3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your keys to your car could be a frustrating experience. There are, however, some steps you can take to help yourself in this situation.
Make sure you check the obvious places, such as your purse or pockets. You might want to consider purchasing an extra one and keeping it in a secure place. This can help prevent theft in the future.
1. Contact the police
Contact the police if can't locate your keys. They can assist you in a variety of ways, not just a roadside assistance or locksmith. They'll also be capable of informing the public that someone may have possibly stolen your car keys which will stop people from using them without permission.
They can't open the doors of your car unless there is an emergency. This is because they do not have the proper tools to do this and don't want to cause damage to the vehicle. In certain circumstances the police may be able to use a slim jim to open the door, but they'll require a valid reason to do this. If they find that an animal or a child is locked in a car in hot weather, they may break the window.
You should also keep an extra car key hidden in case you have to lock yourself out of your car. Some people keep spare keys in areas accessible to them such as their home or office. Some people give them to their family or friends to keep in case of emergency. If you have a spare, you should try to reach it before calling the police or resorting to more drastic measures.
Many cars have proximity remotes with a hidden emergency key hidden within them. It is possible in the event that your vehicle is one of them, to unlock the door from a distance with a special tool a locksmith would possess. It is a thin tool with a flat edge that can be used to pick locks.
2. Call for a Tow Truck
Find a company who provides emergency car key replacement if you lose your keys. It is recommended to keep the contact information of these companies in your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time looking into their services, charges, coverage area technology, and professional.
This will help you make an informed choice when the need arises. These companies can assist with an emergency key replacement or replacement.
It is best to have three or more spare keys. Keep one at home, give one to your partner or your significant other, and then keep the other one in your wallet or pocket. This will help you to avoid being stuck in a strange place.
A spare key could help you avoid needing to call roadside assistance. A new key for a traditional key is usually quite affordable. However, the cost of a smart-key could be quite costly. These keys have an electronic chip that allows them to operate the vehicle. They must be paired with a manufacturer or dealer. This can take a number of days.
To make the process as fast and easy as it can be, it's always recommended to keep the VIN number of your car in hand. This number can be found on the paperwork for your vehicle or on a metal plaque that is placed in the driver's doorpost. This information will assist the emergency car key replacement expert determine how to go about making your old key work with the new one.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It's always best to try to use a non-destructive approach first particularly if you have children, pets, or elderly people in the vehicle. That way you won't risk having to call 999, or incur a high bill from an expert.
One of the simplest ways to unlock your car is to use an air pump wedge, that are available in auto lockout kits and also by locksmiths and repo experts. These wedges are made from durable vinyl that can be inflated and deflated quickly. You can slip them between the weather stripping and the door without having to worry about scratching the paint.
You can use an ordinary wedge, or a curved one is better for most cars. The idea is to create a space where you can place the rod's length and thickness in order to get to the pin locked. A coat hanger could be suitable if it's sturdy enough, but you can try a rod made from plastic or even a blood pressure cuff. The goal is to place the rod between the frame and the door to allow you to pull it to unlock the car.
It's best to stay clear of these methods unless you have an emergency. If you don't, the police could have to use more destructive tools to get inside your vehicle and save your passengers.
Keep a spare car key home or with someone close to you in case you need to return to your car if you lock yourself out. Also, you should be sure to verify that car key replacement is covered 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 film. This is an option for older cars that have manual locks. It works as a slim jim. You only need a thin coat hanger with pliers and a thin wire.
With the pliers, pull off the coat hanger so that it has one side hooked and one straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will allow you to locate the control arm that is attached to the rod that locks. Once you find it, pull it back and the door will open.
Another method is to tie a long string using a slip knot in the upper right corner of the driver's door. Then, move the string back and forward (like flossing huge teeth) to move it towards the inside lock rod. It may take several attempts and both hands to unlock the lock.
You can also use a strip of plastic bent into a shape that fits the small gap between the door and frame. This is a more difficult choice however it could be the only way to get in the vehicle if you cannot locate your keys.
It is a good plan to keep a spare key somewhere you can find it in an emergency. You will need to call road assistance or a locksmith in the event that you don't. Be sure to have the key code number as well as your personal identification card on hand so that the road assistance or locksmith can assist you in a timely manner.
