3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys could be a very frustrating experience. There are some things you can do to help yourself if this happens.
Check obvious places like your pockets or purse. Then, think about purchasing a spare key and storing it in a secure location. This will help to prevent theft in the future.
1. Contact the police
Call the police if you are unable to locate your keys. They can help you in many ways other than a roadside assistance or locksmith. They can also inform the general public that your car keys may be missing and help stop people from using keys without permission.
They can't open the doors of your car unless there is an emergency. They don't have tools and do not want to damage the vehicle. If the circumstances are suitable the police may be able to use a small Jim to open the car's door. However, they must have a good reason to do this. For example in the event that they see an infant or a pet trapped inside the vehicle in hot weather, they might smash the window to save the life.
It's also a good idea to keep a spare key hidden somewhere in case you are locked out of your vehicle. Some people keep them in easily accessible places like their home or office. Others give them to family members or friends members to keep in case of an emergency. If you have an extra, reach out to it prior to calling the authorities or taking more drastic steps.
A lot of cars have proximity remotes that conceal an emergency key inside. If yours is one of them, you may be able to unlock the doors from a distance using an instrument that only locksmiths will possess. The tool is a small jim with a flat end that can be used to pick locks.
2. Call a tow truck
Find a company who provides emergency replacement car keys in the event that you lose your keys. It is best to save their contact numbers on your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time researching the services they offer and the charges they charge, coverage area technology, and professional.
This will help you make an informed choice when the need arises. If you require an emergency locksmith or an extra key, these companies will help you get back on the road with minimal hassle.
It is recommended to have three or more spare sets of keys. Keep one at home, then give one to your partner or significant other, and keep the other one in your wallet or pocket. This will allow you to avoid being stuck in a secluded spot.
A spare key can help you avoid needing to call roadside assistance. A new key for a conventional key is usually very affordable. However, the price of a smart key can be quite expensive. These keys utilize an electronic chip that operates the vehicle, therefore they'll need to be paired with the vehicle by a manufacturer or dealer and can take several days.
It's a good idea to make the process as simple and fast as you can and to keep the VIN number of the car in your pocket. You can find this number on the documentation 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 specialist determine the best method for reprograming your old key to work with the new one.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It's best to begin with a non-destructive method particularly if you have young children or pets, or elderly people in your car. You don't have to worry about calling the number 999 or paying a big bill for an expert.
Air pump wedges are sold in auto lockout kit and by locksmith and repo professionals. They are made of high-quality vinyl that can be deflated and inflated quickly. This lets you slide them between the door and the weather stripping, without scratching or dinging the paint of your car.
You can use wedges of any size, but a curved one is better for most cars. The idea is to create a space where you can insert the rod to reach the locked door pin. A coat hanger could work if it's thick enough, but you could also try a plastic rod or even a blood pressure cuff. The rod should be put between the door and the frame to allow you to pull it to open the vehicle.
Most of these methods trigger the car alarm and that's why it's best to avoid these methods unless you're in an emergency. If you don't, the police may have to employ more destructive tools to enter the car and save your passengers.
Keep an extra car key at home or with a person close to you to allow you to get back into your vehicle when you lock yourself out. Also, you should be sure to confirm that key replacement is included in your roadside assistance plan or insurance for your vehicle.
4. Try a Coathanger
You've likely seen the coat hanger trick in a film. This is a great option for older vehicles with manual locks and works as a DIY slim jim. All you require is a thin wire coat hanger and pliers.
Untwist the coathanger using pliers until one side is snared and the other straight. keys replacement for cars should be inserted into the gap between the window frame and the door frame. This will help you find the control arm that is attached to the lock rod. When you locate it, pull it up and the door should be opened.
Another method is to tie a string using a slip knot in the upper right corner of the driver's door. You can move the string with a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a tooth) to pull it towards the inside rod. It may take several attempts and both hands to get the lock to release.
You can also try using a plastic strip that is bent into a shape that will fit into the small gap between the door and the frame. This is a more difficult option however it could be the only method to enter the vehicle if you cannot find your keys.
It is a good plan to keep a spare key somewhere you can easily find it in case of emergency. You'll need to call road assistance or a locksmith if you don't. You should have your key code number and personal identification with you so that road assistance or a locksmith will help you promptly.