3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
The loss of your car keys can be a very frustrating experience. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to help yourself in this circumstance.
The first step is to check the obvious places, such as your pockets or purse. Next, consider buying a spare key and keeping 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 can help you in a variety of ways, not just a roadside assistance or locksmith. automotive key replacement will also be able to inform the public that someone has possibly stolen your car keys which can help prevent people from using them without authorization.
They can't open the doors of your car unless there is an emergency. They don't have tools and they don't want to risk damaging the vehicle. If the circumstances are appropriate, the police may be able use a slim Jim to open the car's door. But, they must have a good reason for doing this. For instance when they spot an infant or a pet locked inside the car in hot weather, they might cut the window to save the life.
It is also advisable to keep a spare car key hidden in case you lock yourself out of your car. Some people keep them in accessible places, like their home or their office. Some give them to their family or friends to keep in case of emergency. If you have an extra contact it prior to calling the authorities or taking more drastic steps.
Many cars come with proximity remotes that have an emergency key hidden within them. It is possible, if your car is one of these, to unlock the door from a distance using a special tool a locksmith would possess. It is a slim jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to pick locks.
2. Call a Tow truck
If you have lost your car keys the most important thing you can do is locate a business that offers emergency car key replacement . You should keep their contact details on your phone under the heading "Emergency" and then spend time looking into the services they offer and their costs, their coverage area, technology and professionals.
You'll be able to make an informed choice when the need arises. These companies can assist with the replacement of your key or an emergency one.
The best method to avoid losing your keys is to keep an extra set, and if feasible, three or four sets. Keep one set at home, one with your spouse or significant person, and the other in your wallet. This will help you to avoid being stuck in a strange place.
Having a spare can also save you from calling for roadside assistance. The cost of a new key for a traditional key is typically very affordable, but the price of a smart key could be quite expensive. These types of keys use an electronic chip that operates the vehicle, which means they'll require pairing with the car by a dealership or manufacturer, and this could take a few days.
To make the process as quick and painless as possible, it's always recommended to have the VIN number of your car in hand. It's possible to find this number on the paperwork for your vehicle or on a metal plaque in the driver's doorpost. This information will help the emergency car key replacement expert determine how to go about changing your old key's programming to work with the new one.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's always best to use a non-destructive method first, especially if there are children, pets or elderly people in the car. So you don't run the risk of having to call 999, or incur a high bill from an expert.
Air pump wedges are available in the auto lockout kit as well as by locksmith professionals and repo experts. They're made of robust, heavy-duty vinyl. They are designed to be inflated for a short period of time, and then deflated. This allows you to slip them between the door and the weather stripping without scratching or dinging the paint of the car.
You can use wedges of any size, but an angled one is better for most cars. The idea is to create a space in which you can place a long, thin rod to reach the pin that locks your door. If the coat hanger is strong enough, it could be able to work. You could also try a rod made of plastic or a blood pressure cuff. The goal is to place the rod between the door and the frame to allow you to pull it out and unlock the car.
It is best to avoid these techniques unless you're in an emergency. In the event of an emergency, police may require a more destructive tool to gain access to your vehicle and rescue your pet or passengers.
Keep a spare car key at home or with a friend near you so you can get back into your vehicle in the event that you are locked out. Also you must be sure to confirm that key replacement is included in your roadside assistance plan or insurance for your car.
4. Try Coathanger
You've likely seen the coat hanger trick in a movie. This is a good option for older vehicles that have locks that are manual and functions as an easy slim jim. All you require is a thin wire coat hanger and pliers.
With the pliers, untwist the coat hanger until it has one side swung and one straight. Slide the hook into the space between the window and door frame. This will allow you to locate the control arm that is connected to the lock rod. Once you've found it, push the lever upwards and your door should open.
Another option is to tie a string using 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 tooth) to move it towards the inside lock rod. It is possible to use both hands, and it could take a few attempts, but if it is successful, the lock should let go and you should be able to open the door.
You can also use a plastic strip bent into a shape that fits the gap between the door and frame. This is a more difficult option, but may be your only option if you are unable to locate your keys.
It is a good plan to keep a spare key somewhere you can easily find it in case of emergency. You'll need to call road assistance or a lock-smith in the event that you don't. You should have your key code number and personal identification with you so that road assistance or a locksmith will help you quickly.