3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your keys to your car can be a frustrating and stressful experience. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to assist yourself in this circumstance.
First, check the obvious locations, like your pockets or purse. 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 you can't locate your keys. They can help you in a variety of ways, not just locksmith or roadside assistance. They'll also be able to inform the public that someone may have possibly stolen your car keys, which could prevent others from using them without permission.
However, they are not capable of unlocking your car's door in the event of an emergency situation. This is because they don't have the right tools to do this and don't want to cause damage to the vehicle. If the circumstances are suitable the police might be able to use a slim Jim to open the car's door. However, they must have a valid motive to do so. For replacement key for car near me in the event that they see a small child or animal locked in the car during hot weather, they could break the window to save a life.
It's an excellent idea to keep an extra key somewhere in case you get locked out of your vehicle. Some people keep spare keys in areas easily accessible like their office or home. Some people give them to their family or friends to keep in case of emergencies. If you have a spare, try to locate it before calling the police or taking more extreme measures.
Many cars have proximity remotes with a hidden emergency key in them. If yours is one of them, you could be able unlock the doors from a distance using a special tool that a locksmith will possess. It is a slim jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to pick locks.
2. Call a tow truck
Find a company who provides emergency car key replacement if you have lost your keys. You should save their contact information in your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend time researching what services they provide, their charges as well as their coverage areas, technology and professionals.
This will allow you to make an informed decision when the need arises. These companies can help you with the replacement of your key or an emergency one.
It is best to have three or more spare sets of keys. Keep one set at home, another with your spouse or important person and the third one in your wallet. This will help you avoid being stranded in a secluded spot.
A spare key could save you from having to call for roadside assistance. The cost of a brand new key for a traditional key is usually very affordable, but the price of a smart key could be quite expensive. These keys use an electronic chip that allows them to operate the car. They will have to be connected by a manufacturer or dealer. This could take a few days.
It's a good idea, to make the process as simple and quick as possible you keep the VIN number of the car in your pocket. You can find this number on the documentation for your vehicle, or stamped on a metal plaque that is placed in the driver's doorpost. This information will assist the emergency key replacement specialist determine how to go about changing your old key's programming to work with the new one.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It is best to start with a non-destructive treatment particularly when you have children, pets, or elderly people in your car. You won't have to risk calling 999 or paying a large bill for a professional.
Air pump wedges are available in auto lockout kit and by repo and locksmith professionals. vehicle key replacement are made from durable vinyl that can be inflated and deflated quickly. This lets you slide them between the door and the weather stripping without risking scratching or dinging the paint on the car.
For the majority of vehicles, a curving wedge is better. The idea is to create a space for you to insert an extremely thin rod to reach the pin that locks your door. If the hanger for your coat is thick enough, it might be able to work. You could also try a rod made of plastic or a blood pressure cuff. The rod should be put between the door and the frame so that you can pull it to open the vehicle.
It is recommended to stay clear of these techniques unless you're in an emergency. If not, the police might need to employ an additional tool to gain access to your vehicle and save your pets or your passengers.
Keep a spare key at home or with a trusted friend to ensure that you have a chance of getting back into your car in the event you get locked out. You should also check if your insurance for your vehicle or roadside assistance plan will cover the replacement of your car keys.
4. Try a Coathanger
You've likely seen the coat hanger trick in a film. This is a great option for older vehicles with manual locks, and it works like a DIY slim jim. All you require is a coat hanger made of wire and pliers.
With the pliers, untwist the coat hanger until it has one side hooked and one straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will increase your chance of locating the control arm which is attached to the lock rod. When you locate it, pull it back and the door will open.
Another method is to tie a long string using a slip knot at the upper right corner of the driver's door. Then, wiggle the string back and forward (like flossing huge teeth) to move it towards the rod inside the lock. It could take a few attempts and both hands to unlock the lock.
You can also try using a plastic strip that can be bent into a form that will fit in the narrow gap between the door and the frame. This is a harder option but it may be the only option if you are unable to find your keys.
If you have a spare key, it is recommended to store it somewhere where you can easily access in case in an emergency. You will need to call road assistance or a locksmith in the event that you don't. Make sure you have the key code number as well as your personal identification in to ensure that the locksmith or road assistance can assist you in a timely manner.