3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your keys to your car may be a frustrating and stressful experience. There are some things you can do to help yourself if this happens.
Look for obvious places such as your purse or pockets. Consider purchasing a spare and storing it in a secure location. This will help to prevent theft in the future.
1. Contact the police
If you’ve lost your keys and can’t locate them, the best option is to call the police. They will be able help you more than an auto locksmith or roadside assistance. They can also inform the general public that your car keys could be missing, which will help prevent others from using keys without permission.
However, they are not capable of unlocking the door of your car unless there is an emergency situation. They do not have any tools and they don’t want to risk damaging the vehicle. If the circumstances are right, the police may be able to use a small Jim to open the car door. But, they must have a legitimate reason for doing so. If they find that the child or animal is locked in a vehicle in hot weather, they may break the window.
You should also keep a spare car key hidden in case you have to lock yourself out of your car. Some people keep them in easy-to-access places, like their home or their office. Others offer them to family members or friends members to hold onto in case of an emergency. If you have a spare, try to get it out of the way before calling the police or taking more extreme measures.
A lot of cars have proximity remotes that have an emergency key inside. If yours is one of them, you may be able to unlock the doors from a distance by using the help of a specific tool that a locksmith will possess. This tool is a flat-ended slim jim that can be used to open locks.
2. Contact a Tow Truck
Find a company who provides emergency car key replacement if you have lost your keys. You should store the contact information of these companies in your phone under “Emergency,” and spend some time researching the services they offer costs, coverage areas, charges technology, and experts.
You will be able to make an informed decision if the time comes. Whether you need an emergency locksmith or a new key, these companies can help you get back on the road with minimal hassle.
It is recommended to have two or three spare keys. Keep one at home, and give one to your partner or significant other, and keep the other in your wallet or pocket. This will help you to avoid being stranded in a secluded spot.
A spare key can prevent you from having to call roadside assistance. A new key for a standard key is usually quite affordable. However, the cost of a smart-key could be quite expensive. They are equipped with an electronic chip that allows them to control the car. They must be paired by a dealer or manufacturer. This can take several days.
To make the process as simple and easy as it can be it’s best to keep the VIN number of your vehicle handy. This number is usually on your car’s registration or, more often, on a metal plate that is located in the doorpost for the driver’s side. This information will help the emergency car key replacement cost key replacement expert determine how to go about reprograming your old key to work with the new one.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It’s best to start with a non-destructive method particularly when you have children or pets, as well as elderly people in your vehicle. That way you won’t risk needing to call 999 or incur a high bill from a professional.
One of the most efficient methods to unlock a car is to use an air pump wedge that are available in auto lockout kits, and also by locksmiths and repo professionals. The wedges are made of heavy-duty vinyl that can be inflated and deflated quickly. They can be slipped between the weather stripping and the door without worrying about scratching paint.
You can make use of a standard wedge, or a curved one is even more suitable for Emergency Car Key Replacement the majority of cars. The idea is to create a space in which you can insert the rod’s length and thickness to get to the pin locked. A coat hanger might work if it’s thick enough, but you could try a rod made from plastic or even a blood pressure cuff. The aim is to get the rod between the frame and the door so you can pull it and unlock the car.
It’s best to avoid these techniques unless you’re in an emergency. Otherwise, the police may require a more destructive tool to gain access to your vehicle to rescue pet or passengers.
Keep an extra car key at home or with a friend near you so you can gain access to your vehicle if you lock yourself out. Of course it is important to confirm that key replacement is part of your roadside assistance plan or insurance for your vehicle.
4. Try a Coathanger
The coat hanger trick is a classic one, and you’ve likely seen it in a movie. This is a good option for older vehicles that come with manual locks and works as a DIY slim jim. All you need is a thin wire coat hanger and pliers.
Untwist the coathanger with pliers to ensure that one side is snared and the other side is straight. Slide the hook into the space between the window and the door frame. This will allow you to locate the control arm that is attached to the lock rod. Once you find it, pull up and the door should be opened.
Another way is to tie a string with an elongated slip-knot on the upper right corner on the driver’s side of the door. Then, wiggle the string back and back and forth (like flossing massive teeth) to move it towards the rod of the inside lock. You may need to use both hands, and it may take several attempts however, if it’s successful, the lock should be released and you will be able to unlock the door.
You can also make use of a strip of plastic bent into a form to fit the small gap between the door and frame. This is a more challenging option however it could be the only method to get into the vehicle if you cannot find your keys.
It is a good plan to keep a spare key somewhere that you can easily locate in case of emergency. You’ll need to contact road assistance or a lock-smith if you don’t. It is recommended to carry your key code number and your personal identification in order that road assistance or a locksmith can help you promptly.