3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
The loss of keys to your car can be a stressful experience. There are a few things you can do yourself if this happens.
First, check the obvious locations, like your purse or pockets. Then, think about buying a spare key and keeping it in a secure location. This can help prevent theft in the future.
1. Call the police
If you've lost your keys and can't find them, the best thing to do is call the police. They can assist you in more ways than an emergency roadside assistance or locksmith. They'll also be able to inform the general public that someone has possibly stolen your car keys which will stop people from using them without permission.
They are not able unlock the door of your car unless it is an emergency. This is because they do not have the right tools to do it and aren't looking to cause damage to the vehicle. If the circumstances are right the police may be able use a slim Jim to open the car's door. However they must have a valid reason for doing so. If they see that the child or animal is locked in a car in hot weather, they could break the window.
You should also keep a spare car key somewhere 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 family or friends to keep in case of an emergency. If you have an extra make contact with it prior to calling authorities or taking more drastic actions.
Many cars have proximity remotes that have an emergency code hidden behind them. If yours is one of them, you might be able to open the doors from a distance with an instrument that only locksmiths have. The tool is a flat-ended slim jim that can be used to open locks.
2. Call a Tow truck
Find a business that offers emergency replacement car keys in the event that you have lost 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.
You'll be able to make an informed choice when the time comes. These companies can help you with an emergency key replacement or replacement.
It is best to have two or three spare sets of keys. Keep one set at home, one with your spouse or significant other, and the other in your wallet. This will help you to avoid being stranded in a strange place.
A spare key can also help you avoid having to call for roadside assistance. A new key for a standard key is usually quite affordable. However, the price of a smart key can be quite expensive. They are equipped with an electronic chip that allows them to control the vehicle. They will need to be paired by a dealer or manufacturer. This can take a number of days.
It's a good idea to make the process as simple and quick as possible and to keep the VIN number of the vehicle in your pocket. It's possible to find this number on the documents for your vehicle or on a metal plaque in the door of the driver. This information will aid the emergency car key replacement professional determine the best way to proceed with changing your old key's programming to work with the new one.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It's best to begin with a non-destructive solution, 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 be charged a high amount from a professional.
Air pump wedges are available in auto lockout kits and by locksmith and repo professionals. They are made of durable vinyl that can be deflated and inflated quickly. This allows you to 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 preferred. The idea is to create space where you can insert an extremely thin rod to reach the locked door pin. If the coat hanger is thick enough, it may be able to work. You could also try a plastic rod, or even a blood-pressure cuff. The aim is to get the rod between the frame and door so you can pull it to unlock the car.
replacements car key of these methods will set off the car alarm This is why it is best to stay clear of these methods unless you're in an emergency. If you don't, the police might have to use more destructive tools to get inside your car and rescue your passengers.
Keep replacements car key or with someone close to you in case you need to return to your car if you lock yourself out. And, of course, 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
The coat hanger trick is a well-known one, and you've likely seen it in a film. This is a great solution for older vehicles that have manual locks and functions as a DIY slim jim. All you need is a thin coat hanger made of wire and pliers.
With the pliers, untwist the coat hanger until it has one end hooked and one straight. Slide the hook into the space between the window and door frame. This will give you a better chance of locating the control arm that's connected to the rod for locking. Once you find it, pull it up and the door should be opened.
Another option is to tie a string using a slip knot at the upper right corner of the driver's door. Then, wiggle the string back and back and forth (like flossing huge 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 make use of the plastic strip bent into a form to fit the small gap between the door and frame. This is a more difficult option but it may be the only option if you can't find your keys.
It is a good idea to keep a spare key in a place where you can find it in an emergency. Otherwise, you will have to call road assistance or a locksmith. Be sure to have the key code number and your personal identification card on your person so that locksmith or road assistance will be able to assist you in a timely manner.