3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
The loss of your car keys can be a very frustrating experience. Fortunately, there are a few actions you can take to help yourself in this scenario.
Make sure you check the obvious places, such as your purse or pockets. You might want to consider purchasing an extra and keeping it in a secure location. This will help you avoid theft in the future.
1. Contact the police
If you've lost your keys and can't find them, the most effective thing to do is call the police. They can assist you more than an auto locksmith or roadside assistance. They could also inform the public that your car keys could have been stolen to prevent people from using them without permission.
They are not able unlock the doors of your car unless there is an emergency. They do not have any tools and they do not want to damage the vehicle. If the circumstances are right the police may be able to use a slim Jim to open the car's door. But they must have a valid motive to do so. If they see that the child or animal is locked in a vehicle in the heat, they could break the window.
It's an excellent idea to have an extra key in a safe place in case you're locked out of your vehicle. Some people keep their spare keys in areas accessible to them like their office or home. Others offer them to friends or family members to keep in case in the event of an emergency. If you have an extra make contact with it before calling authorities or taking more drastic steps.
Many cars have proximity remotes with a hidden emergency key inside. If auto key replacement cost is one of them, you might be able to open the doors from a distance using an instrument that only a locksmith will have. This tool is a slim jim with a flat end that can be used to pick a lock.
2. Contact a Tow truck
If you have lost your car keys The first thing to do is locate a business that can provide an emergency replacement of car keys. You should store 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.
You'll be able to make a well-informed decision when the time comes. These companies can assist you with a replacement or emergency key.
It is advisable to have three or more spare sets of keys. Keep one at home, then give one to your spouse or your significant other, and then keep the other one in your wallet or pocket. This will help you avoid being stuck in a remote location.
A spare key can also prevent you from having to call for roadside assistance. The cost of a new key for a traditional one is usually quite affordable, however the cost of a smart one can be quite expensive. They are equipped with an electronic chip that allows them to control the vehicle. They will have to be connected by a manufacturer or dealer. This could take a few days.
To make the process as fast and easy as it can be, it's always best to have the VIN number of your vehicle in your possession. You can find this number on the documentation for your vehicle, or stamped on a plaque made of metal in the doorway of the driver. This information will enable the professional to modify your old key so that it works with the new key.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It's best to start with a non-destructive method particularly when you have children or pets, as well as elderly people in your car. So you don't run the risk of needing to call 999 or incur a high bill from an expert.
One of the easiest ways to unlock your vehicle is with an air pump wedge, which are sold in auto lockout kits, and also by repo and locksmith professionals. They are made of robust, heavy-duty vinyl. They are designed to be inflated for a short time before being deflated. This allows you to slip them between the door and the weather stripping, without scratching or damaging the paint of the car.
For most cars, a curved wedge is more suitable. The idea is to create space for you to insert an extremely thin rod to reach the pin that locks your door. If the hanger for your coat is sturdy enough, it may be able to work. You can also use a rod made of plastic or a blood pressure cuff. The goal is to get the rod between the frame and the door so you can pull it out and unlock the car.
It is best to avoid these methods unless you are in an emergency. Otherwise, the police may need to employ an additional tool to get into your vehicle and rescue your pets or your passengers.
Have a spare key at home or with a close friend in order to have a chance to get back in your car in the event you are locked out. Of course it is important to check whether car key replacement is included in your roadside assistance plan or auto insurance.
4. Try a Coathanger
The coat hanger trick is a classic one, and you've probably seen it in a film. This is a great option for older vehicles with manual locks and functions as a DIY slim jim. All you need is a thin wire coat hanger and pliers.
Untwist the coathanger with pliers to ensure that one side is hooked, and the other is straight. The hook should be inserted into the space between the window and door frame. This will allow you to locate the control arm that is attached to the rod for locking. Once you've located it, lift the lever and your door should open.
Another way is to tie a string with a slip-knot located in the upper right corner on the driver's side of the door. Then, wiggle the string back and back and forth (like flossing massive 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 plastic strip that can be bent into a form that will fit in the gap between the door and the frame. This isn't the most ideal solution however it could be your only option if it's impossible to find your keys.
If you have an extra key, it's a good idea to leave it in a place where you are able to access it in the event of an emergency. You'll need to contact road assistance or a lock-smith if you don't. Be sure to have the key code number as well as your personal identification on to ensure that the locksmith or road assistance can help you out quickly.