3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your keys to your car can be a frustrating and stressful experience. There are a few things you can do yourself in the event of this happening to you.
The first step is to check the obvious places, like your pockets or purse. Then, think about purchasing a spare key and storing it in a secure location. This will help prevent thefts in the future.
1. Call 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 assist you more than an auto locksmith or roadside assistance. They can also inform the general public that your car keys may be missing and help stop others from using keys without permission.
They can't open the doors of your car unless there is an emergency. They don't have tools and they don't want the vehicle damaged. If the circumstances are appropriate the police might be able to use a slim Jim to open the door of the car. But they must have a good reason for doing this. For key replacement car in the event that they see an infant or a pet locked inside the car in hot weather, they could smash the window to save a life.
It's also a good idea to have an extra key in a safe place in case you're locked out of your vehicle. Some people keep spare keys in places accessible to them such as their home or office. Others offer them to friends or family members to hold onto in case in the event of an emergency. If you have a spare make contact with it before calling authorities or taking more drastic measures.
A lot of cars come with proximity remotes that come with an emergency code that is hidden. You might be able to use your car, if it is one of them, to unlock the door from a distance using a special tool a locksmith might possess. The tool is a flat-ended slim jim that can be used to pick locks.
2. Call a Tow truck
If you lose your car keys, the most important thing you can do is locate a company that can provide an emergency car key replacement. It is best to save their contact numbers in your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time researching the services they offer costs, coverage areas, charges, technology, and professionals.
This will help you make a well-informed decision if the need arises. No matter if you require an emergency locksmith or simply a replacement key, these companies will help you get back on the road with little hassle.
The best way to prevent losing your keys is to have an extra set and, should you be able to, if feasible, three or more sets. Keep one at home, then give one to your spouse or your significant other, and keep the other in your purse or wallet. This will help you avoid being stuck in a secluded spot.
A spare key could prevent you from needing to call roadside assistance. The cost of purchasing a new key for a traditional key is usually very affordable, however the cost of a smart one can be quite high. These types of keys use an electronic chip that operates the vehicle, therefore they'll need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealership or manufacturer and could take a few days.
It's a good idea to make the process as simple and quick as possible and to keep the VIN number of the car in your pocket. This number can be found on the paperwork for your vehicle or stamped on a metal plaque that is placed in the doorway of the driver. This information will allow professionals to modify your old key to ensure that it functions with the new key.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It's best to start with a non-destructive treatment, especially if you have young children or pets, or elderly people in your car. There's no need to worry about calling 999 or paying a large bill for a professional.
Air pump wedges can be found in auto lockout kit and by locksmith and repo 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 risking scratching or dinging the paint of your car.
For the majority of vehicles, a curving wedge is more suitable. car key replacement near me is to create space where you can insert the rod to reach the locked door pin. A coat hanger could work if it's thick enough, but you could also try a plastic rod or even a blood pressure cuff. The aim is to get the rod between the frame and the door so that you can pull it and unlock the car.
It is recommended to stay clear of these methods unless you are in an emergency. If you don't, police may have to employ more destructive tools to get inside the car and save your passengers.
Keep an extra car key at home or with a person close to you so you can return to your car in the event that you are locked out. Also, make sure that your insurance for your vehicle or roadside assistance plan will cover the replacement of your car keys.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
You've probably seen the coat hanger trick in a movie. This is a solution for older cars with manual locks. It works as the slim jim. All you require is a coat hanger with a wire and pliers.
With the pliers, untwist the coat hanger so that it has one side swung and one straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will give you a greater chance of locating the control arm that's connected to the lock rod. Once you've located it, lift the lever and your door will open.
Another option is to tie a string with an elongated slip knot in the upper right corner of the driver's door. Wiggle the string in a back-andforth motion (like flossing a huge tooth) to pull it towards the inside rod of the lock. It may take several attempts and both hands to allow the lock to be released.
You can also use the plastic strip bent into a form to fit the narrow gap between door and frame. This isn't the most ideal solution, but may be your only option if you can't find your keys.
If you have a spare key, it's a good idea to leave it somewhere where you can easily access it in the event in an emergency. If you don't, you'll have to call for road assistance or a locksmith. You should have your key code number and your personal identification in order that road assistance or a locksmith can help you promptly.