3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys could be an extremely frustrating experience. There are some things you can do to assist yourself in the event of a loss.
First, check the obvious places, like your pockets or purse. Consider purchasing a spare and storing it in a secure location. This can help prevent theft in the future.
1. Call the Police
Call the police if you cannot find 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 has possibly stolen your car keys, which will stop people from using them without permission.
However, they won't be able to unlock your car door in the event of an emergency situation. They don't have tools and they don't want to risk damaging the vehicle. In certain circumstances the police may be capable of using a slim jim to open the door, but they'll require a compelling reason for doing so. For instance in the event that they see an animal or small child trapped inside the vehicle in hot weather, they might cut the window to save the life of a person.
It's also a good idea to have a spare key hidden somewhere in case you are locked out of your car. Some people keep spare keys in areas easily accessible like their office or home. Some give them to family or friends to keep in case of emergency. If you have a spare, try to reach it before calling the police or resorting to more drastic measures.
Many cars have proximity remotes that have an emergency code that is hidden. If yours is one of them, you might be able to open the doors from a distance with a special tool that a locksmith will possess. This tool is a slim jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to pick locks.
2. Call a Tow truck
Find a company that provides emergency replacement of car keys if you lose your keys. It is recommended to save their contact details on your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend time looking into the services they offer, their charges and their coverage area. technology and experts.
You'll be able make an informed decision if the time comes. These companies can help you with the replacement of your key or an emergency one.
The best way to prevent losing your keys is to have an extra set, and when you can, have three or four sets. Keep one set at home, another with your spouse or significant other and the third in your wallet. This will ensure that you don't end up in a remote location.
A spare key could save you from needing to call roadside assistance. A new key for a conventional key is typically very affordable. However, the price of a smart-key could be quite costly. These keys use an electronic chip that allows them to operate the car. They will need to be paired by a manufacturer or dealer. This can take several days.
To make the process as fast and easy as it can be it's best to have the VIN number of your vehicle handy. This number can be found on the paperwork for your vehicle or on a metal plaque that is placed in the driver's doorpost. This information will aid the emergency key replacement specialist determine the best way to proceed with reprograming your old key to work with the new one.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It's always best to use a non-destructive approach first especially if you have young children, pets or elderly people in the vehicle. There's no need to worry about calling the number 999 or paying a big bill for an expert.
One of the easiest ways to unlock your car is to use an air pump wedge which are sold in auto lockout kits, and also by locksmiths and repo professionals. auto key replacement cost made of durable, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a short period of time, and then deflated. You can slide them between the weather stripping and the door without having to worry about scratching paint.
You can use an ordinary wedge, or a curved one is better for most cars. The idea is to create a space where you can put in the rod's length, which is thin to get to the pin locked. If the hanger for your coat is thick enough, it may work. You can also use an aluminum rod or a blood pressure cuff. The rod should be placed between the door and the frame so that you can pull it to open the vehicle.
Almost all of these methods will cause the car alarm to go off, which 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 the car and save your passengers.
Keep a spare car key home or with someone close to you so you can gain access to your vehicle if you lock yourself out. You should also check if your insurance for your vehicle or roadside assistance policy covers the replacement of keys to your car.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
You've probably seen the coat hanger trick in a movie. This is a solution for older cars with manual locks. It works like a slim jim. You only need a thin coat hanger that has pliers and a thin wire.
Untwist the coathanger by pliers until one side is hooked and the other side is straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will help you find the control arm that is attached to the lock rod. Once you've found it, pull the lever up and your door should open.
Another method is to tie a string with a slip knot in the upper right-hand corner of the driver's door. You can move the string in a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a huge tooth) to shift it toward the inside rod of the lock. You may need to use both hands, and it may take several attempts, but if it is successful, the lock should release and you can unlock the door.
You can also make use of a strip of plastic 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 method to get into the vehicle if you are unable to locate your keys.
If you have a spare key, it is a good idea to leave it somewhere where you can easily access it in case in an emergency. If you don't, you'll have to call for road assistance or a locksmith. You must have your key code number as well as personal identification with you so that road assistance or a locksmith will assist you quickly.