3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
The loss of keys to your car could be a frustrating experience. There are a few things you can do to assist yourself in the event of this happening to you.
Make sure you check the obvious places, such as your purse or pockets. Next, consider purchasing a spare key and keeping it in a secure place. This will help to prevent theft in the future.
1. Call the Police
Call the police if you are unable to find your keys. They can assist you more than a locksmith or roadside assistance. They'll also be capable of informing the public that someone has possibly stolen your car keys which can help prevent people from using them without authorization.
They can't open the door of your car unless it is an emergency. This is because they don't have the tools needed to do this and they don't want to cause damage to the vehicle. If the circumstances are suitable the police may be able to use a small Jim to open the car door. However they must have a valid motive to do this. For instance in the event that they see an infant or a pet locked inside the car in hot weather, they could break the window to save a life.
It is also advisable to keep an extra car key hidden in case you have to lock yourself out of your vehicle. Some people keep them in easy-to-access locations, such as their home or office. Some people give them to family or friends to keep in case of emergencies. If you have an extra contact it prior to calling the authorities or taking more drastic measures.
A lot of cars have proximity remotes that conceal an emergency key in them. It is possible, if your car is one of them, to unlock the door from a distance with a special tool a locksmith could have. It is a flat-ended slim jim that can be used to open locks.
2. Call a Tow Truck
Find a business that offers emergency replacement car keys in the event that you have lost your keys. You should keep their contact details in your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend time investigating their services and their costs as well as their coverage areas, technology and experts.
This will help you make an informed choice when the need arises. These companies can assist you with the replacement of your key or an emergency one.
The best way to prevent losing your keys is to have an extra set and, should you be able to, if possible, three or more sets. Keep one set at home, another with your significant other and the third in your wallet. This will help you to avoid being stranded in a strange place.
A spare key can help you avoid calling for roadside assistance. The cost of a new key for a traditional one is usually quite affordable, however the cost of a smart one can be quite high. These types of keys use an electronic chip to control the vehicle, which means they'll need to be paired with the car by a dealership or manufacturer and can take several days.
To make the process as simple and painless as possible it's a good idea 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 plate that is located in the doorpost for the driver's side. This information will enable professionals to modify your old key to ensure that it works with the new key.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It is best to start with a non-destructive solution particularly in the case of children or pets, as well as elderly people in your car. You don't have to worry about calling 999 or paying a large bill for an expert.
Air pump wedges are sold in auto lockout kit and by repo and locksmith professionals. These wedges are made from high-quality vinyl that can be inflated and deflated quickly. They can be slipped between the weather stripping and the door without worrying about scratching the paint.
You can use wedges of any size, but a curved one is even better for most cars. 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 can also try a rod made of plastic or even a blood pressure cuff. The goal is to get the rod between the frame and the door so you can pull it to unlock the car.
The majority of these methods will set off the car alarm, which is why it is best to stay clear of them unless there's an emergency. If you don't, the police might have to use more destructive tools to enter the car and save your passengers.
Keep an extra car key at home or with a person close to you to allow you to get back into your vehicle if you lock yourself out. And, of course, you should be sure to verify that car key replacement is part of your roadside assistance plan or insurance for your car.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
You've likely seen the coat hanger trick in a film. automotive car key replacement is an option for older cars with manual locks. It works like an incredibly slim jim. All you need is a thin wire coat hanger and pliers.
With the pliers, loosen the coat hanger until it has one side swung and one straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will allow you to locate the control arm that is attached to the lock rod. Once you've found it pull the lever up and your door should open.
Another way is to tie a string with an elongated slip-knot on the upper right corner of the driver's side door. Move the string in a back-andforth motion (like flossing a tooth) to shift it toward the inside rod of the lock. It may be necessary to use both hands and it could take a few attempts however, if you are successful, the lock should let go and you should be able to open the door.
You can also try using a plastic strip that is bent into a shape that will fit in the gap between the frame and door. This is a harder option, but may be your only option if you can't locate your keys.
If you have an extra key, it is a good idea to leave it somewhere that you can easily access in case of an emergency. In the event of an emergency, you'll need to call road assistance or a locksmith. 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 assist you quickly.