3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
The loss of keys to your car could be a frustrating experience. There are, however, some steps you can take to help yourself in this circumstance.
Check obvious places like your pockets or purse. Next, consider purchasing a spare key and keeping it in a secure place. This will help prevent thefts in the future.
1. Contact the police
If you've lost your keys and aren't able to find them, the most effective option is to call the police. They can assist you in many ways other than a roadside assistance or locksmith. They can also inform the general public that your car keys could be missing, which will help prevent others from using keys without permission.
However, they won't be in a position to unlock your car's door unless it is an emergency situation. They don't have tools and don't want to risk damaging the vehicle. If the circumstances are right, the police may be able use a slim Jim to open the car's door. However, they must have a good motive to do this. If they see that the child or animal is locked in a vehicle during hot weather, then they may 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 accessible places, like their home or office. Others give them to family or friends members to hold onto in the event of an emergency. If you have an extra contact it prior to calling authorities or taking more drastic steps.
Many cars come with proximity remotes that come with an emergency code that is hidden. If yours is one of them, you could be able unlock the doors from a distance using a special tool that a locksmith will possess. It is a flat-ended slim jim that can be used to pick locks.
2. Call a tow truck
Find a company who provides emergency replacement of car keys if you have lost your keys. You should keep their contact information in your phone under the heading "Emergency" and then spend time looking into the services they offer, their charges, their coverage area, technology and professionals.
This will help you make an informed decision when the need arises. These companies can assist you with a replacement or emergency key.
The best way to prevent losing your keys is to have a spare set, and should you be able to, if you can, have two or three sets. Keep one at home, give one to your spouse or significant other, and keep the other in your purse or wallet. This will ensure that you don't find yourself stranded in an unfamiliar place.
A spare key can also help you avoid having to call for roadside assistance. A new key for a standard key is typically very affordable. However, the price of a smart key can be quite costly. These keys utilize an electronic chip that operates the vehicle, therefore they'll require pairing with the vehicle by a dealer or manufacturer and could take a few days.
To make the process as quick and easy as it can be, it's always best to keep the VIN number of your vehicle in your possession. This can be found on your car's registration or is usually stamped on a metal plate that is located in the driver's side doorpost. This information will allow professionals to modify your old key so that it works with the new key.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's always best to try to use a non-destructive method first, especially if there are young children, pets or elderly people in the car. This way, you don't have the risk of having to call 999, or be charged a high amount from an expert.
Air pump wedges can be found in auto lockout kit and by repo and locksmith professionals. They are made of robust, heavy-duty vinyl. They are designed to be inflated for a brief period of time, and then deflated. You can slide them between the weather stripping and the door without having to worry about scratching paint.
You can use a standard wedge, or an angled one is better for most cars. The idea is to create a space where you can insert the long, thin rod in order to reach the pin that is locked. If the coat hanger is strong enough, it might work. You could also try an aluminum rod, or even a blood-pressure cuff. The goal is to get the rod between the frame and door so that you can pull it to unlock the car.
car key replacements is recommended to avoid these techniques unless you're in an emergency. If you don't, police may have to employ more destructive tools to get inside your car and rescue your passengers.
Keep a spare car key home or with someone close to you in case you need to get back into your vehicle in the event that you are locked out. Of vehicle key replacement must be sure to confirm that key replacement is included in your roadside assistance plan or insurance for your vehicle.
4. Try a Coathanger
You've likely seen the coat hanger trick in a movie. This is a good option for older vehicles that come with locks that are manual, and it works like a DIY slim jim. You will require a simple coat hanger that has pliers and a thin wire.
Untwist the coathanger by pliers to ensure that one side is hooked and the other is straight. Place the hook in the space between the window and the door frame. This will help you locate the control arm connected to the rod for locking. Once you find it, pull it back and the door should be opened.
Another option is to tie a string with a slip-knot in the upper right corner of the driver's side door. Then, you can wiggle the string back and forth (like flossing massive teeth) to move it towards the inside lock rod. It may take a few attempts and both hands to allow the lock to be released.
You can also try using a strip of plastic that is bent into a shape that fits into the small gap between the frame and door. This is a more difficult choice but it could be the only option to enter the vehicle if you are unable to locate your keys.
It is a good idea to keep a spare key somewhere you can easily find it in the event of an emergency. In the event of an emergency, you'll need to call road assistance or a locksmith. Make sure that you have the key code number and your personal identification card on hand so that the locksmith or road assistance will be able to assist you in a timely manner.