3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys can be a traumatic experience. There are a few things you can do to help yourself in the event of this happening to you.
The first step is to check the obvious places, like your purse or pockets. You might want to consider purchasing an extra and keeping it in a safe place. This can help prevent theft in the future.
1. Call the police
Contact the police if you can't find your keys. They can assist you in many ways other than an emergency roadside assistance or locksmith. They'll also be able to inform the general public that someone has possibly stolen your car keys which could prevent others from using them without permission.
They are not able unlock your car's door unless it is an emergency. This is because they don't have the right tools to do this and don't want to cause damage to the vehicle. If the circumstances are appropriate, the police may be able to use a slim Jim to open the car's door. However they must have a legitimate reason for doing so. For instance when they spot an infant or a pet trapped inside the vehicle in hot weather, they may smash the window to save a life.
It's also a good idea to have an extra key somewhere in case you're locked out of your car. Some people keep their spare keys in areas that are easy to access such as their home or office. Some people give them to their family or friends to keep in case of an emergency. If you have a spare, you should try to reach it before calling the police or resorting to more drastic measures.
Many cars have proximity remotes that come with a hidden emergency code. If yours is one of them, you might be able to unlock the doors from a distance with an instrument that only locksmiths have. It is a thin jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to pick locks.
2. Call a Tow Truck
Find a company that provides emergency replacement car keys in the event that you lose your keys. It is recommended to save their contact information in your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend time researching what services they provide, their charges as well as their coverage areas, technology and experts.
This will help you make an informed decision when the situation arises. These companies can help you with a replacement or emergency key.
The best way to avoid losing your keys is to keep an extra set and, if feasible, two or three sets. Keep one set at home, another with your significant other and the third in your wallet. This will ensure that you never be stuck in a remote location.
A spare key could prevent you from having to call roadside assistance. vehicle key replacement for a standard key is usually quite affordable. However, the price of a smart key can be quite expensive. These keys have an electronic chip that allows them to operate the vehicle. They will have to be connected by a manufacturer or dealer. This can take a number of days.
To make the process as quick and painless as you can, it's always recommended to have 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 doorpost for the driver's side. This information will assist the emergency car key replacement professional determine the best way to proceed with reprograming your old key to work with the new one.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It's best to start with a non-destructive treatment, especially in the case of children or pets, or elderly people in your car. That way you won't risk having to call 999, or be charged a high amount from a professional.
Air pump wedges are available in auto lockout kits and by repo and locksmith professionals. The wedges are made of durable vinyl that can be deflated and inflated quickly. They can be slipped between the weather stripping and the door without worrying about scratching the paint.
For most cars, a curved wedge is better. The idea is to create a space in which you can put in the rod's length and thickness in order to reach the pin that is locked. If the coat hanger is sturdy enough, it may be able to work. You could also try an aluminum rod, or even a blood-pressure cuff. The rod should be placed between the door and the frame so that you can pull it to unlock the vehicle.
It is best to avoid these methods unless you have an emergency. If you don't, police could have to use more destructive tools to gain access to your car and rescue your passengers.
Keep a spare car key home or with someone close to you in case you need to return to your car in the event that you are locked out. It is also important to determine if your auto insurance or roadside assistance plan will cover the replacement of your car keys.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
You've probably seen the coat hanger trick in a film. This is a great solution for older vehicles with manual locks and works as a DIY slim jim. You'll need a small coat hanger that has pliers and a wire.
With the pliers, loosen the coat hanger so that it has one side swung and one straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will help you find the control arm connected to the rod for locking. Once you find it, pull it up and the door should open.
Another way is to tie a string with a slip-knot located in the upper right corner on the driver's side door. Then, wiggle the string back and forward (like flossing massive teeth) to move it towards the rod inside the lock. It may be necessary to use both hands and it could take several attempts however, if you are successful, the lock will be released and you will be able to unlock the door.
You can also use the plastic strip bent into a form to fit the narrow gap between door and frame. This isn't the most ideal solution however it could be your only option if you are unable to locate your keys.
If you have an extra key, it's a good idea to leave it somewhere that you can easily access it in case of an emergency. You'll need to call road assistance or a lock-smith if you don't. Be sure to have the key code number as well as your personal identification in your person so that locksmith or road assistance will be able to help you out quickly.