3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys could be a traumatic experience. Luckily, there are some ways to help yourself in this situation.
Make sure you check the obvious places, such as your pockets or purse. You might want to consider purchasing an extra one and keeping it in a safe place. This can help prevent theft in the future.
1. Call the Police
If you've lost your keys and aren't able to find them, the best solution is to contact the police. They can help you more than an auto locksmith or roadside assistance. They can also inform the general public that your car keys may have been stolen and help stop people from using them without permission.
They're not able to unlock the doors of your car unless there is an emergency. They do not have any tools and don't want to risk damaging the vehicle. If the circumstances are right the police may be able to use a slim Jim to open the door of the car. But, they must have a good reason to do so. If they discover that an animal or a child is locked in a car during hot weather, then they may break the window.
It is also advisable to keep a spare car key somewhere hidden in case you lock yourself out of your vehicle. Some people keep their spare keys in places accessible to them such as their office or home. Others give them to family members or friends members to hold onto in case in the event of an emergency. If you have a spare, try to reach it before calling the police or taking more extreme measures.
Many cars have proximity remotes that have an emergency key hidden within them. If yours is one of them, you may be able to open the doors from a distance using a special tool that a locksmith will have. This tool is a slim jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to open locks.
2. Call towing truck
If you lose your car keys the first thing to do is find a company that provides emergency car key replacement. It is recommended to save their contact details in your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend some time researching what services they provide and their costs as well as their coverage areas, technology and professionals.
This will enable you to make an informed decision when the need arises. No matter if you require an emergency locksmith or an extra key, these companies can assist you in getting back on the road with little hassle.
It is advisable to have two or three spare keys. Keep one at home, and give one to your spouse or your significant other, and keep the other one in your wallet or pocket. This will ensure that you do not be stuck in a foreign location.
A spare key can prevent you from having to call roadside assistance. A new key for a traditional key is usually very affordable. However, the cost of a smart-key could be quite expensive. These keys use an electronic chip that allows them to control the vehicle. They must be paired by a dealer or manufacturer. This can take a number of days.
It's a good idea, to make the process as simple and fast as you can and to keep the VIN number of the car in your pocket. This number can be found on the paperwork for your vehicle or stamped on a metal plaque in the driver's doorpost. This information will assist the emergency key replacement specialist determine how to go about reprograming your old key to work with the new one.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's best to start with a non-destructive treatment particularly when you have children or pets, or elderly people in your car. There's no need to worry about calling 999 or paying a large bill for a professional.
Air pump wedges are sold in the auto lockout kit as well as by locksmith and repo professionals. They're made of robust, heavy-duty vinyl. They are designed to be inflated for a brief period of time, and then deflated. You can slide them between the weather stripping and the door without worrying about scratching paint.
For car key replacement price of vehicles, a curving wedge is preferred. The idea is to create a space where you can insert an extremely thin rod to reach the door pin locked. A coat hanger may be a good choice if it's strong 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 to allow you to pull it and unlock the car.
It is recommended to stay clear of these techniques unless you're in an emergency. If you don't, police could have to use more destructive tools to gain access to your car and rescue your passengers.
Have a spare key at home or with a trusted friend in order to have a chance of getting back in your car in case you get locked out. Of course, you should be sure to verify that car key replacement is included in your roadside assistance plan or insurance for your vehicle.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
You've probably seen the coat hanger trick in a movie. This is an option for older cars that come with manual locks. It works as a slim jim. All you need is a thin wire coat hanger and pliers.
With the pliers, loosen the coat hanger so that it has one side swung and one straight. The hook should be inserted into the gap between the window frame and the door frame. This will help you locate the control arm that is attached to the rod that locks. Once you find it, pull up and the door will open.
Another method is to tie a string with an elongated slip knot in the upper right-hand corner of the driver's door. Then, wiggle the string back and forward (like flossing giant teeth) to move it towards the inside lock rod. It may take a few attempts and both hands to unlock the lock.
You can also use the plastic strip bent into a form to fit the small gap between the door and frame. This is a more difficult option however it could be your only option if it's impossible to locate your keys.
It is a good plan to keep a spare key somewhere you can find it in case of emergency. You'll need to contact road assistance or a lock-smith in the event that you don't. You should have your key code number as well as your personal identification in order that road assistance or a locksmith can help you quickly.