3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys could be a very frustrating experience. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to assist yourself in this scenario.
Check obvious places like your pockets or purse. Then, think about buying a spare key and keeping 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 solution is to contact the police. They can help you in more ways 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 could prevent others from using them without authorization.
They can't open the door of your car unless it is an emergency. They don't have tools and don't want the vehicle damaged. In certain circumstances, police may be in a position to use an incredibly small jim to open the door, but they will require a valid reason for doing so. For example in the event that they see a small child or animal locked inside the car in hot weather, they might cut the window to save the life of a person.
It's also a good idea to keep an extra key somewhere in case you are locked out of your vehicle. Some people keep them in easily accessible locations, such as their home or office. Some people offer them to their family or friends to keep in case of emergency. If you have a spare, try to locate it before calling the police or resorting to more drastic measures.
Many cars have proximity remotes that have an emergency code hidden behind them. If yours is one of them, you might be able unlock the doors from a distance using a special tool that a locksmith will have. This tool is a slim tool with a flat edge that can be used to pick a lock.
2. Contact towing truck
Find a company that provides emergency replacement of car keys if you have lost your keys. It is recommended to save their contact details in your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend some time investigating their services, their charges, their coverage area, technology and professionals.
You'll be able make an informed decision if the time comes. Read Homepage can assist with a replacement or emergency key.
It is recommended to have at least two or three spare keys. Keep one set at home, one with your spouse or significant other, and the other in your wallet. This will ensure that you never end up in a foreign location.
A spare key can make it easier to call for assistance on the road. The cost of a new key for a traditional key is usually quite affordable, however the cost of a smart one can be quite costly. These keys utilize an electronic chip that operates the vehicle, therefore they'll need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or manufacturer and could take a few days.
To make the process as simple and painless as possible it's recommended to have the VIN number of your vehicle in your possession. This number can be found on the documentation for your vehicle, or stamped on a plaque made of metal in the doorway of the driver. This information will allow professionals to modify your old key so that it functions with the new key.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It's always best to try to use a non-destructive method first particularly if you have children, pets or elderly people in the vehicle. You don't have to worry about calling 999 or paying a large bill for an expert.
Air pump wedges are available in the auto lockout kit as well as by repo and locksmith professionals. They're made from tough, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a short period of time, and then deflated. You can slip them between the weather stripping and the door without worrying about scratching paint.
You can make use of an ordinary wedge, or an angled one is more suitable for the majority of cars. The idea is to create a space where you can put in the rod's length and thickness to reach the pin that is locked. A coat hanger might be a good choice if it's strong enough, but you could also try a rod made of plastic or even a blood pressure cuff. The aim is to get the rod between the door and the frame so you can pull it and unlock the car.
Almost all of these methods will trigger the car alarm This is why it is best to stay clear of them unless there's an emergency. If you don't, police might have to use more destructive tools to get inside your car and rescue 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. You should also check if your auto insurance or roadside assistance plan will cover the replacement of your car keys.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
The coat hanger trick is a well-known and you've probably seen it in a movie. This is a solution for older cars that come with manual locks. It works like a slim jim. All you need is a thin wire coat hanger and pliers.
With the pliers, loosen the coat hanger until it has one side swung and one straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will increase your chance of locating the control arm that is connected to the lock rod. When you locate it, pull up and the door will open.
Another option is to tie a long string with a slip knot at the upper right corner of the driver's door. Then, you can wiggle the string back and back and forth (like flossing massive teeth) to move it towards the rod of the inside lock. It may take several attempts and both hands to allow the lock to be released.
You can also make use of the plastic strip bent into a shape that fits the narrow gap between door and frame. This is a more challenging option however it could be the only way to get into the vehicle in case you can't find your keys.
It is a good plan to keep a spare key somewhere you can easily find it in the event of an emergency. You will need to call road assistance or a lock-smith if you don't. You must have your key code number as well as personal identification with you so that road assistance or a locksmith could help you promptly.