3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
The loss of keys to your car may be a stressful experience. Fortunately, there are a few ways to assist yourself in this scenario.
Check obvious places like your pockets or purse. You might want to consider purchasing a spare and storing it in a secure location. This will help you avoid theft in the future.
1. Call the Police
If you've lost your keys and can't find them, the most effective thing to do is call the police. They will be able assist you more than a locksmith or roadside assistance. They'll also be able to inform the public that someone has possibly stolen 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 don't have the proper tools to do it and they don't want to cause damage to the vehicle. If the circumstances are right the police may be able to use a slim Jim to open the car door. However, they must have a valid reason for doing this. If they discover that the child or animal is locked inside a vehicle in hot weather, they may break the window.
It's an excellent idea to keep an extra key somewhere in case you get locked out of your car. Some people keep their spare keys in areas easily accessible like their home or office. Others offer them to friends or family members to hold onto in case in the event of an emergency. If you have a spare make contact with it prior to calling the authorities or taking more drastic steps.
A lot of cars have proximity remotes that have an emergency key hidden within them. If yours is one of them, you might be able unlock the doors from a distance using the help of a specific tool that locksmiths will possess. This tool is a slim jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to open locks.
2. Contact a Tow Truck
Find a company that provides emergency replacement car keys in the event that you lose your keys. It is recommended to save their contact details in your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend time investigating their services as well as their prices as well as their coverage areas, technology and professionals.
This will enable you to make a well-informed decision if the situation arises. These companies can assist with an emergency key replacement or replacement.
The best way to prevent losing your keys is to have an extra set and, when feasible, three or more sets. Keep one set at home, another with your spouse or significant person and the third one in your wallet. This will ensure that you don't find yourself stranded in an unfamiliar place.
A spare key can help you avoid calling for roadside assistance. The cost of purchasing a new key for a traditional one is usually quite affordable, but the cost of a smart one can be quite costly. These keys have an electronic chip that allows them to control the vehicle. They will need to be paired by a manufacturer or dealer. This can take a number of days.
It's a good idea to make the process as simple 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 often stamped on a metal plate in the driver's side doorpost. This information will enable the professional to reprogram your old key so that it can work with the new key.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's best to begin with a non-destructive method, especially in the case of children or pets, as well as elderly people in your vehicle. This way, you don't have the risk of needing to call 999 or incur a high bill from a professional.
Air pump wedges can be found in the auto lockout kit as well as by locksmith professionals and repo experts. The wedges are made of heavy-duty vinyl that can be inflated and deflated quickly. You can slide them between the weather stripping and the door without having to worry about scratching the paint.
You can use wedges of any size, but a curved one is better for most cars. The idea is to create space where you can insert a long, thin rod to reach the pin that locks your door. If the hanger for your coat is sturdy enough, it might be able to work. You can also use a plastic rod, or even 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's best to avoid these techniques unless you're in an emergency. If you don't, police may have to employ more destructive tools to get inside your car and rescue your passengers.
Keep a spare car key home or with a person close to you so you can return to your car if you lock yourself out. Of auto key replacement cost is important to check whether car key replacement is included in your roadside assistance plan or insurance for your car.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
The coat hanger trick is a classic, and you've probably seen it in a movie. This is an option for older cars with manual locks. It works as an incredibly slim jim. All you need is a thin coat hanger with a wire and pliers.
With the pliers, loosen the coat hanger so that it has one side swung and one straight. The hook should be inserted into the gap between the window frame and the door frame. This will help you find the control arm connected to the rod that locks. Once you've located it, lift the lever and your door will open.
Another option is to tie a long string using a slip knot in the upper right corner of the driver's door. Then, you can wiggle the string back and forth (like flossing giant teeth) to move it towards the rod of the inside lock. It could take a few attempts and both hands to get the lock to release.
You can also try using a strip of plastic that can be bent into a form that will fit into the gap between the door and frame. This is a harder option however it could be your only option if you are unable to locate your keys.
If you have an extra key, it is recommended to store it somewhere that you are able to access it in case in an emergency. Otherwise, you will have to call for road assistance or a locksmith. Make sure you have the key code number as well as your personal identification in to ensure that the road assistance or locksmith can assist you in a timely manner.