3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your keys to your car can be a frustrating experience. There are some steps you can do to assist yourself in the event of a loss.
Check obvious places like your purse or pockets. Consider buying a spare key and keeping it in a secure place. This can prevent future thefts.
1. Call the Police
Contact the police if you are unable to locate your keys. They can help you in a variety of ways, not just an emergency roadside assistance or locksmith. They will also be capable of informing the general public that someone has possibly stolen your car keys, which can help prevent people from using them without permission.
They're not able to unlock your car's door unless it is an emergency. They don't have tools and don't want to risk damaging the vehicle. Based on the situation the police might be in a position to use a slim jim to open the door, but they'll require a valid reason for doing so. For instance, if they see an animal or small child locked inside the car in hot weather, they might break the window to save a life.
It's an excellent idea to keep an extra key somewhere in case you are locked out of your vehicle. Some people keep them in accessible locations, such as their home or office. Others give them to family or friends members to hold onto in the event of an emergency. If you have a spare contact it prior to calling authorities or taking more drastic actions.
Many cars come with proximity remotes that come with an emergency code that is hidden. If yours 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. It is a thin tool with a flat edge 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 company that offers 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, charges, coverage area, technology, and professionals.
This will allow you to make a well-informed decision if the need arises. Whether you need an emergency locksmith or simply a new key, these companies can help you get back on the road with minimal hassle.
The best way to prevent losing your keys is to keep an extra set, and if you can, have two or three sets. Keep one at home, then give one to your partner or your significant other, and keep the other in your wallet or pocket. This will help you avoid being stuck in a strange place.
A spare key can also help you avoid having to call for roadside assistance. The cost of purchasing a new key for a traditional key is usually quite affordable, however the cost of a smart one can be quite high. These types of keys use an electronic chip that operates the vehicle, therefore they'll need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or manufacturer, and this can take several days.
It's a good idea, to make the process as simple and fast as you can, to keep the VIN number of the car in your pocket. This can be found on your car's paperwork or is usually stamped on a metal plaque in the driver's side doorpost. This information will help the emergency key replacement expert determine the best way to proceed with reprograming your old key to work with the new one.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's best to begin with a non-destructive method especially if you have young children or pets, as well as elderly people in your vehicle. You don't have to worry about 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 and repo professionals. These wedges are made from durable vinyl that can be deflated and inflated quickly. You can slide them between the weather stripping and the door without worrying about scratching paint.
For the majority of cars, a curved wedge is more suitable. The idea is to create a space where you can insert the rod to reach the door pin locked. A coat hanger may be suitable if it's sturdy enough, but you could also try a rod made of plastic or even a blood pressure cuff. The rod should be put between the door and the frame to allow you to pull it to unlock the vehicle.
It is best to avoid these methods unless you are in an emergency. If you don't, the police may have to employ more destructive tools to gain access to your car and rescue your passengers.
Keep an extra car key at home or with someone close to you in case you need to get back into your vehicle when you lock yourself out. Also, make sure that your auto insurance or roadside assistance plan covers the replacement of your car keys.
4. Try a Coathanger
The coat hanger trick is a well-known, and you've probably seen it in a film. This is a good option for older vehicles that come with locks that are manually operated and functions as an easy slim jim. You will require a simple coat hanger that has pliers and a thin wire.
Untwist the coathanger using pliers so that one side is hooked and the other side is straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. G28 Car Keys will help you locate the control arm that is connected to the rod for locking. Once you've found it, pull it back and the door will open.
Another option is to tie a string using a slip-knot located in the upper right corner on the driver's side of the door. Wiggle the string with a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a giant tooth) to shift it toward the inside rod of the lock. You may need to use both hands, and it may take several attempts however, if it's successful, the lock should let go and you should be able to open the door.
You could also try a plastic strip that can be bent into a form that will fit in the small gap between the door and the frame. This is a harder option, but may be your only option if you are unable to locate your keys.
If you have a spare key, it's best to keep it somewhere that you are able to access it in the event in an emergency. In the event of an emergency, you'll need to call for road assistance or a locksmith. Make sure that you have the key code number as well as your personal identification on to ensure that the road assistance or locksmith can help you out quickly.