3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
The loss of keys to your car could be a frustrating and stressful experience. There are some things you can do yourself if this happens.
Make sure you check the obvious places, such as your purse or pockets. Next, consider buying a spare key and storing it in a secure place. This will prevent any future thefts.
1. Call the Police
If you've lost your keys and can't locate them, the best solution is to contact the police. They will be able assist you more than a locksmith or roadside assistance. They can also inform the public that your car keys could have been stolen, which will help prevent others from using keys without permission.
They're not able to unlock the door of your car unless it is an emergency. auto car key replacement is because they do not have the tools needed to do it and don't want to cause damage to your vehicle. If the circumstances are right, the police may be able to use a small Jim to open the door of the car. But, they must have a good motive to do so. For example when they spot an infant or a pet trapped inside the vehicle in hot weather, they may smash the window to save the life.
You should also keep an extra car key hidden in case you lock yourself out of your car. Some people keep spare keys in areas that are easy to access such as their home or office. Others offer them to family members or friends members to hold onto in the event in the event of an emergency. If you have an extra contact it before calling authorities or taking more drastic measures.
Many cars have proximity remotes that have an emergency key hidden within them. If yours is one of them, you may be able to open the doors from a distance with a special tool that a locksmith will have. The tool is a small 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 lose your keys. It is best to save their contact numbers on your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time studying their offerings and the charges they charge, coverage area technology, and experts.
You will be able to make an informed decision if the time comes. If you require an emergency locksmith or an extra key, these companies will assist you in getting back to your vehicle with minimum hassle.
It is best to have two or three spare sets of keys. Keep one set at home, another with your spouse or significant person and the third in your wallet. This will help you to avoid being stranded in a remote location.
A spare key can help you avoid needing to call roadside assistance. The cost of purchasing a new key for a traditional key is usually very affordable, however the cost of a smart key can be quite high. These keys have an electronic chip that allows them to control the vehicle. They will have to be connected by a dealer or manufacturer. This can take a number of days.
To make the process as simple and painless as possible it's best to have the VIN number of your car in hand. You can find this number on the documentation for your vehicle, or stamped on a plaque made of metal in the door of the driver. This information will allow professionals to reprogram your old key so that it functions with the new key.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's always best to use a non-destructive method first particularly if you have children, pets or elderly people in the car. So you don't run the risk of needing to call 999 or incur a high bill from an expert.
Air pump wedges are sold in auto lockout kits and by repo and locksmith professionals. They're made from tough, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a short time before being deflated. This allows you to slip them between the door and the weather stripping without risking scratching or damaging the paint on the car.
You can make use of wedges of any size, but a curved one is even more suitable for cars with a wide range of. The idea is to create a space so that you can place the rod's length and thickness to reach the pin that is locked. If the coat hanger is thick enough, it could be able to work. You could also try a rod made of plastic, or even a blood-pressure cuff. The aim is to get the rod between the frame and the door to allow you to pull it out and unlock the car.
Most of these methods set off the car alarm, which is why it's best to avoid them unless there is an emergency. If you don't, police could have to use more destructive tools to get inside your car and rescue your passengers.
Keep an extra car key at home or with a friend near you so you can get back into your vehicle in the event that you are locked out. And, of course it is important to check whether car key replacement is included in your roadside assistance plan or insurance for your vehicle.
4. Try a Coathanger
You've likely seen the coat hanger trick in a film. This is an option for older cars that have manual locks. It works like a slim jim. All you require is a coat hanger with a wire and pliers.
Untwist the coathanger by pliers so that one side is hooked, and the other is straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will increase your chance of locating the control arm which is attached to the rod for locking. Once you've located it, lift the lever and your door should open.
Another option is to tie a string with an elongated slip knot in the upper right corner of the driver's door. Wiggle the string with a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a giant tooth) to shift it toward the inside rod. It may take a few attempts and both hands to get the lock to release.
You can also try using a plastic strip that is bent into a shape that fits into the gap between the door and the frame. This isn't the most ideal solution, but may be your only option if it's impossible to locate your keys.
It is a good plan to keep a spare key somewhere you can easily find it in the event of an emergency. In the event of an emergency, you'll need to call for road assistance or a locksmith. Make sure that you have the key code number as well as your personal identification card on hand so that the locksmith or road assistance will be able to assist you quickly.