3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys could be an extremely frustrating experience. There are some steps you can do to help yourself in the event of this happening to you.
Look for obvious places such as your purse or pockets. Then, think about purchasing an extra key and keeping it in a safe place. This can prevent future thefts.
1. Contact the police
Contact the police if you cannot find your keys. They will be able assist you more than a locksmith or roadside assistance. They'll also be able to inform the general public that someone has possibly stolen your car keys which will stop people from using keys without authorization.
They're not able to unlock the doors of your car unless there is an emergency. They don't have any tools and they do not want to damage the vehicle. If the circumstances are right the police might be able to use a slim Jim to open the door of the car. However they must have a good motive to do so. For example, if they see a small child or animal locked inside the car in hot weather, they could break 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 their spare keys in places easily accessible, such as their office or home. Some people offer them to friends or family members to keep in case of an emergency. If you have a spare, try to locate it before calling the police or taking more extreme measures.
Many cars come with proximity remotes that have an emergency key in them. If yours is one of them, you could be able to unlock the doors from a distance by using the help of a specific tool that locksmiths will possess. The tool is a small jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to pick a lock.
2. Call a Tow truck
If you lose your car keys the first thing to do is find a company that can provide an emergency car key replacement. It is recommended to keep 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 allow you to make an informed choice when the situation arises. No matter if you require an emergency locksmith or an extra key, these companies will help you get back on the road with little hassle.
The best way to prevent losing your keys is to have an extra set and, if you can, have three or four sets. Keep one at home, and give one to your spouse or significant other, and keep the other in your purse or wallet. This will help you avoid being stuck in a remote location.
The possession of a spare key can help you avoid calling for roadside assistance. The cost of a brand new key for a traditional key is usually quite affordable, but the cost of a smart one can be quite costly. These types of keys use an electronic chip that operates the vehicle, therefore they'll have to be linked with the car by a manufacturer or dealer which can take several days.
It's a good idea to make the process as easy and fast as you can you keep the VIN number of the car in your pocket. This number can be found on the documents for your vehicle or on a plaque made of metal in the doorway of the driver. This information will aid the emergency car key replacement specialist determine the best way to proceed with changing your old key's programming to work with the new one.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It's always best to try to use a non-destructive method first particularly if you have children, pets, or elderly people in the 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 kits and by locksmith professionals and repo experts. They're made from durable, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a brief period of time, and then deflated. This allows you to slide them between the door and the weather stripping without scratching or damaging the paint of your car.
You can make use of wedges of any size, but an angled one is more suitable for the majority of cars. The idea is to create a space where you can insert the long, thin rod to reach the locked pin. If the coat hanger is thick enough, it could work. You could also try a plastic rod or a blood pressure cuff. The rod should be placed between the frame and the door to allow you to pull it to unlock the vehicle.
key replacement car is best to stay clear of these techniques unless you're in an emergency. If you don't, the police might have to use more destructive tools to enter your car and rescue your passengers.
Keep an extra car key at home or with a friend near you to allow you to get back into your vehicle if you lock yourself out. You should also check if your insurance for your vehicle or roadside assistance plan covers car key replacement.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
You've likely seen the coat hanger trick in a movie. This is a good option for older vehicles that have locks that are manually operated, and it works like an easy slim jim. You'll need a small coat hanger with pliers and a small wire.
Untwist the coathanger with pliers until one side is hooked, and the other is straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will help you locate the control arm connected to the lock rod. Once you've found it lift the lever and your door will open.
Another way is to tie a string using a slip-knot in the upper right corner on the driver's side door. Then, move the string 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 get the lock to release.
You can also make use of a strip of plastic bent into a shape to fit the gap between the door and frame. This is a harder option however it could be your only option if you are unable to locate your keys.
If you have a spare key, it's best to keep it in a place where you can easily access it in case in an emergency. You'll need to call road assistance or a lock-smith if you don't. Be sure to have the key code number and your personal identification on hand so that the road assistance or locksmith can assist you quickly.