3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys could be a very frustrating experience. There are some things you can do to assist yourself in the event of a loss.
First, check the obvious locations, like your purse or pockets. Next, consider purchasing a spare key and storing it in a safe place. This can prevent future thefts.
1. Call the police
Contact the police if can't find your keys. They can assist you in many ways other than an emergency roadside assistance or locksmith. They could also inform the public that your car keys could be missing to prevent others from using them without permission.
They are not able unlock the door of your car unless it is an emergency. This is because they do not have the right tools to do it and aren't looking to cause damage to the vehicle. If the circumstances are suitable the police might be able to use a slim Jim to open the car door. However, cost of car key replacement must have a valid reason to do so. If they discover that an animal or a child is locked in a vehicle in hot weather, they may break the window.
You should also keep a spare car key hidden in case you lock yourself out of your vehicle. Some people keep their spare keys in places easily accessible, such as their office or home. Some people give them to friends or family members to keep in case of emergencies. 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 come with proximity remotes with an emergency code hidden behind them. If yours is one of them, you may be able unlock the doors from a distance using the help of a specific tool that a locksmith will possess. The tool is a small jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to pick a lock.
2. Call towing truck
If you lose your car keys the most important thing you can do is locate a business that can provide an emergency car key replacement. You should save their contact information in your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend time looking into the services they offer, their charges as well as their coverage areas, technology and experts.
You will be able to make an informed choice when the need arises. Whether you need an emergency locksmith or simply a new key, these companies can help you get back on the road with little hassle.
The best way to prevent losing your keys is to have an extra set and, when feasible, three or more sets. Keep one at home, then give one to your partner or your significant other, and then keep the other one in your purse or wallet. This will allow you to avoid being stranded in a secluded spot.
The possession of a spare key can save you from calling for assistance on the road. The cost of a new key for a traditional key is usually quite affordable, however the cost of a smart key can be quite costly. These types of keys make use of an electronic chip to operate the vehicle, so they'll have to be linked with the car by a manufacturer or dealer, and this could take a few days.
It's a good idea to make the process as simple and quick as is possible, to keep the VIN number of the vehicle in your pocket. It can be found on your car's paperwork or, more often, on a metal plate that is located in the doorpost for the driver's side. This information will assist the emergency car key replacement expert determine how to go about making your old key work with the new one.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's best to begin with a non-destructive solution especially when you have children or pets, as well as elderly people in your car. So you don't run the risk of having to call 999, or be charged a high amount from an expert.
One of the easiest ways to unlock a car is to use an air pump wedge which are offered in auto lockout kits, and also by repo and locksmith professionals. They're made of robust, heavy-duty vinyl. They are designed to be inflated for a short period of time and then deflated. They can be slipped between the weather stripping and the door without having to worry about scratching paint.
You can make use of a standard wedge, or a curved one is even better for most cars. The idea is to create a space in which you can insert the rod's length, which is thin in order to reach the locked pin. If the hanger for your coat is sturdy enough, it could be able to work. You could also try a plastic rod, or even a blood-pressure cuff. The goal is to place the rod between the door and the frame so that you can pull it and unlock the car.
Most of these methods set off the car alarm and that's why it's recommended to avoid them unless there is an emergency. Otherwise, the police may require a more destructive tool to get into your vehicle and rescue your pets or your passengers.
Keep a spare car key at home or with someone close to you to allow you to return to your car when you lock yourself out. You should also check if your insurance for your vehicle or roadside assistance plan covers the replacement of your car keys.
4. Try a Coathanger
You've probably seen the coat hanger trick in a film. This is a great solution for older vehicles that come with locks that are manually operated and works as a DIY slim jim. All you require is a wire coat hanger and pliers.
Untwist the coathanger using pliers until one side is hooked and the other is straight. The hook should be inserted into the gap between the window and door frame. This will increase your chance of locating the control arm which is attached to the rod for locking. Once you've found it, lift the lever and your door should open.
Another option is to tie a string with a slip knot in the upper right-hand corner of the door for the driver. You can move the string in a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a giant tooth) to shift it toward the inside lock rod. It may be necessary to use both hands and it could take a few attempts however, if it's successful, the lock will release and you can open the door.
You could also try a plastic strip that is bent into a shape that fits into the narrow gap between the frame and door. This isn't the most ideal solution however it could be your only option if you can't find your keys.
If you have a spare key, it is a good idea to leave it somewhere where you are able to access it in case of an emergency. In the event of an emergency, you'll need to call for road assistance or a locksmith. It is recommended to carry your key code number as well as your personal identification in order that road assistance or a locksmith can help you quickly.