3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys can be a very frustrating experience. There are, however, some ways to assist yourself in this situation.
The first step is to check the obvious places, such as your purse or pockets. Consider purchasing an extra key and keeping it in a safe place. This will help to prevent theft in the future.
1. Call the Police
If you've lost your keys and are unable to locate them, the best option is to call the police. They can help you in more ways than locksmith or roadside assistance. They'll also be able to inform the public that someone may have possibly taken your car keys, which could prevent others from using them without authorization.
However, they are not in a position to unlock the door of your car in the event of an emergency situation. This is because they do not have the tools needed to do it and don't want to cause damage to the vehicle. Depending on the circumstances the police may be able to use an incredibly small jim to open the door, but they'll need to have a good reason for doing so. If they see that an animal or a child is locked inside a vehicle in hot weather, they could break the window.
It's also a good idea to keep a spare key hidden somewhere in case you're locked out of your vehicle. Some people keep spare keys in places accessible to them like their office or home. Some people give them to family or friends to keep in case of emergency. If you have an extra make contact with it prior to calling authorities or taking more drastic actions.
Many cars have proximity remotes that come with a hidden emergency code. If yours is one of them, you could be able to unlock the doors from a distance using the help of a specific tool that a locksmith will possess. It is a thin jim with a flat end that can be used to pick locks.
2. Call a Tow Truck
Find a company who provides emergency replacement car keys in the event that you have lost your keys. You should save their contact information in your phone under the heading "Emergency" and then spend time researching what services they provide as well as their prices, their coverage area, technology and professionals.
You'll be able to make a well-informed decision when the need arises. If you require an emergency locksmith or an extra key, these companies can help you get back on the road with little hassle.
The best method to avoid losing your keys is to have a spare set, and if feasible, three or more sets. Keep one at home, give one to your partner or your significant other, and then keep the other one in your purse or wallet. This will help you to avoid being stuck in a remote location.
Having a spare can also save you from calling for roadside assistance. The cost of purchasing a new key for a traditional key is usually quite affordable, but the cost of a smart one can be quite high. These keys have an electronic chip that allows them to operate the car. They will need to be connected by a dealer or manufacturer. automotive car key replacement can take a number of days.
To make the process as simple and painless as you can it's recommended to keep the VIN number of your vehicle in your possession. It's possible to find this number on the paperwork for your vehicle or engraved on a metal plaque in the doorway of the driver. This information will allow the professional to reprogram your old key so that it functions with the new key.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's always best to employ a non-destructive method initially, especially if there are children, pets, or elderly people in the car. This way, you don't have the risk of having to call 999, or pay a large bill from a professional.
Air pump wedges can be found in auto lockout kits and by repo and locksmith professionals. These wedges are made from heavy-duty vinyl that can be inflated and deflated quickly. This allows you to slide them between the door and the weather stripping without risking scratching or damaging the paint of the car.
You can use a standard wedge, or an angled one is better for most cars. The idea is to create space for you to insert a long, thin rod to reach the pin that locks your door. If the hanger for your coat is thick enough, it could work. You can also use an aluminum rod or a blood pressure cuff. The rod should be put between the door and the frame to allow you to pull it to unlock the vehicle.
Most of these methods set off the car alarm and that's why it's best to avoid them unless there is an emergency. In the event of an emergency, police may require an additional tool to enter your vehicle and rescue your passengers or pets.
Keep a spare key somewhere at home or with a close friend, so that you have a chance to get back in your vehicle in the event that you lock yourself out. Also it is important to check whether car key replacement is covered 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 great option for older cars with manual locks. It works like the slim jim. auto key replacement need is a thin coat hanger made of wire and pliers.
Untwist the coathanger with pliers so that one side is hooked and the other straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will help you locate the control arm that is connected to the lock rod. Once you've found it push the lever upwards and the door should be opened.
Another method is to tie a long string using a slip knot at the upper right corner of the driver's door. You can move the string with a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a tooth) to move it towards the inside rod. It is possible to use both hands and it could take a few attempts however, if it's successful, the lock should let go and you should be able to unlock the door.
You can also try using a plastic strip that is bent into a shape that will fit into the small gap between the door and the frame. This is a more difficult option but it could be the only option to enter the vehicle in case you can't find your keys.
If you have an extra key, it is best to keep it somewhere that you are able to access it in case in an emergency. If you don't, you'll have to call road assistance or a locksmith. You must have your key code number as well as your personal identification in order that road assistance or a locksmith could assist you quickly.