3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys can be an extremely frustrating experience. There are, however, some ways to assist yourself in this circumstance.
The first step is to check the obvious places, like your pockets or purse. Next, consider buying a spare key and keeping it in a secure place. car key replacement service near me can help prevent theft in the future.
1. Call the Police
Call the police if you cannot locate your keys. They can help you in many ways other than a roadside assistance or locksmith. They will also be able to inform the general public that someone has possibly stolen your car keys which will stop people from using keys without authorization.
They're not able to unlock the doors of your car unless there is an emergency. This is due to the fact that they don't have the proper tools to do so and they don't want to cause damage to your vehicle. Depending on the circumstances, police may be able to use an incredibly small jim to open the door, but they will require a valid reason for doing so. For instance in the event that they see a small child or animal locked in the car during hot weather, they might break the window to save the life of a person.
It's an excellent idea to keep an extra key in a safe place in case you get locked 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 a spare, try to locate it before calling the police or taking more extreme measures.
Many cars come with proximity remotes that have an emergency key hidden within them. If yours is one of them, you might be able unlock the doors from a distance by using the help of a specific tool that a locksmith will possess. It is a thin jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to pick locks.
2. Contact for a Tow Truck
If you lose your car keys, the most important thing to do is locate a company that can provide an emergency replacement of car keys. It is best to save their contact numbers on your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time researching the services they offer costs, coverage areas, charges, technology, and professionals.
You'll be able make a well-informed decision when the time comes. These companies can assist with the replacement of your key or an emergency one.
The best method to avoid losing your keys is to have an extra set, and should you be able to, if possible, two or three sets. Keep one at home, give one to your partner or your significant other, and then keep the other one in your purse or wallet. This will ensure that you do not be stuck in an unfamiliar place.
A spare key can make it easier to call for assistance on the road. A new key for a traditional key is usually quite affordable. However, the price of a smart-key could be quite costly. They are equipped with an electronic chip that allows them to operate the car. They must be connected with a manufacturer or dealer. This can take a number of days.
To make the process as fast and painless as possible, it's always a good idea to keep the VIN number of your car in hand. This number can be found on the documentation for your vehicle, or engraved on a metal plaque that is placed in the doorway of the driver. This information will help the emergency key replacement professional determine how to go about changing your old key's programming to work with the new one.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It is best to start with a non-destructive solution, especially in the case of children or pets, as well as elderly people in your vehicle. You won't have to risk calling the number 999 or paying a big bill for an expert.
Air pump wedges can be found in auto lockout kit and by locksmith professionals and repo experts. These wedges are made from durable vinyl that can be inflated and deflated quickly. This lets you slide them between the door and the weather stripping without scratching or dinging the paint of the car.
For the majority of vehicles, a curving wedge is preferred. The idea is to create a space where you can insert an extremely thin rod to reach the pin that locks your door. A coat hanger might work if it's thick enough, but you could also try a rod made of plastic or even a blood pressure cuff. The rod should be put between the frame and the door to allow you to pull it to open the vehicle.
It's best to avoid these methods unless you are in an emergency. If you don't, police could have to use more destructive tools to gain access to your vehicle and save your passengers.
Keep an extra car key at home or with a friend near you in case you need to return to your car in the event that you are locked out. You should also check if your auto insurance or roadside assistance plan covers the replacement of keys to your car.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
The coat hanger trick is a well-known and you've probably seen it in a movie. This is an option for older cars that have manual locks. It works as a slim jim. All you require is a thin wire coat hanger and pliers.
With the pliers, untwist the coat hanger so that it has one side hooked 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 that's connected to the rod for locking. Once you've located it, lift the lever and the door should be opened.
Another option is to tie a string using an elongated slip knot in the upper right-hand corner of the door for the driver. Then, move the string back and forth (like flossing giant teeth) to move it towards the rod inside the lock. It may take a few attempts and both hands to allow the lock to be released.
You can also try using a strip of plastic that is bent into a shape that will fit in the gap between the door and the frame. This is a more difficult option however it could be the only option to get in the vehicle if you cannot locate your keys.
It is a good plan to keep a spare key somewhere that you can easily locate in case of emergency. In the event of an emergency, you'll need to call road assistance or a locksmith. Make sure that you have the key code number as well as your personal identification in to ensure that the locksmith or road assistance can assist you quickly.