3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys can be a very frustrating experience. There are some things you can do yourself in the event of a loss.
First, look in the obvious locations, like your purse or pockets. Next, consider purchasing a spare key and keeping it in a secure place. This will help prevent thefts in the future.
1. Call the police
Call the police if you are unable to locate your keys. They will be able to help you more than an auto locksmith or roadside assistance. They will also be able to inform the public that someone may have possibly taken your car keys, which will stop people from using keys without authorization.
They're not able to unlock the doors of your car unless there is an emergency. They do not have any tools and they don't want the vehicle damaged. Based on the situation the police might be capable of using a slim jim to open the door, but they will require a compelling reason to do this. If they discover that a child or an animal is locked inside a vehicle in hot weather, they may break the window.
It is also advisable to keep a spare car key somewhere hidden in case you need 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 make contact with it before calling the authorities or taking more drastic steps.
Many cars come with proximity remotes with a hidden emergency key in them. If yours is one of them, you could be able unlock the doors from a distance by using an instrument that only locksmiths will possess. The tool is a small jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to pick locks.
2. Call a Tow Truck
If you lose your car keys the most important thing you can do is locate a business that provides emergency replacement of car keys. You should store the contact information of these companies in your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time studying their offerings, charges, coverage area technology, and experts.
You'll be able make an informed choice when the time comes. These companies can assist you with a replacement or emergency key.
The best method to avoid losing your keys is to keep an extra set and, should you be able to, if feasible, three or four sets. Keep one at home, then give one to your partner or significant other, and keep the other one in your purse or wallet. This will help you to avoid being stranded in a secluded spot.
A spare key could save you from having to call for roadside assistance. The cost of purchasing a new key for a traditional key 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 need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or manufacturer and can take several days.
It's a good idea to make the process as simple and quick as possible and to keep the VIN number of the vehicle in your pocket. It's possible to find this number on the documents for your vehicle or stamped on a metal plaque in the driver's doorpost. This information will allow the technician to modify your old key so that it functions with the new key.
3. Try auto car key replacement is always advisable to use a non-destructive approach first particularly if you have children, pets, or elderly people in the vehicle. So you don't run the risk of needing to call 999 or pay a large bill from a professional.
One of the most efficient ways to unlock a vehicle is with an air pump wedge, which are sold in auto lockout kits and also by locksmiths and repo professionals. They're made of tough, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a brief period of time, and then deflated. They can be slipped between the weather stripping and the door without having to worry about scratching the paint.
For most cars, a curved wedge is more suitable. The idea is to create a space in which you can insert the long, thin rod in order to reach the locked pin. A coat hanger might be a good choice if it's strong enough, but you can also try a plastic rod or even a blood pressure cuff. The rod should be placed between the frame and the door so that you can pull it to unlock the vehicle.
Most of these methods will trigger the car alarm, which is why it is best to stay clear of them unless there's an emergency. If you don't, the police might have to use more destructive tools to gain access to your car and rescue your passengers.
Keep a spare key somewhere at your home or with a friend in order to have a chance to get back into your vehicle in the event that 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
The coat hanger trick is a classic and you've likely seen it in a film. This is a good option for older vehicles that come with locks that are manually operated and functions as an easy slim jim. All you need is a thin coat hanger with a wire and pliers.
With the pliers, pull off the coat hanger so that 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 connected to the rod that locks. Once you find it, pull up and the door should open.
Another option is to tie a string using a slip-knot located in the upper right corner on the driver's side door. Move the string with a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a tooth) to move it towards the inside rod of the lock. It could 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 gap between the frame and door. This is a more difficult choice but it could be the only option to enter the vehicle if you are unable to find your keys.
If you have a spare key, it's recommended to store it somewhere that you can easily access in the event in 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 hand so that the road assistance or locksmith can assist you quickly.
