3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your keys to your car may be a frustrating experience. There are some things you can do to assist yourself if this happens.
Make sure you check the obvious places, such as your purse or pockets. Next, consider purchasing an extra key and keeping it in a secure place. This will help to prevent theft in the future.
1. Contact the police
If you've lost your keys and are unable to locate them, the best option is to call the police. They can assist you more than a locksmith or roadside assistance. They can also inform the public that your car keys may be missing, which will help prevent people from using them without permission.
They are not able unlock the doors of your car unless there is an emergency. This is due to the fact that they don't have the tools needed to do this and aren't looking to cause damage to your vehicle. Based on the situation, police may be able to use the slim jim to unlock the door, but they'll need to have a good reason to do this. If they find that a child or an animal is locked in a vehicle in hot weather, they could break the window.
It's an excellent idea to keep a spare key hidden somewhere in case you're locked out of your car. Some people keep them in easily accessible places like their home or office. Others lend them to family members or friends members to keep 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. You may be able, if your car is one of them to open the door from a distance by using the same tool that a locksmith might use. This tool is a slim jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to pick locks.
2. Call towing truck
If you lose your car keys the most important thing you can do is locate a business that can provide an emergency replacement of car keys. It is recommended to keep their contact numbers in your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time studying their offerings costs, coverage areas, charges, technology, and professionals.
You'll be able make an informed choice when the need arises. If you require an emergency locksmith or simply an extra key, these companies will help you get back on the road with minimal hassle.
The best way to prevent losing your keys is to keep an extra set and, when 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 wallet or pocket. This will allow you to avoid being stranded in a secluded spot.
The possession of a spare key can save you from calling 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 to control the vehicle, so they'll require pairing with the vehicle by a dealership or manufacturer, and this 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. You can find this number on the paperwork for your vehicle or engraved on a metal plaque that is placed in the door of the driver. This information will allow the technician to modify your old key so that it works with the new key.
3. Try vehicle key replacement is always advisable to use a non-destructive approach first, especially if there are young children, pets or elderly people in the vehicle. This way, you don't have the risk of having to call 999, or incur a high bill from a professional.
One of the simplest methods to unlock a vehicle is with an air pump wedge which are sold in auto lockout kits and also by locksmiths and repo experts. They're made from durable, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a brief period of time, and then deflated. This allows you to slide them between the door and the weather stripping, without scratching or dinging the paint on the car.
You can make use of an ordinary wedge, or a curved one is more suitable for the majority of cars. The idea is to create a space in which you can put in the long, thin rod to reach the pin that is locked. A coat hanger may be a good choice if it's strong enough, but you can also try a plastic rod or even a blood pressure cuff. The aim is to get the rod between the frame and door to allow you to pull it and unlock the car.
It is recommended to stay clear of 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 key somewhere at home or with a close friend to ensure that you have a chance of getting back into your car in case you get locked out. You should also check if 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 well-known, and you've probably seen it in a movie. This is an option for older cars with manual locks. It functions like the slim jim. All you require is a coat hanger made of wire and pliers.
Untwist the coathanger with pliers to ensure that one side is snared and the other is straight. The hook should be inserted into the gap between the window and door frame. This will give you a greater chance of locating the control arm which is attached to the rod for locking. Once you've located it, push the lever upwards and the door should be opened.
Another option is to tie a long string using a slip knot at the upper right-hand corner of the driver's door. Then, move the string back and back and forth (like flossing massive teeth) to move it towards the rod of the inside lock. It may be necessary to use both hands and it could take a few attempts however, if you are successful, the lock should release and you can open the door.
You can also try using a plastic strip that is bent into a shape that fits into the narrow gap between the door and the frame. This is a more difficult option, but it may be the only method to get in the vehicle if you are unable to locate your keys.
If you have an extra key, it's recommended to store it somewhere where you can easily access in the event in an emergency. You'll need to contact road assistance or a locksmith in the event that you don't. Make sure you have the key code number and your personal identification in your person so that locksmith or road assistance can assist you in a timely manner.