3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys could be a very frustrating experience. There are, however, some steps you can take to assist yourself in this scenario.
Look for obvious places such as your pockets or purse. Consider purchasing an extra and keeping it in a secure location. This will help you avoid theft in the future.
1. Call the Police
If you've lost your keys and are unable to find them, the most effective option is to call the police. They will be able to help you more than a locksmith or roadside assistance. They can also inform the public that your car keys could have been stolen to prevent others from using them without permission.
They are not able unlock your car's door unless it is an emergency. They do not have any tools and they don't want the vehicle damaged. In certain circumstances, police may be capable of using the slim jim to unlock the door, but they'll require a compelling reason to do this. For instance when they spot an infant or a pet locked inside the car in hot weather, they might cut the window to save a life.
You should also keep a spare car key somewhere hidden in case you lock yourself out of your vehicle. Some people keep them in easily accessible locations, such as their home or office. Some people offer them to friends or family members to keep in case 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.
A lot of cars have proximity remotes that conceal an emergency key hidden within them. If yours is one of them, you could be able to open the doors from a distance using the help of a specific tool that a locksmith will have. The tool is a flat-ended slim jim that can be used to pick locks.
2. Call towing truck
If you have lost your car keys The most important thing to do is find a company that offers emergency replacement of car keys. You should save their contact information in your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend time researching what services they provide and their costs, their coverage area, technology and experts.
You'll be able make an informed decision if the need arises. If you require an emergency locksmith or a new key, these companies can assist you in getting back to your vehicle with minimum hassle.
It is recommended to have three or more spare sets of keys. Keep one at home, and give one to your partner or significant other, and keep the other one in your purse or wallet. This will allow you to avoid being stranded in a strange place.
A spare key can make it easier to call for roadside assistance. The cost of a brand new key for a traditional key is usually very affordable, however the cost of a smart key can be quite high. These types of keys use an electronic chip that operates the vehicle, so they'll require pairing with the vehicle by a dealership or manufacturer, and this can take several days.
To make the process as simple and painless as possible it's best to have the VIN number of your vehicle handy. This can be found on the paperwork of your car or is usually stamped on a metal plate in the doorpost for the driver's side. This information will allow the technician to reprogram your old key so that it works with the new key.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's best to start with a non-destructive treatment particularly when you have children, pets, or elderly people in your vehicle. That way you won't risk having to call 999, or be charged a high amount from a professional.
Air pump wedges are available in auto lockout kits and by locksmith professionals and repo experts. They're made from tough, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a short period of time and then deflated. You can slide them between the weather stripping and the door without having to worry about scratching paint.
You can use an ordinary wedge, or a curved one is even better for most cars. The idea is to create space where you can insert an extremely thin rod to reach the pin that locks your door. A coat hanger could be a good choice if it's strong enough, but you could try a rod made from plastic or even a blood pressure cuff. The aim is to get the rod between the frame and door so you can pull it to unlock the car.
vehicle key replacement to stay clear of these methods unless you are in an emergency. If you don't, police might have to use more destructive tools to get inside your vehicle and save your passengers.
Keep a spare key at your home or with a friend to ensure that you have a chance of getting back in your car in case you lock yourself 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
You've probably seen the coat hanger trick in a film. This is an option for older cars with manual locks. It works as a slim jim. You only need a thin coat hanger, pliers, and a small wire.
Untwist the coathanger by pliers until one side is hooked, and the other is straight. Place the hook in the space between the window and the door frame. This will help you locate the control arm connected to the lock rod. Once you find it, pull it up and the door should be opened.
Another method is to tie a string using an elongated slip-knot on the upper right corner on the driver's side door. Then, you can wiggle the string back and back and forth (like flossing huge teeth) to move it towards the rod inside the lock. It may take several attempts and both hands to unlock the lock.
You can also make use of the plastic strip bent into a shape that fits the small gap between the door and frame. This is a more challenging option but it could be the only method to get into the vehicle in case you can't find your keys.
It is a good plan to keep a spare key in a place where you can easily find it in case of emergency. Otherwise, you will have to call road assistance or a locksmith. It is recommended to carry your key code number as well as personal identification with you so that road assistance or a locksmith could help you quickly.