3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your keys to your car could be a frustrating experience. There are a few things you can do to help yourself in the event of this happening to you.
Make sure you check the obvious places, such as your pockets or purse. Then, think about purchasing a spare key and storing it in a secure place. This will prevent any future thefts.
1. Call the police
If you've lost your keys and can't find them, the best thing to do is call the police. They will be able assist you more than a locksmith or roadside assistance. They'll also be able to inform the public that someone has possibly taken your car keys, which can help prevent people from using them without authorization.
However, they are not in a position to unlock your car door unless it is an emergency situation. They do not have any tools and don't want to risk damaging the vehicle. Based on the situation, police may be in a position to use a slim jim to open the door, but they will need to have a good reason for doing so. For instance in the event that they see an animal or small child locked inside the car in hot weather, they may break the window to save the life.
You should also keep a spare car key hidden in case you have to lock yourself out of your car. Some people keep them in easy-to-access places like their home or their office. Some give them to friends or family members to keep in case of an emergency. If you have a spare contact it prior to calling authorities or taking more drastic steps.
A lot of cars have proximity remotes that have an emergency key hidden within them. You may be able in the event that your vehicle is one of them to open the door from a distance using an instrument that locksmiths would use. This tool is a slim jim that has a flat end that can be used to pick locks.
2. Contact a Tow truck
Find a company who provides emergency car key replacement if you have lost your keys. You should store the contact information of these companies in your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time looking into their services, charges, coverage area technology, and experts.
You'll be able to make an informed decision if the time comes. If replacement key for car near me require an emergency locksmith or a replacement key, these companies will 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 you can, have two or three 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.
Having a spare can also make it easier to call for assistance on the road. A new key for a standard key is usually quite affordable. However, the cost of a smart-key can be quite costly. They are equipped with an electronic chip that allows them to operate the vehicle. They will have to be connected by a manufacturer or dealer. This can take a number of days.
To make the process as fast and painless as possible it's a good idea to keep the VIN number of your vehicle in your possession. This number can be found on the paperwork for your vehicle or on a metal plaque in the door of the driver. This information will assist the emergency car key replacement specialist determine how to go about reprograming your old key to work with the new one.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's best to start with a non-destructive treatment, especially if you have young children or pets, or elderly people in your car. You won't have to risk calling 911 or paying a huge bill for a professional.
One of the simplest ways to unlock your car is to use an air pump wedge, that are available in auto lockout kits and also by locksmiths and repo experts. They are made of durable vinyl that can be inflated and deflated quickly. This allows you to slide them between the door and the weather stripping without scratching or dinging the paint of your car.
For most cars, a curved wedge is better. The idea is to create a space so that you can put in the rod's length and thickness to reach the pin that is locked. 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 goal is to get the rod between the frame and the door so you can pull it out and unlock the car.
The majority of these methods will trigger the car alarm, which is why it's best to avoid these methods unless you're in an emergency. Otherwise, the police may require a more destructive tool to gain access to your vehicle and rescue your pet or passengers.
Keep an extra car key at home or with a friend near you to allow you to gain access to your vehicle in the event that you are locked out. Also, make sure that your auto insurance or roadside assistance plan covers the replacement of your car keys.
4. Try Coathanger
The coat hanger trick is a classic one, and you've probably seen it in a movie. This is a good option for older vehicles with locks that are manual and functions as a DIY slim jim. You only need a thin coat hanger that has pliers and a wire.
With the pliers, pull off the coat hanger so that it has one side swung and one straight. The hook should be inserted into the space between the window and door frame. This will give you a better chance of finding the control arm which is attached to the rod for locking. When you locate it, pull up and the door should be opened.
Another way is to tie a string with a slip-knot in the upper right corner on the driver's side of the door. You can move the string in a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a giant tooth) to shift it toward the inside rod. You may need to use both hands, and it could take a few attempts however, if you are successful, the lock should let go and you should be able to open the door.
You can also use the plastic strip bent into a shape to fit the narrow gap between door and frame. This is a more difficult option, but it may be the only method to get in the vehicle in case you can't locate your keys.
It is a good idea to keep a spare key somewhere you can easily find it in an emergency. You'll need to call road assistance or a lock-smith if you don't. You must have your key code number as well as personal identification with you so that road assistance or a locksmith will help you promptly.