3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
The loss of your car keys can be a traumatic experience. Luckily, there are some ways to help yourself in this scenario.
Check obvious places like your pockets or purse. You might want to consider purchasing an extra one and keeping it in a secure place. This can prevent future thefts.
1. Call the Police
Contact the police if you cannot locate your keys. They can help you in a variety of ways, not just locksmith or roadside assistance. They'll also be able to inform the general public that someone has possibly stolen your car keys, which could prevent others from using them without authorization.
However, they aren't capable of unlocking your car's door unless there is an emergency situation. This is because they do not have the tools needed to do this and don't want to cause damage to your vehicle. Based on the situation the police might be able to use the slim jim to unlock the door, but they will require a valid reason to do so. For example when they spot a small child or animal locked inside the car in hot weather, they might break the window to save the life of a person.
You should also keep a spare car key hidden in case you have to lock yourself out of your vehicle. Some people keep their spare keys in places that are easy to access such as their office or home. Others give them to family members or friends members to keep in the event 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.
A lot of cars have proximity remotes that conceal an emergency key inside. If yours is one of them, you may be able unlock the doors from a distance using the help of a specific tool that locksmiths will possess. car key replacement near me is a slim jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to pick locks.
2. Contact a Tow truck
If you lose your car keys, the most important thing to do is locate a company that provides emergency replacement of car 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, their charges, their coverage area, technology and experts.
This will help you make an informed choice when the need arises. Whether you need an emergency locksmith or a new key, these companies can help you get back to your vehicle with minimum hassle.
The best method to avoid losing your keys is to have an extra set and, should you be able to, if feasible, three or four sets. Keep one at home, then give one to your spouse or your significant other, and then keep the other one in your purse or wallet. This will help you to avoid being stuck in a remote location.
The possession of a spare key can save you from calling for roadside assistance. A new key for a standard key is typically very affordable. However, the price of a smart-key can be quite expensive. These types of keys use an electronic chip to operate the vehicle, so they'll require pairing with the car by a dealer or manufacturer, and this can take several days.
To make the process as quick and painless as you can, it's always best to have the VIN number of your vehicle in your possession. It's possible to find this number on the documentation for your vehicle, or engraved on a plaque made of metal in the door of the driver. This information will allow the technician to modify your old key to ensure that it works with the new key.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's best to start with a non-destructive method particularly when you have children or pets, or elderly people in your car. So you don't run the risk of needing to call 999 or be charged a high amount from an expert.
Air pump wedges are sold in the auto lockout kit as well as by locksmith professionals and repo experts. They're made from tough, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a short time before being deflated. They can be slipped between the weather stripping and the door without worrying about scratching paint.
For most cars, a curved wedge is preferred. The idea is to create space in which you can place a long, thin rod to reach the door pin locked. A coat hanger may be suitable if it's sturdy enough, but you could also try a rod made of 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 out and unlock the car.
Almost all of these methods will set off the car alarm This is why it's best to avoid these methods unless you're in an emergency. If you don't, the police could have to use more destructive tools to enter your vehicle and save your passengers.
Keep an extra car key at home or with a friend near you in case you need to get back into your vehicle if you lock yourself out. You should also check if your auto insurance or roadside assistance plan will cover car key replacement.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
You've probably seen the coat hanger trick in a movie. This is an option for older cars with manual locks. It works as an incredibly slim jim. You only need a thin coat hanger that has pliers and a thin wire.
With the pliers, untwist 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 help you locate the control arm that is connected to the lock rod. Once you've found it pull the lever up and the door should be opened.
Another way is to tie a string using a slip-knot in the upper right corner on the driver's side door. Then, you can wiggle the string back and forth (like flossing huge teeth) to move it towards the rod of the inside lock. It may take several attempts and both hands to unlock the lock.
You can also make use of the plastic strip bent into a shape to fit the gap between the door and frame. This is a more challenging option but it could be the only way to get into the vehicle in case you can't find your keys.
If you have an extra key, it is recommended to store it somewhere where you can easily access it in case of an emergency. You'll need to call road assistance or a lock-smith if you don't. You should have your key code number as well as personal identification with you so that road assistance or a locksmith will help you promptly.