3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
The loss of your car keys can be a traumatic experience. There are some things you can do yourself if this happens.
Make sure you check the obvious places, such as your purse or pockets. Next, consider purchasing a spare key and storing it in a safe place. This will prevent any future thefts.
1. Contact the police
Call the police if you are unable to locate your keys. They will be able to help you more than a locksmith or roadside assistance. They could also inform the public that your car keys may be missing and help stop other people from using keys without permission.
However, they aren't able to unlock your car's door in the event of an emergency situation. They don't have tools and don't want to risk damaging the vehicle. Depending on the circumstances, police may be capable of using a slim jim to open the door, but they'll need to have a good reason to do so. For example when they spot an infant or a pet locked inside the car in hot weather, they may cut the window to save the life of a person.
It is also advisable to keep a spare car key somewhere hidden in case you have to lock yourself out of your vehicle. Some people keep them in easy-to-access locations, such as their home or office. Some give them to friends or family members to keep in case of emergencies. If you have a spare contact it before calling authorities or taking more drastic actions.
A lot of cars come with proximity remotes that come with a hidden emergency code. It is possible, if your car is one of them, to unlock the door from a distance using the same tool that a locksmith would use. The tool is a flat-ended slim jim that can be used to open locks.
2. Contact towing truck
If you have lost your car keys the most important thing to do is find a company that offers emergency car key replacement. It is best to save the contact information of these companies in your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time looking into their services costs, coverage areas, charges technology, and experts.
You will be able to make an informed decision if the need arises. No matter if you require an emergency locksmith or simply a new key, these companies will help you get back on the road with minimal hassle.
It is recommended to have three or more spare keys. Keep replacement auto key set at home, one with your spouse or significant other and the third one in your wallet. This will allow you to avoid being stuck in a secluded spot.
A spare key can save you from needing to call roadside assistance. The cost of a brand new key for a traditional key is typically very affordable, but the price of a smart one can be quite costly. These types of keys make use of an electronic chip that operates the vehicle, so they'll have to be linked with the car by a dealer or manufacturer and could take a few days.
To make the process as simple and easy as it can be, it's always best to keep the VIN number of your vehicle handy. It's possible to find this number on the paperwork for your vehicle or on a metal plaque that is placed in the door of the driver. This information will aid the emergency car key replacement expert determine how to go about making your old key work with the new one.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It is always advisable to use a non-destructive method first particularly if you have children, pets, or elderly people in the vehicle. This way, you don't have the risk of having to call 999, or pay a large bill from an expert.
Air pump wedges can be found in the auto lockout kit as well as by locksmith and repo professionals. They are made of robust, heavy-duty vinyl. They are designed to be inflated for a short time before being deflated. You can slip them between the weather stripping and the door without worrying about scratching paint.
You can use wedges of any size, but a curved one is more suitable for cars with a wide range of. The idea is to create space in which you can place a long, thin rod to reach the door pin locked. If the coat hanger is sturdy enough, it might work. You could also try an aluminum rod, or even a blood-pressure cuff. The rod should be put between the frame and the door to allow you to pull it to open the vehicle.
It is recommended to avoid these methods unless you are in an emergency. If you don't, police may have to employ more destructive tools to gain access to the car and save your passengers.
Keep a spare car key at home or with a person close to you to allow you to return to your car in the event that you are locked out. You should also check if your auto insurance or roadside assistance plan covers the replacement of your car keys.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
The coat hanger trick is a well-known, and you've likely seen it in a film. This is a great option for older vehicles with locks that are manual and functions as an easy slim jim. You only need a thin coat hanger, pliers, and a thin wire.
Untwist the coathanger with pliers so that one side is hooked, and the other side is straight. Slide replacement auto key between the window frame and the door frame. This will help you find the control arm connected to the lock rod. Once you've found it, pull it back and the door will open.
Another method is to tie a string using a slip knot at the upper right corner of the driver's door. Then, you can wiggle the string back and forth (like flossing massive teeth) to move it towards the rod inside the lock. It may be necessary to use both hands, and it could take a few attempts however, if it's successful, the lock will be released and you will be able to open the door.
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 frame. This is a harder option but it may be the only option if you can't locate your keys.
If you have an extra key, it's best to keep it somewhere that you can easily access in the event in an emergency. You will need to call road assistance or a locksmith if you don't. You must have your key code number and personal identification with you so that road assistance or a locksmith could help you quickly.