3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
The loss of your car keys can be a traumatic experience. There are, however, some steps you can take to assist yourself in this situation.
First, check the obvious places, such as your pockets or purse. Consider purchasing an extra and keeping it in a secure place. This will help prevent thefts in the future.
1. Call the Police
Contact the police if cannot locate your keys. They can assist you in a variety of ways, not just a roadside assistance or locksmith. They can also inform the general public that your car keys could have been stolen to prevent people from using them without permission.
They can't open the doors of your car unless there is an emergency. This is because they do not have the tools needed to do so and aren't looking to cause damage to the vehicle. Depending on the circumstances, police may be capable of using a slim jim to open the door, but they'll require a valid reason to do this. For example in the event that they see an animal or small child locked inside the car in hot weather, they could smash the window to save a life.
It is also advisable to keep a spare car key somewhere hidden in case you have to lock yourself out of your car. Some people keep them in easily accessible locations, such as their home or office. Others give them to family members or friends members to keep in case in the event of an emergency. If you have a spare, you should try to locate it before calling the police or resorting to more drastic measures.
Many cars come with proximity remotes that conceal an emergency key hidden within them. You might be able, if your car is one of these, to unlock the door from a distance by using a special tool a locksmith would use. The tool is a slim jim that has a flat end that can be used to pick locks.
2. Call a tow truck
If you lose your car keys the most important thing you can do is find a company that can provide an emergency replacement of car keys. It is recommended to save their contact details in your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend some time looking into the services they offer and their costs, their coverage area, technology and professionals.
This will help you make an informed choice when the situation arises. If replacement key for car near me require an emergency locksmith or a new key, these companies can help you get back to your vehicle with minimum hassle.
The best way to prevent losing your keys is to have an extra set and, if possible, two or three sets. Keep one set at home, one with your spouse or significant other, and the other in your wallet. This will ensure that you never end up in an unfamiliar place.
A spare key can help you avoid calling for assistance on the road. The cost of a brand new key for a traditional one is usually very affordable, but the cost of a smart one can be quite costly. These types of keys use an electronic chip that operates the vehicle, so they'll have to be linked with the vehicle by a manufacturer or dealer, and this could take a few days.
To make the process as simple and painless as you can, it's always recommended to have the VIN number of your vehicle in your possession. You can find this number on the documents for your vehicle or engraved on a plaque made of metal in the doorway of the driver. This information will aid the emergency car key replacement professional determine how to go about making your old key work with the new one.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It's best to start with a non-destructive treatment, especially when you have children, pets, or elderly people in your vehicle. You don't have to worry about calling 999 or paying a large bill for a professional.
One of the easiest ways to unlock your vehicle is with an air pump wedge, which are sold in auto lockout kits, and also by locksmiths and repo professionals. They're made of robust, heavy-duty vinyl. They are designed to be inflated for a short period of time, and then deflated. This allows you to slip them between the door and the weather stripping, without scratching or damaging the paint on the car.
You can make use of an ordinary wedge, or an angled one is better for most cars. The idea is to create a space in which you can place the rod's length and thickness in order to reach the pin that is locked. If the coat hanger is sturdy enough, it could work. You could also try a rod made of plastic or 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.
Most of these methods will trigger the car alarm and that's why it's best to avoid these methods unless you're in an emergency. If you don't, police might have to use more destructive tools to get inside your vehicle and save your passengers.
Keep a spare key at home or with a close friend to ensure that you have a chance to get back in your car in the event you are locked out. And, of course it is important to check whether car key replacement is covered in your roadside assistance plan or insurance for your car.
4. Try Coathanger
You've likely seen the coat hanger trick in a film. This is an option for older cars with manual locks. It works as an incredibly slim jim. You'll need a small coat hanger with pliers and a wire.
Untwist the coathanger with pliers until one side is snared and the other is straight. Place the hook in the gap between the window frame and door frame. This will increase your chance of locating the control arm that is connected to the lock rod. Once you've found it push the lever upwards and your door should open.
Another way is to tie a string with a slip-knot located in the upper right corner of the driver's side door. You can move the string in a back-andforth motion (like flossing a huge tooth) to move it towards the inside rod of the lock. It may be necessary to use both hands and it could take several attempts however, if it's successful, the lock will let go and you should be able to unlock the door.
You can also use a plastic strip bent into a shape to fit the small gap between the door and frame. This is a more difficult option but it could be the only method to get into the vehicle in case you can't locate your keys.
It is a good plan to keep a spare key in a place where that you can easily locate in an emergency. If you don't, you'll have to call road assistance or a locksmith. Be sure to have the key code number and your personal identification on to ensure that the locksmith or road assistance will be able to assist you quickly.