3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your keys to your car may be a stressful experience. There are, however, some actions you can take to help yourself in this scenario.
Check obvious places like your purse or pockets. Consider purchasing an extra one and keeping it in a secure location. This can prevent future thefts.
1. Call the Police
Contact the police if can't find your keys. They will be able to assist you more than a locksmith or roadside assistance. They will also be able to inform the public that someone may have possibly taken your car keys, which will stop people from using keys without authorization.
They're not able to unlock the door of your car unless it is an emergency. They don't have tools and they do not want to damage the vehicle. If the circumstances are suitable the police might be able use a slim Jim to open the door of the car. But they must have a good reason to do so. If they discover that the child or animal is locked in a car in the heat, they could break the window.
You should also keep an extra car key hidden in case you need to lock yourself out of your car. Some people keep their spare keys in places accessible to them such as their home or office. Some people offer them to friends or family members to keep in case of emergency. If you have a spare make contact with it before calling the authorities or taking more drastic measures.
Many cars have proximity remotes that come with an emergency code hidden behind them. It is possible in the event that your vehicle is one of them, to unlock the door from a distance using a special tool a locksmith might have. This tool is a slim jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to pick a lock.
2. Contact for a Tow Truck
Find a business that offers emergency car key replacement if you lose your keys. You should store their contact numbers in your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time looking into their services, charges, coverage area technology, and professional.
You'll be able to make an informed decision if the time comes. These companies can help you with the replacement of your key or an emergency one.
It is recommended to have at least two or three spare keys. Keep car key replacements at home, give one to your spouse or your significant other, and keep the other one in your wallet or pocket. This will ensure that you don't be stuck in an unfamiliar place.
Having a spare can also make it easier to call for roadside assistance. The cost of a new key for a traditional one is usually quite affordable, however the cost of a smart key could be quite high. These types of keys use an electronic chip to control the vehicle, therefore they'll require pairing with the car by a manufacturer or dealer which could take a few days.
To make the process as simple and painless as possible it's a good idea to have the VIN number of your vehicle in your possession. This number can be found on the documents for your vehicle or engraved on a metal plaque in the door of the driver. This information will allow the technician to modify your old key to ensure that it works with the new key.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's best to start with a non-destructive treatment particularly when you have children or pets, or elderly people in your car. You won't have to risk calling 999 or paying a large bill for an expert.
Air pump wedges are available in the auto lockout kit as well as by repo and locksmith professionals. They are made of durable, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a brief period of time and then deflated. You can slide them between the weather stripping and the door without having to worry about scratching paint.
For most cars, a curved wedge is preferred. The idea is to create space where you can insert the rod to reach the locked door pin. A coat hanger might be suitable if it's sturdy enough, but you can try a rod made from plastic or even a blood pressure cuff. The goal is to place the rod between the frame and door so you can pull it out and unlock the car.
It is best to stay clear of these methods unless you have an emergency. If not, the police might have to use a more destructive tool to get into your vehicle and rescue your pet or passengers.
Keep a spare car key at home or with someone close to you in case you need to gain access to your vehicle if you lock yourself out. You should also check if your auto insurance or roadside assistance policy covers the replacement of keys to your car.
4. Try a Coathanger
The coat hanger trick is a well-known and you've probably seen it in a film. This is a solution for older cars that come with manual locks. It works like a slim jim. You'll need a small coat hanger that has pliers and a thin wire.
With the pliers, loosen the coat hanger until it has one side hooked and one straight. Slide the hook into the gap between the window frame and door frame. This will help you locate the control arm that is attached to the rod that locks. Once you've found it, pull the lever up and the door should be opened.
Another method is to tie a long string using a slip knot at the upper right-hand corner of the driver's door. Wiggle the string with a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a giant tooth) to move it towards the inside lock rod. It may take a few attempts and both hands to allow the lock to be released.
You could also try a strip of plastic that you bend into a shape that will fit into the gap between the door and the frame. This is a more difficult option but it may be the only option if it's impossible to locate your keys.
It is a good plan to keep a spare key in a place where that you can easily locate in an emergency. In the event of an emergency, you'll need to call for road assistance or a locksmith. Make sure that you have the key code number and your personal identification in hand so that the locksmith or road assistance will be able to assist you quickly.