3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your keys to your car could be a frustrating and stressful experience. There are, however, some ways to help yourself in this situation.
First, look in the obvious places, such as your purse or pockets. Consider purchasing an extra one and keeping it in a secure location. This can prevent future thefts.
1. Contact the police
If you've lost your keys and can't find them, the best thing to do is call the police. They can help you in more ways than a roadside assistance or locksmith. They can also inform the public that your car keys might be missing, which will help prevent others from using them without permission.
However, they won't be able to unlock your car's door unless there is an emergency situation. This is because they don't have the proper tools to do it and they don't want to cause damage to the vehicle. Depending on the circumstances the police might be capable of using the slim jim to unlock the door, but they will require a valid reason to do this. For instance in the event that they see an animal or small child locked inside the car in hot weather, they might cut the window to save the life of a person.
You should also keep a spare car key hidden in case you lock yourself out of your car. Some people keep them in easily accessible places, like their home or their office. Others lend them to family members or friends members to hold onto in the event of an emergency. If you have a spare make contact with it before calling authorities or taking more drastic actions.
Many cars have proximity remotes that have an emergency code that is hidden. You may be able, if your car is one of these, to unlock the door from a distance with a special tool a locksmith would have. The tool is a small jim with a flat end that can be used to pick locks.
2. Call a tow truck
Find a business that offers emergency replacement of car keys if you lose your keys. You should save their contact details in your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend time looking into the services they offer, their charges and their coverage area. technology and professionals.
This will enable you to make an informed choice when the need arises. If you require an emergency locksmith or a replacement key, these companies will help you get back on the road with minimal hassle.
It is recommended to have three or more spare sets of keys. Keep one set at home, another with your spouse or significant person, and the other in your wallet. This will ensure that you do not be stuck in a remote location.
Having a spare can also save you from calling for assistance on the road. A new key for a traditional key is typically very affordable. However, the price of a smart key can be quite expensive. These keys use an electronic chip that allows them to operate the car. They will need to be paired by a manufacturer or dealer. This can take a number of days.
To make the process as simple and painless as you can it's best to keep the VIN number of your vehicle in your possession. It's possible to find this number on the paperwork for your vehicle or engraved on a metal plaque in the driver's doorpost. This information will allow the professional to modify your old key so that it works with the new key.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's best to begin with a non-destructive solution, especially when you have children or pets, as well as elderly people in your vehicle. So you don't run the risk of having to call 999, or be charged a high amount from a professional.
One of the most efficient ways to unlock a car is to use an air pump wedge which are offered in auto lockout kits, and also by repo and locksmith experts. The wedges are made of durable vinyl that can be inflated and deflated quickly. You can slip them between the weather stripping and the door without worrying about scratching the paint.
You can make use of an ordinary wedge, or a curved one is even better for most cars. The idea is to create space where you can insert the rod to reach the door pin locked. If the hanger for your coat is sturdy enough, it might work. You could also try a plastic rod or a blood pressure cuff. The aim is to get the rod between the door and the frame so you can pull it out and unlock the car.
It's best to avoid these techniques unless you're in an emergency. If you don't, the police could have to use more destructive tools to get inside the car and save your passengers.
Keep a spare car key home or with someone close to you in case you need to gain access to your vehicle when you lock yourself out. Of course, you should be sure to confirm that key replacement is covered in your roadside assistance plan or insurance for your vehicle.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
The coat hanger trick is a classic and you've probably seen it in a film. This is an option for older cars that come with manual locks. It functions like a slim jim. All you require is a thin coat hanger with a wire and pliers.
Untwist the coathanger by pliers so that one side is snared and the other straight. The hook should be inserted into the space between the window and door frame. This will increase your chance of finding the control arm that is connected 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 a slip-knot in the upper right corner of the driver's side of the door. Move the string with a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a giant tooth) to pull it towards the inside rod. It could take a few attempts and both hands to allow the lock to be released.
You can also try using a plastic strip that can be bent into a form that will fit into the small gap between the door and the frame. This is a more difficult choice but it could be the only way to get in the vehicle if you cannot find your keys.
It is a good idea to keep a spare key somewhere you can easily find it in case of emergency. Otherwise, you will have to call road assistance or a locksmith. Make replacements car key that you have the key code number and your personal identification in your person so that locksmith or road assistance will be able to assist you in a timely manner.