3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
The loss of your car keys can be a very frustrating experience. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to help yourself in this scenario.
The first step is to check the obvious locations, like your pockets or purse. Consider buying an extra key and keeping it in a secure location. This will help you avoid theft in the future.
1. Contact the police
Contact the police if you cannot locate your keys. They can help you more than a locksmith or roadside assistance. They can also inform the public that your car keys may have been stolen, which will help prevent other people from using keys without authorization.
However, they are not able to unlock your car's door unless there is an emergency situation. They don't have tools and they don't want the vehicle damaged. If the circumstances are right, the police may be able to use a slim Jim to open the car's door. But, they must have a legitimate reason to do so. For instance in the event that they see an infant or a pet locked inside the car in hot weather, they might cut the window to save a life.
It's an excellent idea to have an extra key somewhere in case you're locked out of your car. Some people keep them in accessible places like their home or their office. Some people give them to friends or family members to keep in case of an emergency. If you have a spare make contact with it before calling authorities or taking more drastic measures.
Many cars have proximity remotes with an emergency code hidden behind them. If yours is one of them, you might be able unlock the doors from a distance by using the help of a specific tool that a locksmith will have. It is a thin jim with a flat end that can be used to pick a lock.
2. Contact for a Tow Truck
If you lose your car keys the most important thing you can do is locate a business that provides emergency replacement of car keys. You should store their contact numbers on your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time looking into their services costs, coverage areas, charges technology, and experts.
You'll be able to make a well-informed decision when the need arises. These companies can assist you with a replacement or emergency key.
It is best to have at least two or three spare sets of keys. Keep one at home, then give one to your spouse or your significant other, and then keep the other in your wallet or pocket. This will ensure that you don't find yourself stranded in an unfamiliar place.
A spare key can also help you avoid needing to call roadside assistance. The cost of purchasing a new key for a traditional key is usually quite affordable, however the cost of a smart key can be quite high. They are equipped with an electronic chip that allows them to control the car. They will have to be paired by a dealer or manufacturer. This can take several days.
It's a good idea, to make the process as easy and quick as possible and to keep the VIN number of the car in your pocket. You can find this number on the documentation for your vehicle, or engraved on a metal plaque in the door of the driver. This information will aid the emergency key replacement professional determine the best method for changing your old key's programming to work with the new one.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's always best to try to employ a non-destructive method initially, especially if there are children, pets or elderly people in the vehicle. You don't have to worry about calling 911 or paying a huge bill for a professional.
Air pump wedges are available in auto lockout kits and by locksmith professionals and repo experts. automotive key replacement made of durable, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a brief time before being deflated. This allows you to slide them between the door and the weather stripping, without scratching or damaging the paint on the car.
For most cars, a curved wedge is preferred. The idea is to create a space in which you can place the rod's length, which is thin to get to the pin locked. If the coat hanger is strong enough, it might 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 to allow you to pull it out and unlock the car.
It's best to stay clear of these techniques unless you're in an emergency. In the event of an emergency, police may require an additional tool to gain access to your vehicle to rescue pets or your passengers.
Keep a spare key somewhere at home or with a close friend, so that you have a chance of getting back into your car in the event you get locked out. It is also important to determine if your insurance for your vehicle or roadside assistance plan will cover the replacement of your car keys.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
You've likely seen the coat hanger trick in a film. This is a great option for older vehicles with locks that are manual and works as a DIY slim jim. You only need a thin coat hanger, pliers, and a wire.
Untwist the coathanger by pliers until one side is hooked and the other straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will help you find the control arm that is attached to the lock rod. Once you've found it push the lever upwards and your door should open.
Another way is to tie a string using a slip-knot in the upper right corner of the driver's side door. Then, wiggle the string back and back and forth (like flossing huge teeth) to move it towards the inside lock rod. It may be necessary to use both hands and it may take several attempts, but if it is successful, the lock will release and you can open the door.
You could also consider using a strip of plastic that is bent into a shape that fits into the small gap between the frame and door. This is a more difficult option however it could be the only method to enter the vehicle in case you can't find your keys.
It is a good idea to keep a spare key somewhere that you can easily locate in the event of an emergency. Otherwise, you will have to call for road assistance or a locksmith. Make sure that you have the key code number as well as your personal identification in hand so that the road assistance or locksmith can assist you quickly.