3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your keys to your car could be a stressful experience. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to help yourself in this scenario.
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 secure location. This will help prevent thefts in the future.
1. Call the police
Contact the police if cannot find your keys. They can help you in a variety of ways, not just locksmith or roadside assistance. They will also be able to inform the general public that someone has possibly stolen your car keys, which will stop people from using them without permission.
However, they are not capable of unlocking your car's door unless it is an emergency situation. This is because they do not have the tools needed to do so and don't want to cause damage to your vehicle. If the circumstances are suitable the police may be able to use a slim Jim to open the door of the car. But they must have a valid motive to do so. For instance in the event that they see an infant or a pet locked inside the car in hot weather, they could cut the window to save the life.
It is also advisable to keep a spare car key hidden in case you have to lock yourself out of your vehicle. Some people keep spare keys in areas accessible to them like their home or office. Some people offer 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 actions.
A lot of cars have proximity remotes that conceal an emergency key inside. You may be able, if your car is one of these, to unlock the door from a distance using the same tool that a locksmith might use. It is a slim jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to open locks.
2. Call towing truck
If you have lost your car keys the most important thing to do is locate a business that can provide an emergency replacement of car keys. It is recommended to keep their contact numbers in your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time researching the services they offer, charges, coverage area technology, and professional.
You'll be able make an informed choice when the time comes. If you require an emergency locksmith or a new key, these companies will help you get back to your vehicle with minimum hassle.
The best way to avoid losing your keys is to keep an extra set and, if feasible, three or more sets. Keep one at home, then give one to your partner or your significant other, and keep the other in your purse or wallet. This will help you avoid being stranded in a strange place.
A spare key can help you avoid calling for assistance on the road. The cost of purchasing a new key for a traditional one is usually quite affordable, but the price of a smart key can be quite costly. These types of keys use an electronic chip to control the vehicle, so they'll have to be linked with the car by a dealership or manufacturer, and this can take several days.
It's a good idea to make the process as easy and quick as is possible, to keep the VIN number of the vehicle in your pocket. It can be found on your car's registration or is often stamped on a metal plate that is located in the doorpost for the driver's side. This information will assist the emergency key replacement professional determine how to go about changing your old key's programming to work with the new one.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It's best to begin with a non-destructive solution, especially if you have young children, pets, or elderly people in your vehicle. So you don't run the risk of having to call 999 or incur a high bill from a professional.
car key replacement near me can be found in auto lockout kits and by locksmith and repo 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 paint.
You can use wedges of any size, but a curved one is more suitable for cars with a wide range of. The idea is to create a space so that you can put in the long, thin rod in order to reach the locked pin. If the hanger for your coat is strong enough, it may be able to work. You can also use an aluminum rod or a blood pressure cuff. The rod should be put between the frame and the door so that you can pull it to unlock the vehicle.
It's best to avoid these methods unless you have an emergency. If you don't, the police might have to use more destructive tools to enter the car and save your passengers.
Keep a spare car key at home or with a person close to you to allow you to return to your car when you lock yourself out. It is also important to determine if your auto insurance or roadside assistance plan covers the replacement of keys to your car.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
The coat hanger trick is a well-known and you've likely seen it in a movie. This is a great solution for older vehicles that have locks that are manual and functions as an easy slim jim. All you require is a thin wire coat hanger and pliers.
With the pliers, loosen the coat hanger until it has one end hooked and one straight. The hook should be inserted into the gap between the window frame and door frame. This will increase your chance of finding the control arm that is connected to the rod for locking. When you locate it, pull it back and the door should be opened.
Another option is to tie a string using a slip knot in the upper right-hand corner of the driver's door. Wiggle the string in a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a giant tooth) to shift it toward the inside rod. It may take a few attempts and both hands to allow the lock to be released.
You can also use the plastic strip bent into a shape that fits the narrow gap between door and frame. This is a more difficult option, but it may be the only method to enter the vehicle in case you can't locate your keys.
It is a good idea to keep a spare key somewhere you can find it in case of emergency. You'll need to call road assistance or a locksmith in the event that you don't. You must have your key code number as well as personal identification with you so that road assistance or a locksmith could help you quickly.