3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys can be an extremely frustrating experience. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to help yourself in this scenario.
First, look in the obvious locations, like your purse or pockets. Consider purchasing an extra one and keeping it in a safe place. This will help to prevent theft in the future.
1. Call the Police
If you've lost your keys and are unable to find them, the most effective thing to do is call the police. They will be able help you more than an auto locksmith or roadside assistance. They'll also be capable of informing the public that someone has possibly stolen your car keys which will stop people from using them without permission.
They are not able unlock your car's door unless it is an emergency. They don't have tools and do not want to damage the vehicle. Based on the situation the police might be capable of using a slim jim to open the door, but they'll require a compelling reason for doing 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 hidden in case you need to lock yourself out of your car. Some people keep them in easy-to-access places, like their home or office. Some give them to family or friends to keep in case of emergency. If you have a spare, try to get it out of the way before calling the police or taking more drastic measures.
Many cars come with proximity remotes that have an emergency code that is hidden. You may be able to use your car, if it is one of them to open the door from a distance using an instrument that locksmiths might have. It is a slim jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to open locks.
2. Contact towing truck
If you have lost your car keys, the most important thing to do is locate a company that offers emergency replacement of car keys. It is best to save their contact numbers in your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time researching the services they offer and the charges they charge, coverage area technology, and professional.
This will enable you to make an informed choice when the need arises. These companies can assist you with an emergency key replacement or replacement.
The best way to avoid losing your keys is to keep an extra set, and when you can, have three or more sets. Keep one set at home, one with your spouse or significant other and the third one in your wallet. This will help you to avoid being stranded in a secluded spot.
A spare key could prevent you from having to call roadside assistance. A new key for a standard key is usually very affordable. However, the cost of a smart key can be quite expensive. These keys use an electronic chip that allows them to control the car. They will have to be paired by a dealer or manufacturer. This can take a number of days.
To make the process as quick and painless as you can it's a good idea to keep the VIN number of your vehicle handy. This can be found on the paperwork of your car or is often stamped on a metal plate in the driver's side doorpost. This information will assist the emergency car key replacement professional determine the best method for reprograming your old key to work with the new one.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It's best to begin with a non-destructive solution particularly if you have young children or pets, as well as elderly people in your car. That way you won't risk having to call 999, or pay a large bill from an expert.
Air pump wedges are sold in auto lockout kits and by locksmith professionals and repo experts. The wedges are made of high-quality vinyl that can be inflated and deflated quickly. This lets you slide them between the door and the weather stripping without scratching or damaging the paint of the car.
For the majority of vehicles, a curving wedge is preferred. The idea is to create space in which you can place the rod to reach the door pin locked. If the hanger for your coat is sturdy enough, it may be able to work. You could also try an aluminum rod, or even a blood-pressure cuff. The aim is to get the rod between the frame and door so that you can pull it to unlock the car.
It's best to stay clear of these methods unless you have an emergency. Otherwise, the police may need to employ an additional tool to get into your vehicle and save your pets or your passengers.
Keep a spare car key home or with someone close to you in case you need to gain access to your vehicle if you lock yourself out. And, of course you must be sure to check whether car key replacement is part of your roadside assistance plan or insurance for your car.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
You've likely seen the coat hanger trick in a movie. This is a solution for older cars with manual locks. It works as an incredibly slim jim. You'll need a small coat hanger, pliers, and a wire.
Untwist the coathanger using pliers so that one side is hooked and the other side is straight. Slide the hook into the gap between the window and the door frame. This will give you a greater chance of locating the control arm which is attached to the lock rod. Once you've found it, pull up and the door should be opened.
Another option is to tie a string using a slip knot in the upper right-hand corner of the door for the driver. You can move the string in a back-andforth motion (like flossing a tooth) to pull it towards the inside rod. It could take a few attempts and both hands to unlock the lock.
You could also try a strip of plastic that is bent into a shape that will fit into the narrow gap between the door and frame. This is a more challenging option but it could be the only method to get into the vehicle in case you can't find your keys.
It is a good plan to keep a spare key in a place where that you can easily locate in an emergency. In the event of an emergency, you'll need to call road assistance or a locksmith. You must have your key code number as well as personal identification with you so that road assistance or a locksmith could assist you quickly.