3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys can be an extremely frustrating experience. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to help yourself in this situation.
First, check the obvious places, such as your purse or pockets. Consider purchasing a spare key and storing it in a secure location. This can prevent future thefts.
1. Call the Police
Contact the police if you can't find your keys. They can help you in more ways than locksmith or roadside assistance. They will also be able to inform the public that someone has possibly taken your car keys, which can help prevent people from using keys without authorization.
However, they are not in a position to unlock the door of your car unless there is an emergency situation. This is because they don't have the right tools to do so and they don't want to cause damage to the vehicle. If the circumstances are right, the police may be able use a slim Jim to open the car's door. However, they must have a valid motive to do this. For instance, if they see an animal or small child locked inside the car in hot weather, they may break the window to save the life.
It is also advisable to keep a spare car key hidden in case you lock yourself out of your vehicle. Some people keep them in easily accessible places like their home or office. Some people give them to family or friends to keep in case of emergency. If you have a spare, you should try to locate it before calling the police or resorting to more extreme measures.
A lot of cars have proximity remotes that have an emergency key inside. You may be able to use your car, if it is one of them to open the door from a distance with the same tool that a locksmith would use. It is a slim jim that has a flat end that can be used to pick locks.
2. Contact a Tow 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 the contact information of these companies in your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time studying their offerings costs, coverage areas, charges, technology, and professionals.
You'll be able to make an informed choice when the time comes. These companies can assist you with the replacement of your key or an emergency one.
The best method to avoid losing your keys is to have an extra set and, if feasible, three or four sets. Keep one at home, then give one to your partner or your significant other, and then keep the other one in your wallet or pocket. This will allow you to avoid being stranded in a remote location.
A spare key can also help you avoid having to call roadside assistance. The cost of purchasing a new key for a traditional key is usually quite affordable, but the price of a smart key can be quite costly. These types of keys use an electronic chip to operate the vehicle, so they'll need to be paired with the vehicle by a manufacturer or dealer which can take several days.
To make the process as fast and painless as possible it's a good idea to have the VIN number of your vehicle in your possession. It's possible to find this number on the documents for your vehicle or on a plaque made of metal in the doorway of the driver. This information will help the emergency key replacement specialist determine how to go about making your old key work with the new one.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It's best to begin with a non-destructive method especially in the case of children or pets, as well as elderly people in your vehicle. automotive car key replacement , you don't have the risk of having to call 999 or pay a large bill from a professional.
Air pump wedges are sold in auto lockout kit and by locksmith and repo professionals. They're made from durable, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a short period of time, and then deflated. You can slide them between the weather stripping and the door without worrying about scratching paint.
For most cars, a curved wedge is preferred. The idea is to create space for you to insert an extremely thin rod to reach the locked door pin. If the coat hanger is thick enough, it could work. You can also use a plastic rod or a blood pressure cuff. The rod should be put between the frame and the door so that you can pull it to open the vehicle.
Almost automotive key replacement of these methods will set off the car alarm This is why it is best to stay clear of these methods unless you're in an emergency. If you don't, police may have to employ more destructive tools to get inside your car and rescue your passengers.
Keep a spare key at home or with a close friend to ensure that you have a chance to get back into your car in the event you are locked out. Of course you must be sure to check whether car key replacement is included in your roadside assistance plan or insurance for your car.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
The coat hanger trick is a classic one, and you've likely seen it in a film. This is a good option for older vehicles with locks that are manual and works as an easy slim jim. All you require is a coat hanger made of wire and pliers.
Untwist the coathanger by pliers so that one side is snared and the other straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will increase your chance of finding the control arm that's connected to the rod for locking. Once you've found it, push the lever upwards and the door should be opened.
Another way is to tie a string using an elongated slip-knot on the upper right corner on the driver's side of the door. You can move the string in a back-andforth motion (like flossing a huge tooth) to pull it towards the inside rod. It could take a few attempts and both hands to get the lock to release.
You can also use a strip of plastic bent into a shape to fit the narrow gap between door and frame. This is a more challenging option but it could be the only option to enter the vehicle if you are unable to find your keys.
It is a good idea to keep a spare key somewhere that you can easily locate in case of emergency. You'll need to contact road assistance or a lock-smith in the event that you don't. Make sure you have the key code number and your personal identification on to ensure that the road assistance or locksmith can help you out quickly.