3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your keys to your car could be a frustrating experience. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to help yourself in this circumstance.
Check obvious places like your purse or pockets. Then, think about buying a spare key and storing it in a safe place. This will prevent any future thefts.
1. Contact the police
Contact the police if are unable to locate your keys. They can help you in a variety of ways, not just locksmith or roadside assistance. They can also inform the public that your car keys may have been stolen and help stop other people from using keys without permission.
They can't open the doors of your car unless there is an emergency. This is due to the fact that they don't have the right tools to do this and don't want to cause damage to the vehicle. Based on the situation the police may be in a position to use a slim jim to open the door, but they'll require a compelling reason to do so. If they discover that the child or animal is locked in a car during hot weather, then they could break the window.
It's also a good idea to have an extra key in a safe place in case you get locked out of your car. Some people keep them in accessible places, like their home or office. Others offer them to family members or friends members to keep in the event of an emergency. If you have a spare, try to locate it before calling the police or resorting to more extreme measures.
Many cars have proximity remotes that conceal an emergency key hidden within them. If yours is one of them, you might be able to open the doors from a distance with the help of a specific tool that a locksmith will have. It is a thin tool with a flat edge that can be used to pick a lock.
2. Contact for a Tow Truck
Find a company who 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 then spend time researching what services they provide and their costs as well as their coverage areas, technology and experts.
You'll be able to make an informed choice when the need arises. If you require an emergency locksmith or a new key, these companies will help you get back on the road with minimal hassle.
The best method to avoid losing your keys is to have an extra set and, when feasible, three or four sets. Keep one at home, then give one to your partner or significant other, and keep the other in your wallet or pocket. This will help you avoid being stuck in a strange place.
Having a spare can also save you from calling for assistance on the road. cost of a replacement car key for a standard key is usually very affordable. However, the cost of a smart-key can be quite expensive. These types of keys make use of an electronic chip to operate the vehicle, therefore they'll have to be linked with the car by a manufacturer or dealer, and this can take several days.
To make the process as quick and painless as you can, it's always best to have the VIN number of your vehicle in your possession. It's possible to find this number on the paperwork for your vehicle or engraved on a metal plaque in the door of the driver. This information will help the emergency key replacement specialist determine the best method for making your old key work with the new one.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It's always best to use a non-destructive method first particularly if you have young children, pets or elderly people in the car. There's no need to worry about calling 999 or paying a large bill for a professional.
Air pump wedges are available in auto lockout kits and by repo and locksmith professionals. These wedges are made from durable vinyl that can be deflated and inflated quickly. This allows you to slide them between the door and the weather stripping without scratching or damaging the paint of the car.
You can use an ordinary 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 rod's length and thickness to reach the locked pin. 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 rod should be put between the frame and the door to allow you to pull it to open the vehicle.
Almost all of these methods will cause the car alarm to go off This is why it is best to stay clear of them unless there is an emergency. Otherwise, the police may have to use a more destructive tool to enter your vehicle and save your pets or your passengers.
Keep a spare car key home or with someone close to you to allow you to get back into your vehicle in the event that you are locked out. You should also check if your insurance for your vehicle or roadside assistance plan will cover the replacement of keys to your car.
4. Try a Coathanger
You've probably seen the coat hanger trick in a movie. This is a good option for older vehicles that have manual locks and functions as a DIY slim jim. You'll need a small coat hanger with pliers and a wire.
With the pliers, pull off the coat hanger so that it has one side swung and one straight. Place the hook in the space between the window and door frame. This will allow you to locate the control arm that is connected to the rod for locking. Once you've found it, pull it up and the door should open.
Another way is to tie a string with a slip-knot located in the upper right corner of the driver's side of the door. Then, you can wiggle the string back and back and forth (like flossing giant teeth) to move it towards the rod of the inside lock. It is possible to use both hands, and it could take a few attempts, but if it is successful, the lock will be released and you will be able to unlock the door.
You can also try using a plastic strip that is bent into a shape that will fit in the gap between the door and the frame. This is a more difficult option however it could be your only option if it's impossible to find your keys.
It is a good idea to keep a spare key in a place where you can find it in an emergency. In the event of an emergency, you'll need to call for road assistance or a locksmith. You must have your key code number as well as your personal identification in order that road assistance or a locksmith could help you quickly.