3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your keys to your car can be a stressful experience. There are some steps you can do to help yourself if this happens.
First, check the obvious places, like your pockets or purse. Consider purchasing a spare key and storing it in a secure place. This will help to prevent theft in the future.
1. Contact the police
Contact the police if you can't locate your keys. They will be able help you more than a locksmith or roadside assistance. They'll also be capable of informing the general 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. This is because they do not have the right tools to do so and don't want to cause damage to your vehicle. Depending on the circumstances, police may be able to use an incredibly small jim to open the door, but they'll require a compelling reason to do this. If they discover that the child or animal is locked in a car during hot weather, then they may break the window.
It's also a good idea to have a spare key hidden somewhere in case you are locked out of your vehicle. Some people keep spare keys in areas easily accessible such as their home or office. Some people give them to family or friends to keep in case of an emergency. If keys replacement have an extra, reach out to it prior to calling authorities or taking more drastic measures.
Many cars have proximity remotes that have an emergency key in them. If yours is one of them, you might be able to unlock the doors from a distance using an instrument that only a locksmith will possess. The tool is a small jim with a flat 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 have lost your keys. It is recommended to keep their contact numbers in your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time studying their offerings, charges, coverage area, technology, and professionals.
This will enable you to make an informed choice when the need arises. These companies can help you with an emergency key replacement or replacement.
It is best to have two or three spare keys. Keep one at home, then give one to your partner or your significant other, and keep the other one in your wallet or pocket. This will ensure that you do not be stuck in a foreign location.
A spare key can help you avoid calling for assistance on the road. A new key for a standard key is usually very affordable. However, the cost of a smart-key can be quite costly. They are equipped with an electronic chip that allows them to control the car. They must be paired by a dealer or manufacturer. This could take a few days.
It's a good idea to make the process as easy and quick as is possible you keep the VIN number of the car in your pocket. It's possible to find this number on the documents for your vehicle or stamped on a metal plaque in the door of the driver. This information will aid the emergency 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 begin with a non-destructive solution, especially if you have young children or pets, or elderly people in your car. You won't have to risk calling the number 999 or paying a big bill for a professional.
One of the simplest methods to unlock a car is with an air pump wedge which are sold in auto lockout kits, and also by locksmiths and repo professionals. These wedges are made from heavy-duty vinyl that can be deflated and inflated quickly. This allows you to slip them between the door and the weather stripping without scratching or damaging the paint on the car.
For most cars, a curved wedge is more suitable. The idea is to create a space so that you can insert the long, thin rod to get to the pin locked. If the coat hanger is strong enough, it could work. You could also try an aluminum rod, or even a blood-pressure cuff. The rod should be placed between the door and the frame so that you can pull it to unlock the vehicle.
It is recommended to avoid these methods unless you are in an emergency. If you don't, the police may have to employ more destructive tools to enter the car and save 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 vehicle in the event that 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 Coat Hanger
You've likely seen the coat hanger trick in a movie. This is a good option for older vehicles with manual locks and functions as a DIY slim jim. You will require a simple coat hanger, pliers, and a small wire.
Untwist the coathanger with pliers until one side is snared 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 lock rod. Once you've found it pull the lever up and your door will open.
Another method is to tie a long string with an elongated slip knot in the upper right-hand corner of the door for the driver. Wiggle the string in a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a huge tooth) to move it towards the inside lock rod. It may be necessary to use both hands and it may take several attempts, but if it is successful, the lock should release and you can open the door.
You can also make use of a plastic strip bent into a shape to fit the small gap between the door and frame. This is a more difficult option however it could be the only way to enter the vehicle if you are unable to locate your keys.
If you have an extra key, it's best to keep it somewhere that you are able to access it in the event of an emergency. You'll need to call road assistance or a lock-smith if you don't. It is recommended to carry your key code number and your personal identification in order that road assistance or a locksmith will assist you quickly.