3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
The loss of keys to your car may be a stressful experience. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to help yourself in this situation.
Check obvious places like your pockets or purse. Consider buying an extra and keeping it in a secure place. This will help you avoid theft in the future.
1. Contact the police
If you've lost your keys and aren't able to locate them, the best option is to call the police. They can assist you more than a locksmith or roadside assistance. They can also inform the public that your car keys may be missing and help stop others from using keys without authorization.
They are not able unlock the door of your car unless it is an emergency. They do not have any tools and they don't want the vehicle damaged. If the circumstances are suitable the police might be able to use a small Jim to open the car door. But, they must have a valid reason for doing so. If they find that an animal or a child is locked in a vehicle in hot weather, they may break the window.
It is also advisable to keep a spare car key somewhere hidden in case you have to lock yourself out of your car. Some people keep spare keys in places that are easy to access such as their office or home. Some people offer them to friends or family members to keep in case of emergencies. If you have an extra contact it before calling authorities or taking more drastic actions.
A lot of cars have proximity remotes that conceal an emergency key in them. If yours is one of them, you might be able to unlock the doors from a distance with the help of a specific tool that a locksmith 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
Find a company that provides emergency replacement of car keys if you have lost your keys. It is best to save their contact numbers in your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time looking into their services costs, coverage areas, charges technology, and experts.
You'll be able make an informed decision if the time comes. automotive key replacement if you require an emergency locksmith or a new key, these companies can assist you in getting back on the road with minimal hassle.
It is recommended to have at least two or three spare keys. Keep one at home, and give one to your spouse or significant other, and keep the other one in your purse or wallet. This will help you avoid being stranded in a remote location.
A spare key can also help you avoid having to call for roadside assistance. A new key for a traditional key is usually quite affordable. However, the price of a smart-key can be quite expensive. They are equipped with an electronic chip that allows them to control the vehicle. They will need to be connected by a manufacturer or dealer. This 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. It can be found on your car's registration or, more often, on a metal plate in the driver's side doorpost. This information will help the emergency car key replacement specialist determine how to go about changing your old key's programming to work with the new one.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It's always best to employ a non-destructive method initially especially if you have children, pets, or elderly people in the vehicle. You won't have to risk calling 911 or paying a huge bill for a professional.
Air pump wedges are available in auto lockout kits and by locksmith and repo professionals. They're made of tough, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a short 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 the car.
You can use an ordinary wedge, or an angled one is better for most cars. The idea is to create a space so that you can place the rod's length, which is thin to reach the locked pin. If the hanger for your coat is sturdy enough, it could work. You could also try an aluminum rod or a blood pressure cuff. The goal is to get the rod between the frame and the door to allow you to pull it and unlock the car.
auto car key replacement to avoid these techniques unless you're in an emergency. If not, the police might require an even more destructive method to enter your vehicle and save your pets or your passengers.
Keep a spare car key at home or with a friend near you in case you need to return to your car in the event that you are locked out. You should also check if your auto insurance or roadside assistance plan covers the replacement of keys to your car.
4. Try a Coathanger
You've probably seen the coat hanger trick in a film. This is a great option for older cars with manual locks. It works like the slim jim. You only need a thin coat hanger with pliers and a small wire.
Untwist the coathanger with pliers so that one side is hooked and the other straight. Place the hook in the space between the window and door frame. This will help you locate the control arm that is connected to the rod for locking. Once you've found it, pull up and the door will open.
Another way is to tie a string with an elongated slip-knot on the upper right corner on the driver's side door. Then, move the string back and forward (like flossing massive teeth) to move it towards the inside lock rod. It may take a few attempts and both hands to unlock the lock.
You can also make use of a strip of plastic bent into a shape that fits the narrow gap between door and frame. This is a more difficult option, but it may be the only method to get into the vehicle in case you can't find your keys.
If you have an extra key, it is recommended to store it in a place where you are able to access it in the event in an 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 can help you promptly.