3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your keys to your car may be a stressful experience. There are, however, some ways to help yourself in this scenario.
First, look in the obvious locations, like your purse or pockets. Consider buying an extra and keeping it in a safe place. This will help prevent thefts in the future.
1. Call the Police
If you've lost your keys and are unable to find them, the best solution is to contact the police. They can assist you in a variety of ways, not just an emergency roadside assistance or locksmith. They can also inform the public that your car keys could be missing to prevent other people from using keys without permission.
They can't open the door of your car unless it is an emergency. They don't have tools and they do not want to damage the vehicle. Depending on the circumstances, police may be capable of using an incredibly small jim to open the door, but they will require a valid reason for doing so. For example when they spot an infant or a pet locked in the car during hot weather, they could smash the window to save the life.
It's also a good idea to have an extra key in a safe place in case you are locked out of your vehicle. Some people keep them in easily accessible locations, such as their home or their office. Others give them to family or friends members to hold onto in the event of an emergency. If you have an extra make contact with it prior to calling authorities or taking more drastic steps.
Many cars have proximity remotes that come with an emergency code hidden behind them. If yours is one of them, you could be able to open the doors from a distance using an instrument that only locksmiths have. This tool is a flat-ended slim jim that can be used to open locks.
2. Call towing truck
Find a company that provides emergency car key replacement if you lose your keys. It is recommended to keep the contact information of these companies in your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time researching the services they offer, charges, coverage area technology, and experts.
You will be able to make a well-informed decision when the need arises. No matter if you require 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 set at home, another with your spouse or significant person and the third in your wallet. This will allow you to avoid being stuck in a remote location.
A spare key could help you avoid having to call roadside assistance. official website of purchasing a new key for a traditional one is typically very affordable, but the cost of a smart key can be quite costly. These types of keys use an electronic chip that operates the vehicle, therefore they'll require pairing with the car by a dealership or manufacturer which could take a few days.
It's a good idea to make the process as simple and fast as you can, to keep the VIN number of the vehicle in your pocket. This number is usually on your car's registration or is often stamped on a metal plaque in the doorpost for the driver's side. This information will help the emergency car key replacement expert determine the best way to proceed with reprograming your old key to work with the new one.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It's always best to try to use a non-destructive approach first especially if you have children, pets, or elderly people in the car. This way, you don't have the risk of needing to call 999 or pay a large bill from a professional.
Air pump wedges can be found in auto lockout kit and by locksmith professionals and repo experts. They are made of high-quality vinyl that can be deflated and inflated quickly. You can slide them between the weather stripping and the door without worrying about scratching paint.
For most cars, a curved wedge is more suitable. The idea is to create a space for you to insert a long, thin rod to reach the pin that locks your door. If the coat hanger is thick enough, it might work. You can also use an aluminum rod or a blood pressure cuff. The rod should be placed between the frame and the door to allow you to pull it to open the vehicle.
Most of these methods will trigger the car alarm and that's why it's best to avoid them unless there's an emergency. If not, the police might require a more destructive tool to gain access to your vehicle and save your pets or your passengers.
Keep a spare car key at home or with a friend near you in case you need to gain access to your vehicle when you lock yourself out. Also it is important 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 and you've probably seen it in a film. This is a great solution for older vehicles that come with manual locks and functions as an easy slim jim. All you require is a coat hanger made of wire and pliers.
Untwist the coathanger using pliers until one side is snared and the other side is straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will help you locate the control arm that is connected to the lock rod. Once you've found it, pull up and the door will open.
Another method is to tie a string using an elongated slip knot in the upper right corner of the driver's door. Then, wiggle the string back and forth (like flossing massive teeth) to move it towards the rod of the inside lock. It may be necessary to use both hands, and it could take a few attempts however, if it's successful, the lock should let go and you should be able to unlock the door.
You can also make use of a strip of plastic bent into a shape that fits the narrow gap between door and frame. This is a more difficult option, but may be your only option if it's impossible to locate your keys.
If you have an extra key, it is a good idea to leave it in a place where you can easily access in case in an emergency. In the event of an emergency, you'll need to call for road assistance or a locksmith. Be sure to have the key code number and your personal identification on hand so that the locksmith or road assistance can assist you quickly.