3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys could be a traumatic experience. There are, however, some steps you can take to assist yourself in this situation.
The first step is to check the obvious places, such as your pockets or purse. You might want to consider purchasing a spare and storing it in a secure place. This will help prevent thefts in the future.
1. Call the Police
Call the police if you can't locate your keys. They can help you in more ways than locksmith or roadside assistance. They can also inform the general public that your car keys could have been stolen to prevent people from using keys without authorization.
They're not able to unlock the doors of your car unless there is an emergency. They don't have tools and don't want the vehicle damaged. If the circumstances are right the police might be able to use a small Jim to open the car door. However they must have a good reason to do so. If they discover that a child or an animal is locked in a car in hot weather, they may break the window.
It is also advisable to keep an extra car key hidden in case you need to lock yourself out of your car. Some people keep their spare keys in areas that are easy to access, such as their office or home. Some give them to family or friends to keep in case of an emergency. If you have a spare, you should try to get it out of the way before calling the police or taking more extreme measures.
Many cars come with proximity remotes with a hidden emergency key in them. If yours is one of them, you could be able unlock the doors from a distance by using an instrument that only locksmiths will possess. This tool is a slim jim that has a flat end that can be used to open locks.
2. Call a Tow Truck
Find a company who provides emergency replacement car keys in the event that you lose your keys. It is recommended to save their contact details on your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend time researching what services they provide, their charges as well as their coverage areas, technology and experts.
This will enable you to make an informed decision when the need arises. If you require an emergency locksmith or simply a new key, these companies can assist you in getting back on the road with little hassle.
The best way to avoid losing your keys is to have an extra set, and should you be able to, if possible, three or four sets. Keep one at home, then give one to your partner or significant other, and keep the other one in your wallet or pocket. This will help you to avoid being stuck in a strange place.
A spare key can also help you avoid having to call for roadside assistance. The cost of a new key for a traditional key is usually quite affordable, however the cost of a smart key could be quite expensive. These types of keys make use of an electronic chip to control the vehicle, which means they'll have to be linked with the car by a dealership or manufacturer, and this can take several days.
It's a good idea to make the process as easy and quick as is possible, to keep the VIN number of the vehicle in your pocket. You can find this number on the documents for your vehicle or engraved on a metal plaque that is placed in the door of the driver. This information will assist the emergency key replacement expert determine the best method for making your old key work with the new one.
3. Try get replacement key for car is best to start with a non-destructive solution especially if you have young children or pets, as well as elderly people in your car. You don't have to worry about calling the number 999 or paying a big bill for a professional.
One of the most efficient ways to unlock a car is with an air pump wedge that are available in auto lockout kits and also by repo and locksmith professionals. The wedges are made of high-quality vinyl that can be deflated and inflated quickly. You can slip them between the weather stripping and the door without having to worry about scratching the paint.
For most cars, a curved wedge is preferred. The idea is to create space in which you can place the rod to reach the door pin locked. If the coat hanger is sturdy enough, it could work. You could also try a plastic rod, or even a blood-pressure cuff. The aim is to get the rod between the frame and the door so you can pull it and unlock the car.
Most of these methods will cause the car alarm to go off This is why it's recommended to avoid them unless there's an emergency. If not, the police might require an additional tool to gain access to your vehicle to rescue pet or passengers.
Keep a spare car key at home or with someone close to you to allow you to return to your car if you lock yourself out. It is also important to determine if your auto insurance or roadside assistance policy covers the replacement of your car keys.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
You've likely seen the coat hanger trick in a film. This is a great solution for older vehicles that come with manual locks and functions as an easy slim jim. All you require is a wire coat hanger and pliers.
Untwist the coathanger using pliers so that one side is hooked and the other is straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will give you a better chance of locating the control arm that is connected to the rod for locking. Once you find it, pull up and the door will open.
Another method is to tie a long string with a slip knot at the upper right corner of the driver's door. Then, wiggle the string back and forward (like flossing massive teeth) to move it towards the rod of the inside lock. It could take a few attempts and both hands to get the lock to release.
You can also make use of a strip of plastic bent into a shape that fits the narrow gap between door and frame. This is a harder option however it could be your only option if you can't locate your keys.
If you have a spare key, it's a good idea to leave it somewhere that you can easily access it in case of an emergency. You'll need to contact road assistance or a lock-smith in the event that you don't. It is recommended to carry your key code number and your personal identification in order that road assistance or a locksmith can assist you quickly.