3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys could be an extremely frustrating experience. There are some steps you can do to assist yourself in the event of a loss.
Make sure you check the obvious places, such as your purse or pockets. Consider purchasing a spare key and storing it in a secure location. This can prevent future thefts.
1. Call the police
Call the police if you are unable to find your keys. They can help you in more ways than an emergency roadside assistance or locksmith. They'll also be capable of informing the general public that someone has possibly stolen your car keys which could prevent others from using them without permission.
They can't open the doors of your car unless there is an emergency. This is because they don't have the proper tools to do it and aren't looking to cause damage to the vehicle. If the circumstances are right, the police may be able use a slim Jim to open the door of the car. But they must have a legitimate reason to do so. If they see that the child or animal is locked inside a vehicle in the heat, they may break the window.
It's also a good idea to have an extra key somewhere in case you get locked out of your vehicle. Some people keep them in accessible places like their home or their office. Others offer them to friends or family members to keep in the event of an emergency. If you have a spare contact it prior to calling the authorities or taking more drastic steps.
A lot of cars have proximity remotes that conceal an emergency key hidden within them. You might be able to use your car, if it is one of them, to unlock the door from a distance with the same tool that a locksmith would possess. It is a thin tool with a flat edge that can be used to pick locks.
2. Contact towing truck
Find a company who provides emergency replacement of car keys if you have lost your keys. You should keep their contact details in your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend time investigating their services, their charges, their coverage area, technology and professionals.
You'll be able to make a well-informed decision when the need arises. Whether you need an emergency locksmith or simply 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 keep an extra set and, when feasible, three or more sets. Keep one set at home, one with your spouse or important person and the third one in your wallet. This will help you to avoid being stuck in a strange place.
The possession of a spare key can help you avoid calling for assistance on the road. A new key for a standard key is usually quite affordable. However, the price of a smart-key could be quite costly. These keys utilize an electronic chip to operate the vehicle, therefore they'll require pairing with the car by a dealership or manufacturer, and this 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 can be found on your car's paperwork or is usually stamped on a metal plate in the driver's side doorpost. This information will enable the professional to modify your old key so that it can work with the new key.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's always best to try to employ a non-destructive method initially especially if you have young children, pets or elderly people in the vehicle. You don't have to worry about calling 999 or paying a large bill for an expert.
One of the easiest methods to unlock a car is to use an air pump wedge which are sold in auto lockout kits, and also by repo and locksmith professionals. They are made of robust, heavy-duty vinyl. car fob replacement near me are designed to be inflated for a short time before being deflated. This lets you slide them between the door and the weather stripping, without scratching or dinging the paint on the car.
You can make use of a standard wedge, or an angled one is better for most cars. The idea is to create space in which you can place the rod to reach the door pin locked. If the hanger for your coat is thick enough, it might be able to work. You can also use an aluminum rod or a blood pressure cuff. The goal is to get the rod between the frame and the door so that you can pull it out and unlock the car.
It's best to stay clear of these methods unless you are in an emergency. If you don't, the police might have to use more destructive tools to get inside your vehicle and save your passengers.
Have a spare key at home or with a trusted friend to ensure that you have a chance of getting back into your car in the event you get locked out. It is also important to determine if your insurance for your vehicle or roadside assistance plan covers car key replacement.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
You've probably seen the coat hanger trick in a film. This is a solution for older cars that come with manual locks. It works as the slim jim. All you require is a thin coat hanger with a wire and pliers.
Untwist the coathanger by pliers to ensure that one side is hooked, and the other straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will allow you to locate the control arm that is connected to the rod for locking. Once you find it, pull it back and the door will open.
Another option is to tie a string with a slip knot in the upper right corner of the door for the driver. Move the string with a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a giant tooth) to pull it towards the inside rod of the lock. It may be necessary to use both hands, and it could take several attempts, but if it is successful, the lock should let go and you should be able to open the door.
You can also make use of the plastic strip bent into a shape to fit the small gap between the door and frame. This is a more difficult option however it could be your only option if it's impossible to find your keys.
If you have a spare key, it is best to keep it in a place where you can easily access in case of an emergency. You will need to call road assistance or a lock-smith if you don't. It is recommended to carry your key code number and personal identification with you so that road assistance or a locksmith could help you promptly.