3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys can be an extremely frustrating experience. Fortunately, there are a few actions you can take to assist yourself in this situation.
First, check the obvious places, like your pockets or purse. Consider purchasing a spare key and storing it in a safe place. This will help you avoid theft in the future.
1. Call the Police
Contact the police if cannot locate your keys. They can assist you in a variety of ways, not just a roadside assistance or locksmith. They can also inform the public that your car keys may be missing to prevent people from using keys without permission.
However, they aren't able to unlock your car door in the event of an emergency situation. They don't have any tools and they don't want the vehicle damaged. If the circumstances are appropriate the police may be able to use a small Jim to open the car's door. However, they must have a valid motive to do so. If they discover that a child or an animal is locked in a car during hot weather, then they could break the window.
It's also a good idea to have a spare key hidden somewhere in case you're locked out of your vehicle. Some people keep them in accessible places, like their home or office. Others lend them to family or friends members to hold onto in case of an emergency. If you have a spare, try to locate it before calling the police or taking more extreme measures.
A lot of cars have proximity remotes with a hidden emergency key inside. If yours is one of them, you could be able unlock the doors from a distance using a special tool that locksmiths will have. The tool is a slim jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to open locks.
2. Call a tow truck
If you lose your car keys, the most important thing you can do is locate a company that provides emergency car key replacement. It is recommended to save their contact details on your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend some time researching what services they provide as well as their prices, their coverage area, technology and professionals.
You'll be able make an informed choice when the time comes. These companies can help you with an emergency key replacement or replacement.
The best way to avoid losing your keys is to have a spare set, and when you can, have two or three sets. Keep one at home, give one to your spouse or significant other, and keep the other in your wallet or pocket. This will ensure that you never find yourself stranded in an unfamiliar place.
The possession of a spare key can save you from calling for roadside assistance. A new key for a traditional key is usually quite affordable. However, the price of a smart key can be quite costly. These keys use an electronic chip that allows them to operate the vehicle. They must be paired by a manufacturer or dealer. This can take a number of days.
To make the process as fast and easy as it can be, it's always a good idea to keep the VIN number of your vehicle in your possession. You can find this number on the paperwork for your vehicle or engraved on a metal plaque that is placed in the doorway of the driver. This information will allow the technician to reprogram your old key so that it can work with the new key.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's always best to try to use a non-destructive approach first particularly if you have young children, pets or elderly people in the vehicle. This way, you don't have the risk of needing to call 999 or pay a large bill from an expert.
One of the simplest ways to unlock your car is to use an air pump wedge which are sold in auto lockout kits, and also by locksmiths and repo experts. They're made of robust, heavy-duty vinyl. They are designed to be inflated for a short period of time and then deflated. This lets you slide them between the door and the weather stripping without risking scratching or dinging the paint of the car.
For most cars, a curved wedge is more suitable. The idea is to create a space where you can insert the long, thin rod in order to reach the pin that is locked. If the hanger for your coat is strong enough, it could be able to work. You can also use a rod made of plastic, or even a blood-pressure cuff. The rod should be put between the frame and the door so that you can pull it to unlock the vehicle.
Most of these methods trigger the car alarm, which is why it's best to avoid these methods unless you're in an emergency. If you don't, the police may have to employ more destructive tools to enter your car and rescue your passengers.
Keep a spare key at home or with a trusted friend, so that you have a chance of getting back in your vehicle in the event that you are locked out. And, of course it is important to confirm that key replacement is included in your roadside assistance plan or insurance for your vehicle.
4. Try Coathanger
The coat hanger trick is a classic and you've probably seen it in a film. This is a great solution for older vehicles with locks that are manually operated and works as a DIY slim jim. All you require is a coat hanger with a wire and pliers.
With the pliers, untwist the coat hanger until it has one side hooked and one straight. The hook should be inserted into the gap between the window and door frame. This will increase your chance of finding the control arm which is attached to the lock rod. Once you've found it, pull it back and the door will open.
Another way is to tie a string with a slip-knot in the upper right corner on the driver's side door. Then, wiggle the string back and back and forth (like flossing massive teeth) to move it towards the rod of the inside lock. It may take several attempts and both hands to unlock the lock.
You can also make use of a plastic strip bent into a form to fit the gap between the door and frame. This is a more difficult choice but it could be the only way to enter the vehicle if you are unable to locate your keys.
automotive key replacement is a good idea to keep a spare key in a place where you can easily find it in case of emergency. You will need to call road assistance or a locksmith in the event that you don't. You must have your key code number and personal identification with you so that road assistance or a locksmith will help you quickly.