3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
The loss of keys to your car can be a frustrating experience. There are, however, some ways to assist yourself in this situation.
First, look in the obvious locations, like your pockets or purse. Then, think about purchasing an extra key and keeping it in a safe place. This will help to prevent theft in the future.
1. Contact the police
Contact the police if cannot find your keys. key replacement car can assist you in more ways than an emergency roadside assistance or locksmith. They will also be capable of informing the public that someone may have possibly stolen your car keys which can help prevent people from using them without authorization.
However, they are not able to unlock the door of your car unless there is an emergency situation. This is because they do not have the right tools to do this and don't want to cause damage to your vehicle. If the circumstances are right the police may be able use a slim Jim to open the door of the car. But they must have a legitimate reason to do so. For instance when they spot an animal or small child trapped inside the vehicle in hot weather, they could cut the window to save the life.
It is also advisable to keep a spare car key hidden in case you need to lock yourself out of your vehicle. Some people keep their spare keys in areas easily accessible, such as their office or home. Others offer them to family or friends members to keep in case in the event of an emergency. If you have a spare, you should try to get it out of the way before calling the police or taking more drastic measures.
Many cars have proximity remotes that have an emergency code hidden behind them. If yours is one of them, you could be able to open the doors from a distance with the help of a specific tool that locksmiths have. It is a thin jim with a flat end that can be used to pick a lock.
2. Contact towing truck
Find a company that provides emergency replacement of car keys if you have lost your keys. It is best to save their contact numbers on your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time looking into their services and the charges they charge, coverage area technology, and professional.
This will help you make a well-informed decision if the need arises. These companies can help you with a replacement or emergency key.
It is recommended to have three or more spare keys. Keep one set at home, one with your important person and the third one in your wallet. This will ensure that you do not be stuck in a foreign location.
Having a spare can also make it easier to call for assistance on the road. A new key for a conventional key is usually very affordable. However, the cost of a smart key can be quite costly. These keys use an electronic chip that allows them to control the car. They will have to be connected by a dealer or manufacturer. This can take several days.
To make the process as quick and painless as you can, it's always best to keep the VIN number of your vehicle handy. You can find this number on the documentation for your vehicle, or on a metal plaque that is placed in the door of the driver. This information will assist the emergency key replacement professional determine the best method for making your old key work with the new one.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's best to begin with a non-destructive method especially when you have children, pets, or elderly people in your vehicle. There's no need to worry about calling 999 or paying a large bill for an expert.
One of the easiest methods to unlock a car is to use an air pump wedge, which are sold in auto lockout kits and also by repo and locksmith experts. The wedges are made of high-quality vinyl that can be deflated and inflated quickly. They can be slipped between the weather stripping and the door without worrying about scratching paint.
For the majority of vehicles, a curving wedge is better. The idea is to create space where you can insert a long, thin rod to reach the locked door pin. If the hanger for your coat is thick enough, it may work. You could also try a rod made of plastic, or even a blood-pressure cuff. The rod should be put between the door and the frame so that you can pull it to unlock the vehicle.
It is recommended to avoid these methods unless you are in an emergency. If you don't, police could have to use more destructive tools to get inside your vehicle and save your passengers.
Keep a spare key somewhere at home or with a close friend in order to have a chance of getting back in your car in the event you get locked out. Also it is important to confirm that key replacement is included in your roadside assistance plan or insurance for your car.
4. Try a Coathanger
You've likely seen the coat hanger trick in a film. This is a good option for older vehicles with locks that are manual, and it works like a DIY slim jim. All you require is a coat hanger with a wire and pliers.
With the pliers, pull off the coat hanger so that it has one end hooked and one straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will give you a better chance of finding the control arm that is connected to the lock rod. When you locate it, pull up and the door should open.
Another way is to tie a string with a slip-knot in the upper right corner of the driver's side door. You can move the string in a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a tooth) to shift it toward the inside lock rod. You may need to use both hands and it could take several attempts, but if it is successful, the lock should release and you can unlock the door.
You could also consider using a plastic strip that can be bent into a form that fits into the small gap between the door and frame. This is a more difficult choice, but it may be the only way to get into the vehicle if you cannot find your keys.
If you have an extra key, it's recommended to store it in a place where you are able to access it in the event of an emergency. In the event of an emergency, you'll need to call road assistance or a locksmith. Make sure that you have the key code number as well as your personal identification card on your person so that road assistance or locksmith can assist you in a timely manner.