3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys can be an extremely frustrating experience. There are some steps you can do to help yourself in the event of this happening to you.
Look for obvious places such as your purse or pockets. Then, think about purchasing a spare key and storing it in a safe place. This will prevent any future thefts.
1. Call the Police
Contact the police if you are unable to find your keys. They can help you in a variety of ways, not just locksmith or roadside assistance. They'll also be capable of informing the public that someone has possibly stolen your car keys, which can help prevent people from using them without authorization.
They can't open your car's door unless it is an emergency. This is because they don't have the tools needed to do this and aren't looking to cause damage to the vehicle. If the circumstances are right the police might be able to use a slim Jim to open the car door. However they must have a valid reason to do this. For instance in the event that they see an infant or a pet locked in the car during hot weather, they may cut the window to save the life of a person.
You should also keep a spare car key somewhere hidden in case you lock yourself out of your car. Some people keep their spare keys in places that are easy to access, such as their home or office. Some people offer them to their family or friends to keep in case of emergencies. If you have an extra contact it before calling authorities or taking more drastic steps.
Many cars come with proximity remotes that come with a hidden emergency code. If yours is one of them, you may be able to unlock the doors from a distance by using the help of a specific tool that a locksmith will have. It is a slim jim that has a flat end that can be used to open locks.
2. Call towing truck
If you have lost your car keys the first thing to do is find a company that offers emergency replacement of car keys. It is best to save their contact numbers on your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time looking into their services and the charges they charge, coverage area, technology, and professionals.
This will enable you to make an informed decision when the situation arises. These companies can assist you with an emergency key replacement or replacement.
The best method to avoid losing your keys is to have an extra set, and if possible, three or four sets. Keep one set at home, one with your significant person, and the other in your wallet. This will allow you to avoid being stranded in a secluded spot.
A spare key can prevent you from having to call roadside assistance. The cost of a 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 control the car. They will need to be paired by a dealer or manufacturer. This 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 vehicle in your pocket. It can be found on your car's paperwork or is usually stamped on a metal plaque in the driver's side doorpost. This information will help the emergency car key replacement specialist determine the best method for making your old key work with the new one.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's best to begin with a non-destructive treatment especially when you have children or pets, as well as elderly people in your vehicle. You won't have to risk calling the number 999 or paying a big bill for an expert.
One of the easiest ways to unlock a car is with an air pump wedge which are offered in auto lockout kits, and also by repo and locksmith experts. The wedges are made of high-quality vinyl that can be inflated and deflated quickly. They can be slipped between the weather stripping and the door without having to worry about scratching paint.
For most cars, a curved wedge is preferred. The idea is to create a space where you can place the rod's length, which is thin to get to the pin locked. A coat hanger might be a good choice if it's strong enough, but you could try a rod made from plastic or even 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.
Almost all of these methods will cause the car alarm to go off and that's why it's recommended to avoid them unless there is an emergency. If not, the police might need to employ an even more destructive method to gain access to your vehicle and save your passengers or pets.
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. Also, make sure that your insurance for your vehicle or roadside assistance plan will cover the replacement of keys to your car.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
The coat hanger trick is a classic and you've probably seen it in a movie. This is an option for older cars that come with manual locks. It works like an incredibly slim jim. All you need is a thin coat hanger with a wire and pliers.
With the pliers, untwist the coat hanger until it has one side hooked 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 is connected to the lock rod. Once you find it, pull up and the door should be opened.
Another way is to tie a string using a slip-knot located in the upper right corner of the driver's side door. Then, you can wiggle the string back and back and forth (like flossing huge teeth) to move it towards the rod of the inside lock. It could take a few attempts and both hands to unlock the lock.
You could also try a strip of plastic that you bend into a shape that will fit in the small gap between the door and frame. This is a more challenging option but it could be the only way to get into the vehicle if you cannot locate your keys.
If you have a spare key, it is recommended to store it somewhere that you can easily access in case in an emergency. If you don't, you'll have to call for road assistance or a locksmith. Make sure that you have the key code number as well as your personal identification in to ensure that the locksmith or road assistance can assist you in a timely manner.