3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your keys to your car could be a stressful experience. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to help yourself in this scenario.
Look for obvious places such as your pockets or purse. Consider purchasing a spare and storing it in a secure place. This will prevent any future thefts.
1. Contact the police
If you've lost your keys and are unable to find them, the best thing to do is call the police. They can help you more than an auto locksmith or roadside assistance. They will also be capable of informing the public that someone has possibly stolen your car keys which can help prevent people from using keys without authorization.
However, they won't be capable of unlocking the door of your car unless it is an emergency situation. They do not have any tools and don't want to risk damaging the vehicle. 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 motive to do so. If they see that an animal or a child is locked in a car during hot weather, then they may break the window.
It is also advisable to keep a spare car key somewhere hidden in case you need to lock yourself out of your car. Some people keep them in easily accessible locations, such as their home or office. Others offer them to friends or family members to hold onto in the event of an emergency. If you have a spare, you should try to reach it before calling the police or resorting to more drastic measures.
A lot of cars come with proximity remotes that have an emergency code hidden behind them. If yours is one of them, you could be able to open the doors from a distance using an instrument that only a locksmith will possess. Visit Webpage is a slim jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to open locks.
2. Call a Tow truck
If you have lost your car keys, the most important thing you can do is locate a company that provides emergency car key replacement. It is recommended to keep their contact numbers in your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time studying their offerings, charges, coverage area technology, and experts.
You'll be able make a well-informed decision when the time comes. If you require an emergency locksmith or a new key, these companies can help you get back on the road with minimal hassle.
The best way to avoid losing your keys is to keep an extra set and, when you can, have three or four sets. Keep one at home, give one to your partner or your significant other, and then keep the other one in your purse or wallet. This will ensure that you do not be stuck in an unfamiliar place.
The possession of a spare key can make it easier to call for assistance on the road. The cost of a new key for a traditional one is typically very affordable, however the cost of a smart one can be quite high. These keys utilize an electronic chip that operates the vehicle, which means they'll need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealership or manufacturer and can take several days.
To make the process as fast and painless as you can, it's always a good idea to keep the VIN number of your vehicle handy. This number is usually on the paperwork of your car or is usually stamped on a metal plate that is located in the doorpost for the driver's side. This will allow professionals to modify your old key to ensure that it works with the new key.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It is best to start with a non-destructive solution, especially when you have children or pets, as well as elderly people in your vehicle. There's no need to worry about calling the number 999 or paying a big bill for an expert.
Air pump wedges are available in auto lockout kits and by repo and locksmith professionals. They're made from tough, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a brief period of time and then deflated. This lets you slide them between the door and the weather stripping, without scratching or dinging the paint of your car.
For the majority of vehicles, a curving wedge is more suitable. The idea is to create space where you can insert an extremely thin rod to reach the door pin locked. If the coat hanger is sturdy enough, it could work. You could also try a plastic rod or a blood pressure cuff. The rod should be put between the frame and the door so that you can pull it to unlock the vehicle.
Most of these methods cause the car alarm to go off, which is why it's best to avoid these methods unless you're in an emergency. If you don't, police might have to use more destructive tools to enter your car and rescue your passengers.
Have a spare key at your home or with a friend in order to have a chance of getting back in your car in case you lock yourself out. Of course it is important to verify that car key replacement is part of your roadside assistance plan or auto insurance.
4. Try a Coathanger
You've likely seen the coat hanger trick in a film. This is a great option for older cars that have manual locks. It works as an incredibly slim jim. You only need a thin coat hanger that has pliers and a small wire.
Untwist the coathanger with pliers to ensure that one side is hooked, and the other is straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will give you a greater chance of finding the control arm which is attached to the rod for locking. Once you've located it, lift the lever 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 door for the driver. Wiggle the string in a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a tooth) to move it towards the inside rod of the lock. It may take a few attempts and both hands to unlock the lock.
You could also consider using a plastic strip that can be bent into a form that will fit into the narrow gap between the door and frame. This is a more difficult option but it could be the only method to enter the vehicle if you are unable to locate your keys.
If you have an extra key, it's a good idea to leave it in a place where you are able to access it in case of an emergency. You will need to call road assistance or a lock-smith if you don't. You should have your key code number and your personal identification in order that road assistance or a locksmith can help you promptly.