3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
The loss of keys to your car can be a frustrating and stressful experience. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to assist yourself in this situation.
The first step is to check the obvious places, such as your purse or pockets. Next, consider buying a spare key and storing it in a secure place. This will prevent any future thefts.
1. Contact the police
If you've lost your keys and can't find them, the best solution is to contact the police. They can assist you in many ways other than a roadside assistance or locksmith. They'll also be able to inform the public that someone may have possibly stolen your car keys which will stop people from using keys without authorization.
find more are not able unlock your car's door unless it is an emergency. They don't have any tools and do not want to damage the vehicle. In certain circumstances the police may be capable of using an incredibly small jim to open the door, but they'll require a compelling reason to do this. If they find that a child or an animal is locked inside a vehicle in hot weather, they may break the window.
You should also keep a spare car key somewhere hidden in case you have to lock yourself out of your vehicle. Some people keep them in easy-to-access locations, such as their home or office. Others give them to family or friends members to keep in case of an emergency. If you have a spare, you should try to get it out of the way before calling the police or taking more extreme measures.
Many cars have proximity remotes with an emergency code that is hidden. If yours is one of them, you may be able to unlock the doors from a distance with an instrument that only a locksmith will possess. This tool is a flat-ended slim jim that can be used to open locks.
2. Contact a Tow Truck
If you have lost your car keys The most important thing you can do is locate a company that can provide an emergency replacement of car keys. It is recommended to save their contact details on your phone under the heading "Emergency" and then spend time investigating their services, their charges, their coverage area, technology and experts.
This will enable you to make a well-informed decision if the need arises. These companies can help you with a replacement or emergency key.
It is advisable to have at least two or three spare sets of keys. Keep one at home, then give one to your spouse or significant other, and keep the other one in your purse or wallet. This will ensure that you never find yourself stranded in a foreign location.
The possession of a spare key can help you avoid calling for assistance on the road. The cost of a new key for a traditional key is typically very affordable, however the cost of a smart key can be quite expensive. These types of keys use an electronic chip that operates the vehicle, which means they'll require pairing with the car by a manufacturer or dealer and can take several days.
To make the process as fast and painless as you can it's a good idea to have the VIN number of your vehicle handy. This can be found on your car's paperwork or, more often, on a metal plaque in the driver's side doorpost. This will allow the professional to modify your old key so that it works with the new key.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It is always advisable to use a non-destructive method first especially if you have young children, pets or elderly people in the vehicle. This way, you don't have the risk of needing to call 999 or be charged a high amount from a professional.
Air pump wedges are sold in the auto lockout kit as well as by repo and locksmith professionals. They're made of robust, heavy-duty vinyl. They 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 dinging the paint of the car.
You can use a standard wedge, or a curved one is even better for most cars. The idea is to create a space where you can put in the rod's length and thickness to get to the pin locked. If the hanger for your coat is thick enough, it may be able to work. You could also try an aluminum rod, or even a blood-pressure cuff. The goal is to place the rod between the frame and the door so you can pull it out and unlock the car.
It is recommended to avoid these techniques unless you're in an emergency. Otherwise, the police may require a more destructive tool to get into your vehicle to rescue pet or passengers.
Keep an extra car key at home or with a person close to you in case you need to return to your car if you lock yourself out. Of course it is important to check whether car key replacement is covered in your roadside assistance plan or insurance for your car.
4. Try Coathanger
You've likely seen the coat hanger trick in a movie. This is a great option for older cars with manual locks. It functions like a slim jim. All you require is a wire coat hanger and pliers.
With the pliers, loosen the coat hanger so that it has one side hooked and one straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will increase your chance of finding the control arm that is connected to the rod for locking. Once you've found it, pull up and the door should open.
Another method is to tie a long string using an elongated slip knot in the upper right-hand corner of the door for the driver. Then, move the string back and back and forth (like flossing huge teeth) to move it towards the rod inside the lock. It may take several attempts and both hands to unlock the lock.
You can also make use of the plastic strip bent into a form to fit the small gap between the door and frame. This is a more difficult option, but may be your only option if you can't find your keys.
It is a good idea to keep a spare key somewhere you can find it in case of 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 personal identification with you so that road assistance or a locksmith can help you quickly.