorization.
However, they aren't able to unlock your car door unless it is an emergency situation. This is because they do not have the proper tools to do it and they don't want to cause damage to the vehicle. If the circumstances are appropriate, the police may be able use a slim Jim to open the door of the car. But they must have a valid reason for doing so. For example, if they see an infant or a pet locked inside the car in hot weather, they could cut the window to save the life of a person.
It's also a good idea to keep a spare key hidden somewhere in case you are locked out of your car. Some people keep them in accessible locations, such as their home or their office. Others give them to family or friends members to hold onto in case in the event of an emergency. If you have a spare, try to locate it before calling the police or taking more extreme measures.
Many cars come with proximity remotes that have an emergency key in them. You may be able to use your car, if it is one of these, to unlock the door from a distance with an instrument that locksmiths might have. It is a thin jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to pick a lock.
2. Call towing truck
Find a company that provides emergency car key replacement if you lose your keys. It is recommended to keep their contact numbers on your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time looking into their services, charges, coverage area technology, and professional.
This will allow you to make a well-informed decision if the situation arises. These companies can help you with a replacement or emergency key.
key replacement car is recommended to have at least two or three spare sets of keys. Keep one at home, give one to your spouse or your significant other, and then keep the other one in your wallet or pocket. This will ensure that you don't end up in a foreign location.
A spare key could help you avoid having to call roadside assistance. A new key for a traditional key is typically very affordable. However, the cost of a smart-key could be quite costly. These types of keys use an electronic chip that operates the vehicle, so they'll need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or manufacturer and can take several days.
To make the process as fast and easy as it can be, it's always a good idea to keep the VIN number of your vehicle in your possession. This number is usually on your car's paperwork or is often stamped on a metal plaque in the doorpost for the driver's side. 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's always best to try to employ a non-destructive method initially, especially if there are children, pets, or elderly people in the car. You don't have to worry about calling 911 or paying a huge bill for an expert.
Air pump wedges are sold in auto lockout kit and by repo and locksmith professionals. They're made of durable, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a short period of time and then deflated. This allows you to slip them between the door and the weather stripping without risking scratching or dinging the paint of the car.
You can make use of a standard wedge, or an angled one is more suitable for cars with a wide range of. The idea is to create a space where you can put in the long, thin rod in order to reach the pin that is locked. If the coat hanger is thick enough, it might be able to work. You could also try a rod made of plastic, or even a blood-pressure cuff. The goal is to get the rod between the frame and the door so that you can pull it out and unlock the car.
Almost all of these methods cause the car alarm to go off, which is why it is best to stay clear of them unless there is an emergency. If you don't, police could have to use more destructive tools to gain access to the car and save your passengers.
Keep a spare car key at home or with a friend near you so you can get back into your vehicle if you lock yourself out. It is also important to determine if your auto insurance or roadside assistance policy covers car key replacement.
4. Try a Coathanger
The coat hanger trick is a classic and you've likely seen it in a movie. This is a great option for older cars with manual locks. It functions like an incredibly slim jim. You only need a thin coat hanger, pliers, and a thin wire.
With the pliers, loosen 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 allow you to locate the control arm connected to the rod for locking. Once you've found it, pull the lever up and the door should be opened.
Another option 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 back and forth (like flossing giant teeth) to move it towards the rod inside the lock. It may take several attempts and both hands to unlock the lock.
You could also consider using a plastic strip that can be bent into a form that will fit into the small gap between the frame and door. This is a more difficult option but it may be the only option if you can't locate your keys.
It is a good idea to keep a spare key somewhere that you can easily locate in the event of an emergency. If you don't, you'll have to call road assistance or a locksmith. Make sure you have the key code number and your personal identification in to ensure that the locksmith or road assistance can assist you in a timely manner.