Emergency Car Key Replacement: 11 Things You're Leaving Out
3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your keys to your car can be a frustrating experience. There are some things you can do yourself in the event of a loss.
Look for obvious places such as your purse or pockets. Consider buying a spare key and storing it in a secure location. This will help to prevent theft in the future.
1. Call the Police
If you've lost your keys and are unable to find them, the best thing to do is call the police. They can assist you in many ways other than an emergency roadside assistance or locksmith. They will also be capable of informing the general public that someone has possibly taken your car keys, which could prevent others from using keys without authorization.
They're not able to unlock the doors of your car unless there is an emergency. This is because they don't have the tools needed to do it and they don't want to cause damage to the vehicle. Based on the situation, police may be in a position to use an incredibly small jim to open the door, but they'll need to have a good reason to do this. If they discover that the child or animal is locked in a car during hot weather, then they may break the window.
It is also advisable to keep a spare car key hidden in case you lock yourself out of your vehicle. Some people keep their spare keys in places accessible to them, such as their office or home. Others offer them to family members or friends members to hold onto in case of an emergency. If you have an extra make contact with it prior to calling authorities or taking more drastic measures.
A lot of cars have proximity remotes that conceal an emergency key hidden within them. If cost of a replacement car key is one of them, you may be able to open the doors from a distance using the help of a specific tool that locksmiths have. The tool is a flat-ended slim jim that can be used to pick locks.
2. Call a tow truck
If you have lost your car keys The first thing to do is find a company that provides emergency replacement of car keys. You should store the contact information of these companies in your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time looking into their services and the charges they charge, coverage area, technology, and professionals.
You'll be able make a well-informed decision when the need arises. No matter if you require an emergency locksmith or a replacement key, these companies will help you get back on the road with minimal hassle.
The best method to avoid losing your keys is to keep a spare set, and if feasible, two or three sets. Keep one at home, then give one to your partner or significant other, and keep the other one in your purse or wallet. This will help you to avoid being stranded in a secluded spot.
A spare key can make it easier to call for roadside assistance. A new key for a traditional key is usually very affordable. However, the price of a smart-key can be quite expensive. They are equipped with an electronic chip that allows them to control the vehicle. They will need to be paired with a manufacturer or dealer. This can take several days.
It's a good idea to make the process as simple and fast as you can you keep the VIN number of the car in your pocket. It can be found on your car's paperwork or is usually stamped on a metal plaque in the doorpost for the driver's side. This information will allow professionals to modify your old key to ensure that it functions with the new key.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It is best to start with a non-destructive method especially in the case of children or pets, or elderly people in your car. That way you won't risk having to call 999 or be charged a high amount from a professional.
Air pump wedges can be found in auto lockout kit and by repo and locksmith professionals. These wedges are made from high-quality vinyl that can be inflated and deflated quickly. This lets you slide them between the door and the weather stripping without risking scratching or damaging the paint of your car.
For the majority of cars, a curved wedge is more suitable. The idea is to create a space where you can put in the rod's length and thickness to reach the locked pin. If the hanger for your coat is thick enough, it may be able to work. You could also try a plastic rod or a blood pressure cuff. The rod should be put between the frame and the door so that you can pull it to open the vehicle.
Almost all of these methods will set off the car alarm, which is why it is best to stay clear of them unless there is an emergency. In the event of an emergency, police may require an additional tool to get into your vehicle and rescue your passengers or pets.
Keep a spare car key home or with a person close to you to allow you to gain access to your vehicle in the event that you are locked 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
The coat hanger trick is a well-known, and you've probably seen it in a movie. This is a great option for older vehicles that come with locks that are manually operated and functions as a DIY slim jim. You'll need a small coat hanger that has pliers and a small wire.
Untwist the coathanger with pliers to ensure that one side is hooked, and the other straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will allow you to locate the control arm connected to the rod that locks. Once you find it, pull it back and the door will open.
Another method is to tie a string with a slip-knot located in the upper right corner of the driver's side of the door. You can move the string with a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a giant tooth) to shift it toward the inside rod of the lock. It may take a few attempts and both hands to allow the lock to be released.
You could also try a plastic strip that you bend into a shape that will fit into the gap between the door and the frame. This is a more difficult choice, but it may be the only way to get in the vehicle if you cannot locate your keys.
If you have a spare key, it is best to keep it in a place where you can easily access it in the event 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 can assist you quickly.