3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
The loss of your car keys can be an extremely frustrating experience. There are, however, some steps you can take to assist yourself in this situation.
Look for obvious places such as your pockets or purse. Next, consider purchasing a spare key and keeping it in a safe place. This can help prevent theft in the future.
1. Call the Police
Contact the police if are unable to locate your keys. They will be able help you more than a locksmith or roadside assistance. They can also inform the public that your car keys might be missing and help stop other people from using keys without permission.
They are not able unlock the doors of your car unless there is an emergency. This is because they don't have the proper tools to do it and they don't want to cause damage to the vehicle. If the circumstances are appropriate the police might be able to use a small Jim to open the car's door. But, they must have a legitimate motive to do so. If they find that a child or an animal is locked in a car in the heat, they could break the window.
You should also keep a spare car key somewhere hidden in case you have to lock yourself out of your car. Some people keep their spare keys in places accessible to them like their home or office. Some people give them to family or friends to keep in case of emergency. If you have a spare, reach out to it prior to calling the authorities or taking more drastic measures.
Many cars have proximity remotes that conceal an emergency key hidden within them. If yours is one of them, you might be able to unlock the doors from a distance by using an instrument that only a locksmith will possess. It is a slim jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to open locks.
2. Contact a Tow truck
Find a company that provides emergency replacement car keys in the event that you lose your keys. It is recommended to save their contact details in your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend some time looking into the services they offer as well as their prices, their coverage area, technology and experts.
You will be able to make an informed choice when the need arises. If you require an emergency locksmith or simply a replacement key, these companies can help you get back to your vehicle with minimum hassle.
It is advisable to have at least two or three spare keys. Keep one set at home, another with your important person, and the other in your wallet. This will allow you to avoid being stuck in a remote location.
Having car replacement key cost can also save you from calling for assistance on the road. A new key for a conventional key is usually quite affordable. However, the price of a smart-key could be quite expensive. These keys utilize an electronic chip to control the vehicle, therefore they'll need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or manufacturer which could take a few days.
It's a good idea to make the process as easy and quick as possible, to keep the VIN number of the vehicle in your pocket. This number can be found on the documents for your vehicle or on a metal plaque in the doorway of the driver. This will allow professionals to modify your old key to ensure that it works with the new key.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It is always advisable to employ a non-destructive method initially, especially if there are children, pets or elderly people in the car. So you don't run the risk of having to call 999 or pay a large bill from a professional.
One of the easiest ways to unlock your vehicle is with an air pump wedge, which are offered in auto lockout kits, and also by repo and locksmith experts. They are made of high-quality vinyl that can be deflated and inflated quickly. This lets you slide them between the door and the weather stripping without risking scratching or damaging the paint of your car.
For the majority of vehicles, a curving wedge is preferred. The idea is to create a space where you can place the long, thin rod to reach the pin that is locked. A coat hanger may be a good choice if it's strong 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 door and the frame so that you can pull it and unlock the car.
Most of these methods cause the car alarm to go off This is why it is best to stay clear of these methods unless you're in an emergency. If you don't, police could have to use more destructive tools to enter your vehicle and save your passengers.
Keep a spare car key at home or with someone close to you so you can return to your car if you lock yourself out. Of course you must be sure to confirm that key replacement is included in your roadside assistance plan or insurance for your vehicle.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
The coat hanger trick is a well-known, and you've likely seen it in a movie. This is a great option for older cars with manual locks. It works as a slim jim. All you require is a coat hanger made of wire and pliers.
With the pliers, pull off the coat hanger until it has one end hooked and one straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will increase your chance of locating the control arm which is attached to the rod for locking. Once you've located it, push the lever upwards and the door should be opened.
Another option is to tie a string using a slip-knot in the upper right corner on the driver's side of the door. Wiggle the string with a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a huge tooth) to pull it towards the inside lock rod. It may be necessary to use both hands, and it could take several attempts however, if you are successful, the lock will be released and you will be able to open the door.
You can also use the plastic strip bent into a shape to fit the narrow gap between door and frame. This is a more difficult option but it could be the only option to get in the vehicle in case you can't find your keys.
It is a good idea to keep a spare key somewhere you can easily find it in an emergency. You will need to call road assistance or a locksmith in the event that you don't. Make sure that you have the key code number as well as your personal identification on your person so that locksmith or road assistance can assist you quickly.