3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your keys to your car could be a stressful experience. Fortunately, there are a few ways to assist yourself in this circumstance.
Check obvious places like your purse or pockets. Next, consider purchasing a spare key and storing it in a secure location. This will help to prevent theft in the future.
1. Call the police
If you've lost your keys and aren't able to find them, the best option is to call the police. They will be able help you more than a locksmith or roadside assistance. They can also inform the general public that your car keys could have been stolen, which will help prevent other people from using keys without permission.
However, they won't be capable of unlocking your car's door unless there is an emergency situation. They don't have any tools and do not want to damage the vehicle. Based on the situation, police may be in a position to use an incredibly small jim to open the door, but they will require a compelling reason for doing so. If they find that the child or animal is locked in a car during hot weather, then they may break the window.
It's also a good idea to have an extra key in a safe place in case you get locked out of your vehicle. Some people keep spare keys in areas easily accessible, such as their home or office. Others lend them to family members or friends members to hold onto in the event in the event of an emergency. If you have an extra, reach out to it before calling the authorities or taking more drastic steps.
Many cars come with proximity remotes that have an emergency key hidden within them. You may be able, if your car is one of these, to unlock the door from a distance by using an instrument that locksmiths might have. It is a thin jim with 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 locate a company that offers emergency replacement of car keys. It is best to save the contact information of these companies in your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time looking into their services and the charges they charge, coverage area, technology, and professionals.
You will be able to make an informed decision if the need arises. If you require an emergency locksmith or simply a replacement key, these companies can assist you in getting back on the road with little hassle.
The best way to avoid losing your keys is to keep a spare set, and if you can, have three or four sets. Keep one at home, give one to your partner or significant other, and keep the other one in your wallet or pocket. This will help you to avoid being stranded in a secluded spot.
Having a spare can also save you from calling for assistance on the road. The cost of a brand new key for a traditional one is typically very affordable, but the price of a smart one can be quite costly. These keys have an electronic chip that allows them to operate the car. They must be connected by a dealer or manufacturer. This can take a number of days.
To make the process as quick and easy as it can be it's best to have the VIN number of your car in hand. It can be found on the paperwork of your car or, more often, on a metal plate that is located in the doorpost for the driver's side. This information will help the emergency key replacement specialist determine the best way to proceed with reprograming your old key to work with the new one.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's always best to use a non-destructive approach first especially if you have children, pets or elderly people in the car. There's no need to worry about calling 911 or paying a huge bill for an expert.
Air pump wedges can be found in auto lockout kit and by repo and locksmith professionals. They're made of tough, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a short time before being deflated. You can slide them between the weather stripping and the door without worrying about scratching the paint.
For the majority of cars, a curved wedge is preferred. The idea is to create a space where you can place the rod's length, which is thin to reach the pin that is locked. A coat hanger might work if it's thick enough, but you could try a rod made from plastic or even a blood pressure cuff. auto replacement key is to get the rod between the door and the frame so that you can pull it to unlock the car.
Most of these methods will trigger the car alarm, which is why it's best to avoid these methods unless you're in an emergency. In the event of an emergency, police may need to employ an additional tool to gain access to your vehicle and save your passengers or pets.
Keep a spare car key home or with a friend near you in case you need to return to your car when you lock yourself out. You should also check if your auto insurance or roadside assistance policy 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 option for older cars with manual locks. It works as an incredibly slim jim. All you require is a thin wire coat hanger and pliers.
Untwist the coathanger by pliers until one side is hooked and the other straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will increase your chance of locating the control arm that is connected to the lock rod. Once you've found it lift the lever 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 of the door. Wiggle the string with a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a tooth) to move it towards the inside rod. It could take a few attempts and both hands to allow the lock to be released.
You could also consider using a plastic strip that is bent into a shape that will fit in the narrow gap between the door and frame. This isn't the most ideal solution however it could be your only option if you are unable to find your keys.
It is a good plan to keep a spare key in a place where that you can easily locate in the event of an emergency. You will need to call road assistance or a lock-smith in the event that you don't. It is recommended to carry your key code number as well as your personal identification in order that road assistance or a locksmith can help you quickly.