3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys can be a very frustrating experience. Luckily, there are some ways to assist yourself in this circumstance.
Look for obvious places such as your pockets or purse. Then, think about buying an extra key and keeping it in a secure location. This can prevent future thefts.
1. Contact the police
If you've lost your keys and can't find them, the most effective option is to call the police. They can assist you in a variety of ways, not just a roadside assistance or locksmith. They can also inform the general public that your car keys may have been stolen, which will help prevent other people from using keys without authorization.
However, they won't be capable of unlocking your car's door unless it is an emergency situation. This is because they don't have the right tools to do this and aren't looking to cause damage to the vehicle. If the circumstances are suitable the police might be able to use a small Jim to open the car's door. But they must have a valid motive to do so. For instance, if they see an animal or small child locked in the car during hot weather, they might smash the window to save the life of a person.
It's also a good idea to keep an extra key somewhere in case you're locked out of your car. Some people keep them in accessible places, like their home or their office. Others lend them to friends or family members to keep in case of an emergency. If you have a spare, you should try to get it out of the way before calling the police or taking more extreme measures.
replacement for key fob 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 by using a special tool that locksmiths will possess. The tool is a flat-ended slim jim that can be used to open locks.
2. Call a Tow truck
If you have lost your car keys, the most important thing to do is find a company that offers emergency replacement of car keys. It is best to save the contact information of these companies in your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time researching the services they offer, charges, coverage area technology, and experts.
You'll be able to make an informed choice when the need arises. If you require an emergency locksmith or a replacement key, these companies can help you get back to your vehicle with minimum hassle.
It is advisable to have three or more spare keys. Keep one at home, give one to your partner or significant other, and keep the other in your purse or wallet. This will ensure that you do not end up in a foreign location.
A spare key can save you from calling for assistance on the road. The cost of purchasing a new key for a traditional one is usually quite affordable, but the price of a smart key can be quite high. These types of keys use an electronic chip that operates the vehicle, so they'll have to be linked with the vehicle by a manufacturer or dealer, and this could take a few days.
To make the process as quick and easy as it can be it's recommended to have the VIN number of your vehicle in your possession. This number is usually on the paperwork of your car or is often stamped on a metal plaque in the driver's side doorpost. This information will enable the technician to modify your old key to ensure that it functions with the new key.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It is always advisable to use a non-destructive approach first particularly if you have young children, pets or elderly people in the vehicle. You won't have to risk calling the number 999 or paying a big bill for an expert.
One of the simplest ways to unlock your car is with an air pump wedge which are offered in auto lockout kits, and also by locksmiths and repo experts. They 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 scratching or dinging the paint of your car.
For the majority of vehicles, a curving wedge is preferred. The idea is to create space for you to insert the rod to reach the door pin locked. A coat hanger could work if it's thick enough, but you could also try a plastic rod or even a blood pressure cuff. The goal is to place the rod between the frame and door to allow you to pull it to unlock the car.
The majority of these methods will set off the car alarm, which is why it's best to avoid them unless there's an emergency. If not, the police might require an even more destructive method to enter your vehicle and rescue your pet or passengers.
Keep an extra car key at home or with a person close to you in case you need to return to your car when you lock yourself out. You should also check if your auto insurance or roadside assistance plan covers the replacement of your car keys.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
The coat hanger trick is a classic, and you've probably seen it in a movie. This is a good option for older vehicles that have manual locks and functions as an easy slim jim. You will require a simple coat hanger with pliers and a wire.
Untwist the coathanger using pliers so that one side is hooked and the other side is straight. Place the hook in the gap between the window and door frame. This will increase your chance of locating the control arm that's connected to the rod for locking. Once you find it, pull it up and the door will open.
Another method is to tie a string using a slip-knot in the upper right corner on the driver's side 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 you are successful, the lock should let go and you should be able to open the door.
You can also try using a plastic strip that you bend into a shape that will fit into the gap between the door and the frame. This is a harder option, but may be your only option if it's impossible to find your keys.
If you have a spare key, it is best to keep it somewhere that you are able to access it in case of an emergency. Otherwise, you will have to call road assistance or a locksmith. Be sure to have the key code number as well as your personal identification in your person so that locksmith or road assistance will be able to assist you in a timely manner.