3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your keys to your car may be a frustrating and stressful experience. There are a few things you can do yourself in the event of this happening to you.
Check obvious places like your purse or pockets. Then, think about buying a spare key and storing it in a safe place. This will help prevent thefts in the future.
1. Call the Police
If you've lost your keys and can't find them, the most effective solution is to contact the police. They can help you in many ways other than an emergency roadside assistance or locksmith. They will also be capable of informing the public that someone has possibly stolen your car keys, which will stop people from using keys without authorization.
They are not able unlock the door of your car unless it is an emergency. They do not have any tools and don't want to risk damaging the vehicle. Based on the situation, police may be able to use a slim jim to open the door, but they will require a valid reason to do so. If they discover that the child or animal is locked inside a vehicle in hot weather, they could break the window.
You should also keep a spare car key somewhere hidden in case you lock yourself out of your car. Some people keep their spare keys in places easily accessible, such as their home or office. Some people offer them to their family or friends to keep in case of emergency. If you have an extra make contact with it prior to calling the authorities or taking more drastic steps.
Many cars come with proximity remotes with a hidden emergency key in them. If yours is one of them, you may be able to open the doors from a distance by using a special tool that a locksmith will possess. The tool is a flat-ended slim jim that can be used to open locks.
2. Call a tow truck
Find a company that provides emergency replacement of car keys if you have lost your keys. It is recommended to save their contact information in your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend time looking into the services they offer, their charges, their coverage area, technology and professionals.
This will help you make an informed choice when the need arises. Whether you need an emergency locksmith or simply a replacement key, these companies can assist you in getting back to your vehicle with minimum hassle.
It is best to have at least two or three spare keys. Keep one at home, then give one to your partner or your significant other, and keep the other in your purse or wallet. This will help you to avoid being stranded in a remote location.
A spare key could save you from needing to call roadside assistance. automotive key replacement of a new key for a traditional key is typically very affordable, but the price of a smart key can be quite expensive. These keys utilize an electronic chip that operates the vehicle, so they'll have to be linked with the car by a dealership or manufacturer, and this can take several days.
It's a good idea, to make the process as easy and quick as is possible you keep the VIN number of the vehicle in your pocket. It's possible to find this number on the paperwork for your vehicle or on a plaque made of metal in the door of the driver. This information will help the emergency car key replacement professional determine the best way to proceed with changing your old key's programming to work with the new one.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's best to start with a non-destructive method particularly if you have young children, pets, or elderly people in your car. You don't have to worry about calling 911 or paying a huge bill for a professional.
Air pump wedges are available in the auto lockout kit as well as by locksmith and repo professionals. They are made of tough, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a short time before being deflated. This allows you to slide them between the door and the weather stripping, without scratching or damaging the paint of your car.
You can use wedges of any size, but a curved one is better for most cars. The idea is to create a space where you can insert the rod to reach the door pin locked. A coat hanger could be suitable if it's sturdy enough, but you could also try a rod made of plastic or even a blood pressure cuff. The goal is to place the rod between the frame and door so you can pull it out and unlock the car.
Almost all of these methods set off the car alarm, which is why it's best to avoid these methods unless you're in an emergency. Otherwise, the police may need to employ an even more destructive method to get into your vehicle and rescue your pets or your passengers.
Keep a spare car key home or with a person close to you in case you need to return to your car if you lock yourself out. Also, you should be sure to confirm that key replacement is part of your roadside assistance plan or auto insurance.
4. Try a Coathanger
The coat hanger trick is a well-known, and you've probably seen it in a movie. This is a good option for older vehicles that come with manual locks and functions as an easy slim jim. All you require is a thin coat hanger with a wire and pliers.
Untwist the coathanger using pliers to ensure that one side is snared and the other is straight. The hook should be inserted into the space between the window and door frame. This will help you find the control arm connected to the lock rod. When you locate it, pull it up and the door should be opened.
Another option is to tie a long string using an elongated slip knot in the upper right-hand corner of the driver's door. Then, you can wiggle the string back and back and forth (like flossing huge teeth) to move it towards the rod of the inside lock. It may be necessary to use both hands and it could take a few attempts however, if you are successful, the lock should be released and you will be able to open the door.
You could also consider using a plastic strip that can be bent into a form that will fit into the gap between the door and the frame. This is a more difficult choice but it could be the only way to get into the vehicle in case you can't find your keys.
If you have a spare key, it's best to keep it somewhere where you are able to access it in case in an emergency. You'll need to contact road assistance or a lock-smith if you don't. You should have your key code number as well as your personal identification in order that road assistance or a locksmith will help you quickly.