3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys can be a very frustrating experience. There are some steps you can do to assist yourself in the event of a loss.
First, look in the obvious locations, like your pockets or purse. Next, consider purchasing a spare key and keeping it in a secure place. This can prevent future thefts.
1. Call the police
If you've lost your keys and aren't able to find them, the best thing to do is call the police. They can assist you in many ways other than an emergency roadside assistance or locksmith. They could also inform the public that your car keys could have been stolen, which will help prevent others from using keys without permission.
However, they aren't in a position to unlock your car's door unless it is an emergency situation. They don't have any tools and don't want the vehicle damaged. Depending on automotive key replacement might be in a position to use an incredibly small jim to open the door, but they will need to have a good reason for doing so. If they find that the child or animal is locked in a car in hot weather, they may break the window.
It's also a good idea to keep an extra key in a safe place in case you get locked out of your car. Some people keep spare keys in areas that are easy to access, such as their office or home. Others give 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 resorting to more extreme measures.
Many cars come with proximity remotes that have an emergency key inside. You might be able to use your car, if it is one of these to open the door from a distance with an instrument that locksmiths could use. The tool is a small tool with a flat edge that can be used to pick a lock.
2. Call a tow truck
If you have lost your car keys the most important thing you can do is locate a company that provides emergency car key replacement. You should keep their contact details in your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend some time investigating their services and their costs, their coverage area, technology and professionals.
This will help you make an informed choice when the situation arises. If you require an emergency locksmith or simply a new key, these companies will assist you in getting back on the road with minimal hassle.
The best way to avoid losing your keys is to have an extra set and, if you can, have three or more sets. Keep one at home, give one to your partner or your significant other, and keep the other in your purse or wallet. This will help you avoid being stranded in a remote location.
A spare key could 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 could be quite costly. These types of keys use an electronic chip to operate the vehicle, therefore they'll require pairing with the car by a dealer or manufacturer which can take several days.
It's a good idea to make the process as simple and quick as possible and to keep the VIN number of the car in your pocket. It can be found on your car's paperwork or is usually stamped on a metal plate that is located in the doorpost for the driver's side. This information will enable the professional to modify your old key to ensure that it functions with the new key.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's always best to try to use a non-destructive approach first, especially if there are children, pets, or elderly people in the car. There's no need to worry about calling the number 999 or paying a big bill for an expert.
One of the most efficient ways to unlock a car is with an air pump wedge, which are offered in auto lockout kits and also by locksmiths and repo professionals. They're made from durable, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a short period of time, and then deflated. This lets you slide them between the door and the weather stripping without scratching or dinging the paint of your car.
For most cars, a curved wedge is preferred. The idea is to create space in which you can place the rod to reach the pin that locks your door. A coat hanger might work if it's thick enough, but 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 open the vehicle.
Most of these methods trigger the car alarm This is why it's best to avoid these methods unless you're 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 car key home or with a friend near you in case you need to gain access to your vehicle if you lock yourself out. And, of course, you should be sure to confirm that key replacement is included in your roadside assistance plan or auto insurance.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
The coat hanger trick is a classic and you've probably seen it in a film. This is a great option for older cars with manual locks. It functions like an incredibly slim jim. You will require a simple coat hanger that has pliers and a small wire.
With the pliers, untwist the coat hanger so that it has one side hooked and one straight. Place the hook in the gap between the window frame and the door frame. This will increase your chance of finding the control arm which is attached to the rod for locking. When you locate it, pull it back and the door will open.
Another method is to tie a string with a slip-knot located in the upper right corner on the driver's side of the door. Move the string in a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a giant tooth) to pull it towards the inside rod. You may need to use both hands, and it could take a few attempts however, if you are successful, the lock should be released and you will be able to unlock the door.
You can also use a strip of plastic bent into a form to fit the narrow gap between door and frame. This is a more difficult option, but it may be the only way to enter the vehicle if you cannot locate your keys.
It is a good idea to keep a spare key somewhere that you can easily locate in case of emergency. You'll need to call road assistance or a locksmith in the event that you don't. Make sure you have the key code number and your personal identification on your person so that locksmith or road assistance can assist you quickly.