3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys can be a traumatic experience. Fortunately, there are a few actions you can take to help yourself in this situation.
First, look in the obvious locations, like your pockets or purse. Consider buying an extra and keeping it in a secure location. This will prevent any future thefts.
1. Contact the police
Contact the police if cannot find your keys. They will be able help you more than a locksmith or roadside assistance. They will also be able to inform the public that someone may have possibly stolen your car keys, which could prevent others from using keys without authorization.
car key replacement near me are not able unlock your car's door unless it is an emergency. They don't have any tools and they don't want the vehicle damaged. If the circumstances are suitable the police may be able use a slim Jim to open the car's door. However, they must have a legitimate reason for doing this. If they discover that an animal or a child is locked inside a vehicle in hot weather, they may break the window.
It is also advisable to keep a spare car key hidden in case you have to lock yourself out of your car. Some people keep them in easy-to-access places, like their home or office. Others offer them to friends or family members to keep 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 taking more extreme measures.
Many cars come with proximity remotes that have an emergency code hidden behind them. You might be able in the event that your vehicle is one of them, to unlock the door from a distance with the same tool that a locksmith would use. This tool is a slim jim that has a flat end that can be used to pick locks.
2. Contact towing truck
Find a company that provides emergency car key replacement if you have lost your keys. You should keep their contact details on your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend time investigating their services and their costs as well as their coverage areas, technology and experts.
This will allow you to make an informed choice when the need arises. No matter if you require an emergency locksmith or a new key, these companies will assist you in getting back on the road with little hassle.
It is advisable to have two or three spare keys. Keep one at home, give one to your spouse or significant other, and keep the other in your purse or wallet. This will allow you to avoid being stranded in a remote location.
A spare key can also save you from having to call roadside assistance. A new key for a standard key is usually very affordable. However, the cost of a smart-key can be quite expensive. These types of keys make use of an electronic chip to operate the vehicle, therefore they'll need to be paired with the car by a dealer or manufacturer, and this could take a few days.
To make the process as fast and painless as possible it's best to have the VIN number of your car in hand. It can be found on your car's registration or is often stamped on a metal plaque in the driver's side doorpost. This information will help the emergency car key replacement expert determine how to go about making your old key work with the new one.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It is always advisable to use a non-destructive method first especially if you have young children, pets or elderly people in the car. This way, you don't have the risk of needing to call 999 or pay a large bill from a professional.
Air pump wedges are available in auto lockout kit and by repo and locksmith professionals. They're made from durable, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a brief time before being deflated. This allows you to slip them between the door and the weather stripping without risking scratching or dinging the paint of your car.
You can make use of an ordinary wedge, or a curved one is more suitable for the majority of cars. The idea is to create space where you can insert the rod to reach the door pin locked. If the hanger for your coat is strong enough, it could be able to work. You can also use an aluminum rod or a blood pressure cuff. The aim is to get the rod between the frame and door so you can pull it and unlock the car.
The majority of these methods set off the car alarm, which is why it's best to avoid these methods unless you're in an emergency. Otherwise, the police may require an even more destructive method to enter your vehicle and save your pets or your passengers.
Keep a spare key somewhere at your home or with a friend, so that you have a chance to get back in your car in the event you lock yourself out. Of course it is important to verify that car key replacement is included in your roadside assistance plan or insurance for your vehicle.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
You've probably seen the coat hanger trick in a movie. This is a great option for older cars that come with manual locks. It works as a slim jim. All you need is a thin coat hanger made of wire and pliers.
With the pliers, untwist the coat hanger until it has one side hooked and one straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will allow you to locate the control arm that is connected to the lock rod. When you locate it, pull it back and the door should be opened.
Another option is to tie a string with a slip-knot in the upper right corner on the driver's side door. Then, move the string back and back and forth (like flossing massive teeth) to move it towards the rod of the inside lock. It may take several attempts and both hands to allow the lock to be released.
You could also consider using a strip of plastic that can be bent into a form that fits into the small gap between the door and frame. This is a more difficult option however it could be the only option to get in the vehicle if you are unable to locate your keys.
It is a good plan to keep a spare key somewhere you can find it in an emergency. You'll need to contact road assistance or a lock-smith if you don't. You must have your key code number as well as personal identification with you so that road assistance or a locksmith can assist you quickly.