3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys can be a traumatic experience. There are some things you can do yourself in the event of a loss.
Make sure you check the obvious places, such as your purse or pockets. You might want to consider purchasing an extra and keeping it in a secure location. This will prevent any future thefts.
1. Call the Police
Contact the police if cannot locate your keys. They can assist you in many ways other than a roadside assistance or locksmith. They'll also be capable of informing the general public that someone has possibly stolen your car keys which could prevent others from using keys without authorization.
However, they won't be in a position to unlock your car's door unless it is an emergency situation. This is because they do not have the tools needed to do it and aren't looking to cause damage to your vehicle. Based on the situation the police may be in a position to use the slim jim to unlock the door, but they will require a valid reason to do so. If they discover that a child or an animal is locked in a vehicle in hot weather, they could break the window.
It's also a good idea to keep an extra key somewhere in case you get locked out of your car. Some people keep them in easily accessible locations, such as their home or their office. Others offer them to friends or family members to hold onto in case in the event of an emergency. If you have a spare, you should try to reach it before calling the police or resorting to more extreme measures.
Many cars come with proximity remotes that have an emergency code hidden behind them. You might be able, if your car is one of them, to unlock the door from a distance by using the same tool that a locksmith would have. This tool is a slim jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to pick locks.
2. Contact a Tow Truck
Find a company who provides emergency replacement of car keys if you lose your keys. automotive car key replacement is recommended to save their contact details 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 enable you to make an informed choice when the need arises. These companies can help you with an emergency key replacement or replacement.
It is best to have at least two or three spare keys. Keep one set at home, one with your spouse or significant person, and the other in your wallet. This will allow you to avoid being stuck in a strange place.
A spare key can save you from calling for assistance on the road. The cost of a new key for a traditional key is usually quite affordable, however the cost of a smart key could be quite high. These keys utilize an electronic chip to operate the vehicle, therefore they'll have to be linked with the vehicle by a dealership or manufacturer and can take several days.
To make the process as quick and easy as it can be it's best to have the VIN number of your vehicle in your possession. It can be found on your car's registration or is usually stamped on a metal plate in the driver's side doorpost. This information will assist the emergency car key replacement specialist determine the best way to proceed with changing your old key's programming to work with the new one.
3. Try a 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 vehicle. You won't have to risk calling the number 999 or paying a big bill for an expert.
Air pump wedges can be found in auto lockout kit and by repo and locksmith professionals. These wedges are made from heavy-duty vinyl that can be inflated and deflated quickly. You can slip them between the weather stripping and the door without worrying about scratching the paint.
You can use a standard wedge, or a curved one is even better for most cars. The idea is to create a space so that you can place the long, thin rod in order to get to the pin locked. A coat hanger may work if it's thick enough, but you could try a rod made from plastic or even a blood pressure cuff. The rod should be put between the frame and the door to allow you to pull it to unlock the vehicle.
It is 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 enter your vehicle to rescue pet or passengers.
Keep an extra car key at home or with a friend near you to allow you to get back into your vehicle when you lock yourself out. And, of course, you should be sure to check whether car key replacement is included in your roadside assistance plan or auto insurance.
4. Try Coathanger
You've probably seen the coat hanger trick in a film. This is an option for older cars that have manual locks. It works like an incredibly slim jim. All you require is a thin wire coat hanger and pliers.
Untwist the coathanger by pliers to ensure that one side is hooked and the other is straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will give you a better chance of finding the control arm that's connected to the rod for locking. Once you've found it, pull it up and the door will open.
Another way is to tie a string with a slip-knot in the upper right corner on the driver's side of the door. Then, you can wiggle the string back and back and forth (like flossing huge teeth) to move it towards the inside lock rod. It could take a few attempts and both hands to allow the lock to be released.
You could also consider using a strip of plastic that you bend into a shape that will fit in the small gap between the door and the frame. This is a harder 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 in a place where you can find it in case of emergency. Otherwise, you will have to call for road assistance or a locksmith. Make sure you have the key code number and your personal identification on your person so that locksmith or road assistance can assist you quickly.