3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys could be a very frustrating experience. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to help yourself in this scenario.
Check obvious places like your pockets or purse. Consider purchasing an extra one and keeping it in a secure location. This can prevent future thefts.
1. Call the Police
Contact the police if you can't find your keys. They can help you in more ways than a roadside assistance or locksmith. They could also inform the public that your car keys may be missing to prevent people from using them without permission.
However, they aren't capable of unlocking the door of your car in the event of an emergency situation. This is because they do not have the tools needed to do this and aren't looking to cause damage to the vehicle. Depending on the circumstances, police may be capable of using a slim jim to open the door, but they will require a valid reason for doing so. For example when they spot an infant or a pet locked in the car during hot weather, they could break the window to save a life.
It's an excellent idea to keep an extra key in a safe place in case you're locked out of your car. Some people keep them in easy-to-access places like their home or their office. Others give them to friends or family members to hold onto in case in the event of an emergency. If you have a spare make contact with it prior to calling the authorities or taking more drastic measures.
A lot of cars come with proximity remotes that have a hidden emergency code. If yours is one of them, you may be able unlock the doors from a distance by using an instrument that only locksmiths possess. It is a thin tool with a flat edge that can be used to pick locks.
2. Call a tow truck
Find a company who provides emergency replacement of car keys if you lose your keys. It is best to save the contact information of these companies in your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time looking into their services, charges, coverage area, technology, and professionals.
This will allow you to make an informed decision when the need arises. Whether you need an emergency locksmith or simply an extra key, these companies will help you get back on the road with minimal hassle.
It is recommended to have at least two or three spare sets of keys. Keep one set at home, another with your significant other, and the other in your wallet. This will allow you to avoid being stuck in a remote location.
A spare key can also help you avoid having to call roadside assistance. A new key for a conventional key is typically very affordable. However, the cost of a smart-key could be quite costly. They are equipped with an electronic chip that allows them to control the car. They will have to be connected by a dealer or manufacturer. This could take a few days.
To make the process as simple and painless as possible it's best to keep the VIN number of your car in hand. This number can be found on the documents for your vehicle or on a metal plaque in the doorway of the driver. This information will allow professionals to modify your old key so that it can work with the new key.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It's always best to try to use a non-destructive approach first particularly if you have children, pets, or elderly people in the car. This way, you don't have the risk of having to call 999, or pay a large bill from a professional.
One of the most efficient methods to unlock a car is with an air pump wedge which are offered in auto lockout kits and also by repo and locksmith experts. These wedges are made from durable vinyl that can be deflated and inflated quickly. This lets you slide them between the door and the weather stripping without risking scratching or dinging the paint of your car.
You can make use of wedges of any size, but an angled one is more suitable for the majority of cars. The idea is to create a space in which you can put in the rod's length and thickness in order to reach the locked pin. A coat hanger could be suitable if it's sturdy enough, but you can try a rod made from plastic or even a blood pressure cuff. The rod should be put between the frame and the door to allow you to pull it to unlock the vehicle.
It's best to avoid these methods unless you are in an emergency. Otherwise, the police may need to employ a more destructive tool to enter your vehicle and rescue your passengers or pets.
Keep a spare car key at home or with a friend near you to allow you to gain access to your vehicle if you lock yourself out. It is also important to determine if your insurance for your vehicle or roadside assistance plan will cover the replacement of your car keys.
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 that have manual locks. It works as a slim jim. You'll need a small coat hanger that has pliers and a small wire.
With the pliers, untwist the coat hanger so that it has one side hooked and one straight. Slide the hook into the space between the window and the door frame. This will give you a greater chance of finding the control arm which is attached to the rod for locking. Once you've located it, lift the lever and your door should open.
Another way is to tie a string using an elongated slip-knot on the upper right corner on the driver's side door. Wiggle the string with a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a giant tooth) to shift it toward the inside rod. It could take a few attempts and both hands to unlock the lock.
You can also try using a plastic strip that is bent into a shape that will fit into the narrow gap between the door and the frame. This is a more difficult choice, but it may be the only way to get in the vehicle in case you can't find your keys.
If keys replacement have an extra key, it is a good idea to leave it somewhere that 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 must have your key code number and your personal identification in order that road assistance or a locksmith will help you quickly.