3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your keys to your car may be a frustrating experience. There are a few things you can do yourself in the event of this happening to you.
Check obvious places like your pockets or purse. Then, think about purchasing a spare key and keeping it in a secure place. This will prevent any future thefts.
1. Contact the police
Contact the police if you cannot locate your keys. They will be able assist you more than an auto locksmith or roadside assistance. They can also inform the public that your car keys may have been stolen, which will help prevent others from using them without permission.
They are not able unlock your car's door unless it is an emergency. They don't have any tools and don't want the vehicle damaged. If the circumstances are suitable the police might be able to use a small Jim to open the door of the car. But, they must have a valid reason for doing this. For instance, if they see an infant or a pet locked in the car during hot weather, they might cut the window to save the life of a person.
It is also advisable to keep an extra car key hidden in case you have to lock yourself out of your vehicle. Some people keep spare keys in places easily accessible such as their home or office. Others give them to family or friends members to keep in case in the event of an emergency. If you have a spare, reach out to it before calling authorities or taking more drastic steps.
A lot of cars have proximity remotes that have an emergency key in them. You may be able to use your car, if it is one of them to open the door from a distance by using an instrument that locksmiths would possess. The tool is a flat-ended slim jim that can be used to open locks.
2. Call for a Tow Truck
Find a company who provides emergency replacement car keys in the event that you lose your keys. You should keep their contact information in your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend time researching what services they provide as well as their prices as well as their coverage areas, technology and experts.
You'll be able make an informed choice when the need arises. Whether you need an emergency locksmith or a new key, these companies will help you get back to your vehicle with minimum hassle.
It is advisable to have three or more spare keys. Keep one set at home, one with your spouse or important person, and the other in your wallet. This will ensure that you do not find yourself stranded in a remote location.
A spare key could prevent you from having to call for roadside assistance. The cost of purchasing a new key for a traditional one is usually quite affordable, but the cost of a smart one can be quite costly. These keys use an electronic chip that allows them to control the car. They will need to be paired with a manufacturer or dealer. This could take a few 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. You can find this number on the paperwork for your vehicle or stamped on a plaque made of metal in the doorway of the driver. This information will aid the emergency key replacement professional determine how to go about making your old key work with the new one.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It is best to start with a non-destructive method particularly in the case of children or pets, or elderly people in your vehicle. You don't have to worry about calling 911 or paying a huge bill for a professional.
One of the most efficient ways to unlock a car is with an air pump wedge which are sold in auto lockout kits, and also by locksmiths and repo experts. They're made of robust, heavy-duty vinyl. They are designed to be inflated for a brief time before being deflated. They can be slipped between the weather stripping and the door without worrying about scratching paint.
For the majority of cars, a curved wedge is better. The idea is to create space in which you can place the rod to reach the pin that locks your door. A coat hanger could be suitable if it's sturdy enough, but you can also try a plastic rod or even a blood pressure cuff. The aim is to get the rod between the door and the frame to allow you to pull it to unlock the car.
The majority of these methods will trigger the car alarm and that's why it's best to avoid these methods unless you're in an emergency. If not, the police might have to use an even more destructive method to get into your vehicle and save your passengers or pets.
Keep an extra car key at home or with a person close to you so you can get back into your vehicle when you lock yourself out. Also, you should be sure to confirm that key replacement is part of your roadside assistance plan or insurance for your car.
4. Try a Coathanger
You've probably seen the coat hanger trick in a film. This is a solution for older cars that have manual locks. It works like a slim jim. You'll need a small coat hanger, pliers, and a thin wire.
With the pliers, untwist the coat hanger until it has one side swung and one straight. Place the hook in the space between the window and door frame. This will help you find the control arm that is attached to the rod for locking. Once you've found it, pull the lever up and your door will open.
Another method is to tie a string using an elongated slip knot in the upper right-hand corner of the door for the driver. You can move the string in a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a giant tooth) to shift it toward the inside rod of the lock. automotive key replacement may be necessary to use both hands and it could take a few attempts however, if it's successful, the lock will let go and you should be able to unlock the door.
You could also try a strip of plastic that you bend into a shape that will fit in the small gap between the frame and door. This isn't the most ideal solution, but may be your only option if it's impossible to find your keys.
It is a good plan to keep a spare key somewhere you can find it in the event of an emergency. You'll need to contact road assistance or a locksmith if you don't. You must have your key code number and your personal identification in order that road assistance or a locksmith will help you promptly.