3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your keys to your car could be a stressful experience. There are, however, some ways to assist yourself in this situation.
First, look in the obvious places, like your purse or pockets. Next, consider purchasing an extra key and keeping it in a safe place. This will help to prevent theft in the future.
1. Contact the police
If you've lost your keys and aren't able to locate them, the best option is to call the police. They will be able to assist you more than an auto locksmith or roadside assistance. They can also inform the general public that your car keys might have been stolen to prevent others from using keys without authorization.
However, they aren't capable of unlocking your car's door unless it is an emergency situation. This is because they do not have the tools needed to do this 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. However, they must have a legitimate motive to do this. For example, if they see an animal or small child locked inside the car in hot weather, they could break the window to save the life.
It's also a good idea to have an extra key somewhere in case you're locked out of your vehicle. Some people keep them in accessible places, like their home or office. Others offer them to friends or family members to hold onto in case of an emergency. If you have an extra make contact with it prior to calling the authorities or taking more drastic measures.
A lot of cars have proximity remotes with a hidden emergency key hidden within them. If yours is one of them, you may be able to open the doors from a distance using the help of a specific tool that a locksmith will have. This tool is a slim jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to pick locks.
2. Call towing truck
Find a company who provides emergency replacement car keys in the event that you lose your keys. It is recommended to keep the contact information of these companies in your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time looking into their services costs, coverage areas, charges technology, and professional.
This will enable you to make a well-informed decision if the need arises. These companies can help you with the replacement of your key or an emergency one.
It is recommended to have two or three spare sets of keys. Keep one set at home, another with your spouse or significant person, and the other in your wallet. This will help you avoid being stuck in a strange place.
Having a spare can also help you avoid calling for roadside assistance. The cost of a brand new key for a traditional key is usually quite affordable, but the cost of a smart key can be quite high. These keys have an electronic chip that allows them to operate the vehicle. They will have to be paired by a manufacturer or dealer. This can take several days.
To make the process as quick and easy as it can be, it's always best to keep the VIN number of your vehicle in your possession. You can find this number on the paperwork for your vehicle or on a metal plaque that is placed in the driver's doorpost. This information will aid the emergency car key replacement professional determine the best method for making your old key work with the new one.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It is always advisable to use a non-destructive method first, especially if there are 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 a professional.
Air pump wedges are available in auto lockout kit and by locksmith professionals and repo experts. They're made from durable, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a brief period of time, and then deflated. They can be slipped between the weather stripping and the door without having to worry about scratching paint.
You can make use of wedges of any size, but a curved one is better for most cars. The idea is to create space where you can insert the rod to reach the pin that locks your door. If the coat hanger is strong enough, it could be able to work. You can also use a plastic rod or a blood pressure cuff. The goal is to get the rod between the door and the frame so that you can pull it to unlock the car.
Most of these methods will cause the car alarm to go off and that's why it's best to avoid them unless there is an emergency. In the event of an emergency, police may need to employ an even more destructive method to enter your vehicle to rescue pets or your passengers.
Keep an extra car key at home or with a friend near you so you can get back into your vehicle when you lock yourself out. Of course, you should be sure to verify that car key replacement is included in your roadside assistance plan or auto insurance.
4. Try a Coathanger
You've probably seen the coat hanger trick in a movie. This is an option for older cars that have manual locks. It functions like a slim jim. All you require is a coat hanger made of wire and pliers.
Untwist the coathanger using pliers so that one side is snared and the other side is straight. Slide the hook into the gap between the window and door frame. This will give you a better chance of finding the control arm that is connected to the lock rod. Once you've found it, pull up and the door should be opened.
Another option is to tie a string with a slip knot at the upper right corner of the door for the driver. Then, you can wiggle the string back and forth (like flossing huge teeth) to move it towards the rod inside the lock. It may take a few attempts and both hands to allow the lock to be released.
You can also try using a plastic strip that you bend into a shape that will fit in the gap between the door and the frame. This is a more difficult option, but it may be the only option to get into the vehicle if you cannot locate your keys.
If you have a spare key, it's recommended to store it somewhere where you can easily access it in the event of an emergency. If you don't, you'll have to call road assistance or a locksmith. It is recommended to carry your key code number and personal identification with you so that road assistance or a locksmith can help you quickly.