3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys could be a traumatic experience. There are some steps you can do to help yourself in the event of this happening to you.
First, look in 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. Call the Police
Contact the police if you cannot locate your keys. They can assist you in many ways other than locksmith or roadside assistance. They will also be able to inform the general public that someone has possibly stolen your car keys which will stop people from using them without authorization.
They can't open your car's door unless it is an emergency. This is because they don't have the tools needed to do this and aren't looking to cause damage to the vehicle. If the circumstances are suitable, the police may be able to use a small Jim to open the door of the car. However they must have a good reason to do this. If they discover that an animal or a child is locked in a vehicle in the heat, they may break the window.
You should also keep a spare car key hidden in case you have to lock yourself out of your vehicle. Some people keep spare keys in areas that are easy to access such as their home or office. Some give them to family or friends to keep in case of emergencies. If you have a spare, you should try to reach it before calling the police or taking more extreme measures.
Many cars have proximity remotes that have a hidden emergency code. It is possible, if your car is one of them, to unlock the door from a distance by using the same tool that a locksmith would have. This tool is a slim jim with a flat end that can be used to pick locks.
2. Contact for a Tow Truck
If you lose your car keys The most important thing you can do is locate a business that can provide an 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 professional.
This will enable you to make a well-informed decision if the situation arises. Whether you need an emergency locksmith or simply a replacement key, these companies will assist you in getting back on the road with little hassle.
It is best to have at least two or three spare keys. Keep one at home, give one to your spouse or your significant other, and keep the other in your purse or wallet. This will ensure that you don't end up in a foreign location.
The possession of a spare key can help you avoid calling for roadside assistance. The cost of a brand new key for a traditional key is usually very affordable, but the cost of a smart key could be quite expensive. These keys use an electronic chip that allows them to operate the vehicle. They must be connected by a manufacturer or dealer. This can take several days.
It's a good idea to make the process as easy and quick as possible and to keep the VIN number of the vehicle in your pocket. You can find this number on the documents for your vehicle or engraved on a plaque made of metal in the doorway of the driver. This information will allow the technician to modify your old key so that it works with the new key.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's always best to use a non-destructive approach first especially if you have young children, pets or elderly people in the car. There's no need to worry about calling 911 or paying a huge bill for a professional.
Air pump wedges are available in auto lockout kits and by repo and locksmith professionals. They're made from tough, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a short period of time, and then deflated. This lets you slide them between the door and the weather stripping without scratching or dinging the paint of the car.
For most cars, a curved wedge is better. The idea is to create a space in which you can place a long, thin rod to reach the door pin locked. If the coat hanger is sturdy enough, it may work. You could also try a rod made of plastic or a blood pressure cuff. The rod should be placed between the frame and the door to allow you to pull it to unlock the vehicle.
Most of these methods set off the car alarm This is why it's best to avoid them unless there's an emergency. If you don't, police might have to use more destructive tools to get inside the car and save your passengers.
Have vehicle key replacement at home or with a trusted friend, so that you have a chance to get back in your car in the event you lock yourself out. Also, you should be sure to verify that car key replacement is part of your roadside assistance plan or insurance for your vehicle.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
The coat hanger trick is a classic and you've likely seen it in a film. This is a great option for older cars with manual locks. It works as an incredibly slim jim. All you require is a coat hanger with a wire and pliers.
With the pliers, untwist the coat hanger until it has one end hooked and one straight. Place the hook in the space between the window and door frame. This will increase your chance of finding the control arm which is attached to the rod for locking. Once you've located it, pull the lever up and the door should be opened.
Another method is to tie a string with an elongated slip knot in the upper right corner of the driver's door. Move the string with a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a huge tooth) to move it towards the inside rod. It may take several attempts and both hands to unlock the lock.
You could also consider using a plastic strip that can be bent into a form that fits into the narrow gap between the door and frame. This is a more difficult option but it could be the only way to enter the vehicle in case you can't find your keys.
If you have a spare key, it's best to keep it somewhere where you can easily access in case in an emergency. You will need to call road assistance or a locksmith if you don't. You should have your key code number as well as your personal identification in order that road assistance or a locksmith will help you quickly.