3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
The loss of your car keys can be a very frustrating experience. Luckily, there are some actions you can take to help yourself in this circumstance.
First, look in the obvious places, like your purse or pockets. Consider buying a spare and storing it in a secure location. This will help you avoid theft in the future.
1. Contact the police
Contact the police if you cannot find your keys. They can help you more than a locksmith or roadside assistance. They'll also be capable of informing the public that someone has possibly taken your car keys, which could prevent others from using them without permission.
They are not able unlock the door of your car unless it is an emergency. This is because they do not have the right tools to do this and don't want to cause damage to the vehicle. Based on the situation the police may be in a position to use a slim jim to open the door, but they will need to have a good reason to do so. If they see that a child or an animal is locked inside a vehicle during hot weather, then they may break the window.
It's also a good idea to have a spare key hidden somewhere in case you are locked out of your car. Some people keep their spare keys in areas accessible to them like their home or office. Some people give them to their family or friends to keep in case of emergency. If you have an extra, reach out to it before calling the authorities or taking more drastic actions.
A lot of cars have proximity remotes with a hidden emergency key inside. If yours is one of them, you could be able to unlock the doors from a distance with the help of a specific tool that locksmiths will possess. This tool is a flat-ended slim jim that can be used to open locks.
2. Contact a Tow Truck
If you lose your car keys the first thing to do is locate a business that can provide an emergency car key replacement. You should store their contact numbers in your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time researching the services they offer and the charges they charge, coverage area, technology, and professionals.
This will help you make a well-informed decision if the situation arises. These companies can assist with an emergency key replacement or replacement.
It is best to have three or more spare sets of keys. Keep one at home, and give one to your spouse or significant other, and keep the other in your purse or wallet. This will allow you to avoid being stranded in a remote location.
The possession of a spare key can make it easier to call for roadside assistance. replacement car keys with chips of a brand new key for a traditional key is usually quite affordable, but the price of a smart key can be quite expensive. These keys utilize an electronic chip to operate the vehicle, therefore they'll have to be linked with the vehicle by a manufacturer or dealer, and this can take several days.
It's a good idea, to make the process as easy and fast as you can and to keep the VIN number of the car in your pocket. This number is usually on your car's registration or is usually stamped on a metal plate that is located in the driver's side doorpost. This information will allow the technician to modify your old key so that it can work with the new key.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It's always best to employ a non-destructive method initially particularly if you have children, pets, or elderly people in the vehicle. That way you won't risk needing to call 999 or be charged a high amount from a professional.
Air pump wedges can be found in auto lockout kits and by locksmith and repo professionals. The wedges are made of durable vinyl that can be deflated and inflated quickly. This allows you to slip them between the door and the weather stripping, without scratching or dinging the paint of your car.
For most cars, a curved wedge is better. The idea is to create a space for you to insert the rod to reach the locked door pin. A coat hanger may be a good choice if it's strong enough, but you can try a rod made from plastic or even a blood pressure cuff. The rod should be placed between the frame and the door so that you can pull it to open the vehicle.
It is recommended to stay clear of these methods unless you have an emergency. Otherwise, the police may require a more destructive tool to get into your vehicle and save your pets or your passengers.
Keep remote control car key replacement at home or with a friend near you to allow you to get back into your vehicle in the event that you are locked out. Also you must be sure to confirm that key replacement is covered in your roadside assistance plan or insurance for your vehicle.
4. Try Coathanger
The coat hanger trick is a classic, and you've likely seen it in a movie. This is a great option for older vehicles with locks that are manual, and it works like an easy slim jim. All you need is a thin wire coat hanger and pliers.
Untwist the coathanger by pliers to ensure that one side is hooked, and the other side is straight. Place the hook in the gap between the window and the door frame. This will give you a greater chance of finding the control arm which is attached to the lock rod. Once you've found it, pull the lever up and the door should be opened.
Another method is to tie a string with an elongated slip-knot on the upper right corner on the driver's side door. Then, you can wiggle the string back and back and forth (like flossing giant teeth) to move it towards the rod of the inside lock. It may take several attempts and both hands to get the lock to release.
You can also use the plastic strip bent into a form to fit the narrow gap between door and frame. This is a harder option but it may be the only option if you can't locate your keys.
If you have a spare key, it's recommended to store it somewhere where you can easily access in case of an emergency. In the event of an emergency, you'll need 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.