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 scenario.
First, check the obvious places, such as your pockets or purse. Consider buying a spare and storing 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 can't locate them, the best thing to do is call the police. They can assist you in more ways than an emergency roadside assistance or locksmith. They can also inform the general public that your car keys could have been stolen to prevent people from using them without permission.
They can't open your car's door unless it is an emergency. This is due to the fact that they don't have the right 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 slim Jim to open the car door. But they must have a valid reason to do so. If they discover that an animal or a child is locked inside a vehicle in the heat, they could 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 vehicle. Some people keep their spare keys in areas easily accessible like their home or office. Some give them to their family or friends to keep in case of an emergency. If you have a spare, you should try to locate it before calling the police or resorting to more drastic measures.
Many cars come with proximity remotes that have an emergency key hidden within them. If yours is one of them, you could be able unlock the doors from a distance using an instrument that only locksmiths will have. The tool is a slim jim that has a flat end that can be used to open locks.
2. Contact a Tow truck
If you have lost your car keys the most important thing to do is locate a company that provides emergency car key replacement. You should keep their contact details in your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend some time investigating their services as well as their prices, their coverage area, technology and experts.
You will be able to make an informed decision if the need arises. These companies can assist with a replacement or emergency key.
The best way to avoid losing your keys is to keep an extra set, and when feasible, three or four sets. Keep one set at home, one with your spouse or significant other and the third in your wallet. This will ensure that you don't find yourself stranded in a remote location.
A spare key can help you avoid calling for assistance on the road. A new key for a conventional key is usually quite affordable. However, the cost of a smart-key can be quite expensive. These keys utilize an electronic chip that operates the vehicle, therefore they'll have to be linked with the vehicle by a dealer or manufacturer, and this can take several days.
It's a good idea to make the process as easy and quick as is possible and to keep the VIN number of the car in your pocket. This number can be found on the paperwork for your vehicle or on a metal plaque in the driver's doorpost. This information will enable the technician to reprogram your old key so that it functions with the new key.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It's best to begin with a non-destructive method especially when you have children, pets, or elderly people in your car. You don't have to worry about calling 999 or paying a large bill for an expert.
Air pump wedges can be found in auto lockout kits and by locksmith and repo professionals. The wedges are made of high-quality vinyl that can be deflated and inflated quickly. This allows you to slide them between the door and the weather stripping without risking scratching or dinging the paint of your car.
You can use a standard wedge, or a curved one is even better for most cars. replacement car key cost is to create a space where you can put in the rod's length and thickness in order to get to the pin locked. If the coat hanger is strong enough, it could work. You can also use a rod made of plastic, or even a blood-pressure cuff. The rod should be put between the door and the frame to allow you to pull it to open the vehicle.
It's best to stay clear of these methods unless you have an emergency. If not, the police might require an additional tool to enter your vehicle to rescue passengers or pets.
Keep a spare car key at home or with someone close to you to allow you to return to your car when you lock yourself out. Also, you should be sure to check whether car key replacement is included in your roadside assistance plan or auto insurance.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
The coat hanger trick is a well-known, and you've probably seen it in a film. This is an option for older cars with manual locks. It works like the slim jim. All you require is a thin wire coat hanger and pliers.
With the pliers, loosen the coat hanger until it has one side hooked and one straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will give you a greater chance of finding the control arm that is connected to the lock rod. Once you've located it, pull the lever up and the door should be opened.
Another option is to tie a long string using an elongated slip knot in the upper right corner of the driver's door. Then, you can wiggle the string back and forth (like flossing giant teeth) to move it towards the rod of the inside lock. It may take a few attempts and both hands to get the lock to release.
You can also try using a plastic strip that can be bent into a form that fits into the small gap between the frame and door. This is a more difficult option, but may be your only option if you can't locate your keys.
If you have an extra key, it is recommended to store it somewhere that you can easily access in the event in an emergency. You'll need to call road assistance or a lock-smith in the event that you don't. Be sure to have the key code number as well as your personal identification on hand so that the road assistance or locksmith can help you out quickly.