3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys can be a very frustrating experience. Fortunately, there are a few ways to help yourself in this situation.
First, look in the obvious locations, like your purse or pockets. You might want to consider purchasing an extra one and keeping it in a safe place. This will help to prevent theft in the future.
1. Contact the police
Call the police if you can't find your keys. They can assist you more than a locksmith or roadside assistance. They can also inform the public that your car keys could have been stolen and help stop other people from using keys without authorization.
However, they won't be in a position to unlock the door of your car in the event of an emergency situation. They do not have any tools and they don't want to risk damaging the vehicle. Based on the situation the police might be in a position to use the slim jim to unlock the door, but they'll need to have a good reason to do this. If they discover that an animal or a child is locked in a vehicle during hot weather, then they may break the window.
spare car key replacement 's an excellent idea to have a spare key hidden somewhere in case you get locked out of your car. Some people keep spare keys in places accessible to them like their office or home. Some people offer them to family or friends to keep in case of emergency. If you have a spare, try to reach it before calling the police or resorting to more extreme measures.
Many cars come with proximity remotes with a hidden emergency key inside. If yours is one of them, you could be able unlock the doors from a distance with a special tool that a locksmith will have. It is a slim jim that has a flat end that can be used to open locks.
2. Contact a Tow Truck
Find a company who provides emergency replacement of car keys if you lose your keys. You should keep their contact details on your phone under the heading "Emergency" and then spend time looking into the services they offer, their charges as well as their coverage areas, technology and professionals.
This will help you make an informed decision when the situation arises. These companies can assist you with the replacement of your key or an emergency one.
The best way to avoid losing your keys is to have an extra set, and should you be able to, if possible, two or three sets. Keep one at home, give one to your partner or your significant other, and then keep the other in your purse or wallet. This will allow you to avoid being stuck in a remote location.
Having a spare can also help you avoid calling for roadside assistance. The cost of a new key for a traditional one is usually very affordable, but the cost of a smart one can be quite expensive. These types of keys make use of an electronic chip to operate the vehicle, which means they'll need to be paired with the car by a dealership or manufacturer which could take a few days.
To make the process as quick and easy as it can be, it's always recommended to keep the VIN number of your car in hand. It can be found on your car's registration or is usually stamped on a metal plaque in the driver's side doorpost. This information will assist the emergency car key replacement specialist determine the best way to proceed with making your old key work with the new one.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's best to begin with a non-destructive solution especially if you have young children, pets, or elderly people in your car. This way, you don't have the risk of having to call 999 or be charged a high amount from an expert.
One of the simplest ways to unlock a vehicle is with an air pump wedge which are sold in auto lockout kits, and also by locksmiths and repo experts. These wedges are made from high-quality vinyl that can be deflated and inflated quickly. They can be slipped between the weather stripping and the door without worrying about scratching paint.
You can use an ordinary wedge, or a curved one is even more suitable for cars with a wide range of. The idea is to create a space in which you can insert the rod's length and thickness to get to the pin locked. A coat hanger might work if it's thick enough, but you could also try a plastic rod or even a blood pressure cuff. The rod should be put between the door and the frame so that you can pull it to open the vehicle.
It's best to avoid these methods unless you have an emergency. In the event of an emergency, police may have to use a more destructive tool to gain access to your vehicle and save your passengers or pets.
Keep a spare car key at home or with someone close to you in case you need to gain access to your vehicle when you lock yourself out. Of course you must be sure to check whether car key replacement is covered in your roadside assistance plan or auto insurance.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
You've likely seen the coat hanger trick in a film. This is a great option for older vehicles that come with manual locks, and it works like an easy slim jim. All you require is a wire coat hanger and pliers.
Untwist the coathanger using pliers so that one side is hooked, and the other side is straight. Slide spare car key replacement into the space between the window and the door frame. This will help you find the control arm that is connected to the rod for locking. When you locate it, pull it up and the door should be opened.
Another way is to tie a string using a slip-knot located in the upper right corner on the driver's side door. Wiggle the string in a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a huge tooth) to shift it toward the inside lock rod. It could take a few attempts and both hands to get the lock to release.
You can also use a plastic strip bent into a shape to fit the narrow gap between door and frame. This is a more difficult option however it could be your only option if you are unable to find your keys.
It is a good idea to keep a spare key somewhere you can find it in case of emergency. You will need to call road assistance or a lock-smith in the event that you don't. You should have your key code number as well as personal identification with you so that road assistance or a locksmith will assist you quickly.