3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys could be an extremely frustrating experience. There are some steps you can do to assist yourself if this happens.
First, check the obvious locations, like your pockets or purse. Then, think about purchasing an extra key and keeping it in a safe place. This will help to prevent theft in the future.
1. Call the Police
Call the police if you cannot locate your keys. They can help you in more ways than a roadside assistance or locksmith. They can also inform the public that your car keys may be missing to prevent people from using them without permission.
However, they won't be capable of unlocking your car door in the event of an emergency situation. They don't have tools and don't want to risk damaging the vehicle. In certain circumstances the police may be capable of using the slim jim to unlock the door, but they'll require a valid reason to do so. If they discover that the child or animal is locked in a vehicle in hot weather, they could break the window.
It is also advisable to keep a spare car key somewhere hidden in case you have to lock yourself out of your car. Some people keep them in accessible locations, such as their home or their office. Others give them to family or friends members to hold onto in case of an emergency. If you have a spare contact it prior to calling authorities or taking more drastic measures.
A lot of cars come with proximity remotes that have an emergency code hidden behind them. If yours is one of them, you could be able unlock the doors from a distance by using the help of a specific tool that locksmiths will have. The tool is a small jim with a flat end that can be used to pick a lock.
2. Contact a Tow Truck
If you have lost your car keys, the first thing to do is find a company that can provide an emergency replacement of car keys. It is best to save their contact numbers in your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time studying their offerings costs, coverage areas, charges, technology, and professionals.
You will be able to make an informed decision if the need arises. These companies can assist with the replacement of your key or an emergency one.
The best method to avoid losing your keys is to keep an extra set, and should you be able to, if possible, three or four sets. Keep one at home, and give one to your spouse or your significant other, and then keep the other in your purse or wallet. This will help you to avoid being stuck in a strange place.
Having a spare can also make it easier to call for assistance on the road. A new key for a standard key is usually very affordable. However, the cost of a smart-key could be quite costly. These keys utilize an electronic chip to operate the vehicle, therefore they'll need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealership or manufacturer, and this could take a few days.
To make the process as simple and painless as possible it's a good idea to keep the VIN number of your vehicle handy. This number can be found on the documentation for your vehicle, or stamped on a plaque made of metal in the doorway of the driver. This information will aid the emergency key replacement professional determine the best way to proceed with making your old key work with the new one.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's always best to try to employ a non-destructive method initially particularly if you have young children, pets or elderly people in the vehicle. auto key replacements won't have to risk calling the number 999 or paying a big bill for a professional.
Air pump wedges are available in auto lockout kits and by locksmith professionals and repo experts. The wedges are made of high-quality vinyl that can be inflated and deflated quickly. You can slip them between the weather stripping and the door without worrying about scratching paint.
For the majority of cars, a curved wedge is more suitable. The idea is to create space for you to insert an extremely thin rod to reach the pin that locks your door. A coat hanger may be a good choice if it's strong enough, but you can also try a plastic rod or even a blood pressure cuff. The goal is to get the rod between the frame and the door so you can pull it to unlock the car.
It is recommended to stay clear of these methods unless you have an emergency. If you don't, the police may have to employ more destructive tools to enter your vehicle and save your passengers.
Keep a spare car key home or with a friend near you in case you need to gain access to your vehicle when you lock yourself out. It is also important to determine if your auto insurance or roadside assistance plan will cover the replacement of your car keys.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
The coat hanger trick is a well-known one, and you've probably seen it in a film. This is a good option for older vehicles that have manual locks, and it works like an easy slim jim. All you require is a coat hanger made of wire and pliers.
Untwist the coathanger with pliers until one side is hooked, and the other side is straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will give you a greater chance of finding the control arm which is attached to the rod for locking. Once you've located it, pull the lever up and your door will open.
Another option is to tie a long string with a slip knot at the upper right corner of the door for the driver. Wiggle the string with a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a giant tooth) to pull it towards the inside lock rod. It may take several attempts and both hands to unlock the lock.
You could also try a strip of plastic that can be bent into a form that fits into the small gap between the frame and door. This is a more difficult option, but may be your only option if it's impossible to locate your keys.
It is a good plan to keep a spare key in a place where you can easily find it in an emergency. You'll need to contact road assistance or a lock-smith in the event that you don't. You must have your key code number and personal identification with you so that road assistance or a locksmith could help you promptly.