3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
The loss of keys to your car could be a frustrating and stressful experience. There are some things you can do to assist yourself if this happens.
Check obvious places like your pockets or purse. Next, consider purchasing an extra key and keeping it in a safe place. This can prevent future thefts.
1. Contact the police
If you've lost your keys and aren't able to locate them, the best option is to call the police. They will be able assist you more than an auto locksmith or roadside assistance. They will also be able to inform the general public that someone has possibly stolen your car keys, which can help prevent people from using them without permission.
However, they are not in a position to unlock your car's door in the event of an emergency situation. They do not have any tools and they don't want to risk damaging the vehicle. Based on the situation the police might be able to use the slim jim to unlock the door, but they'll need to have a good reason to do so. If they find that a child or an animal is locked in a vehicle during hot weather, then they may break the window.
It's also a good idea to have an extra key somewhere in case you are locked out of your car. Some people keep them in easily accessible locations, such as their home or their office. Others offer them to friends or family members to hold onto in case in the event of an emergency. If you have a spare, try to get it out of the way before calling the police or resorting to more drastic measures.
Many cars have proximity remotes that have an emergency code that is hidden. You might be able in the event that your vehicle is one of these to open the door from a distance with a special tool a locksmith might possess. This tool is a slim jim that has a flat end that can be used to pick locks.
2. Call for a Tow Truck
If you have lost your car keys The most important thing you can do is locate a company that can provide an emergency replacement of car keys. You should store their contact numbers in your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time studying their offerings and the charges they charge, coverage area, technology, and professionals.
You'll be able make a well-informed decision when the need arises. If you require an emergency locksmith or an extra key, these companies can assist you in getting back to your vehicle with minimum hassle.
The best way to avoid losing your keys is to keep a spare set, and when feasible, two or three sets. Keep one at home, then give one to your partner or your significant other, and keep the other one in your wallet or pocket. This will ensure that you don't find yourself stranded in an unfamiliar place.
The possession of a spare key can make it easier to call for roadside assistance. The cost of a brand new key for a traditional key is typically very affordable, but the cost of a smart key can be quite high. These keys utilize an electronic chip that operates the vehicle, therefore they'll require pairing with the car by a dealer or manufacturer, and this can take several days.
It's a good idea to make the process as easy and quick as possible, to keep the VIN number of the vehicle in your pocket. It can be found on your car's registration or, more often, on a metal plate in the doorpost for the driver's side. This information will enable the professional to modify your old key to ensure that it works with the new key.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It is always advisable to employ a non-destructive method initially particularly if you have children, pets or elderly people in the vehicle. There's no need to worry about calling 911 or paying a huge bill for a professional.
Air pump wedges are available in the auto lockout kit as well as by repo and locksmith professionals. The wedges are made of durable 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 the majority of cars, a curved wedge is more suitable. The idea is to create a space in which you can place the rod to reach the door pin locked. A coat hanger could be suitable if it's sturdy enough, but you could also try a plastic rod or even a blood pressure cuff. The rod should be placed between the frame and the door so that you can pull it to unlock the vehicle.
It's best to avoid these techniques unless you're in an emergency. If you don't, the police may have to employ more destructive tools to get inside your car and rescue your passengers.
Keep a spare key at home or with a trusted friend to ensure that you have a chance to get back into your car in case you get locked out. You should also check if your auto insurance or roadside assistance plan will cover the replacement of keys to your car.
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 locks that are manually operated and functions as an easy slim jim. car key replacement near me mobile require is a thin wire coat hanger and pliers.
Untwist the coathanger with pliers so that one side is hooked and the other straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will increase your chance of finding the control arm that is connected to the rod for locking. When you locate it, pull it up and the door should be opened.
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. You can move the string with a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a huge tooth) to pull it towards the inside rod. It is possible to use both hands and it could take a few attempts however, if you are successful, the lock should release and you can unlock the door.
You can also try using a plastic strip that is bent into a shape that will fit into the narrow gap between the door and frame. This is a more challenging option but it could be the only method to get in the vehicle if you are unable to locate your keys.
It is a good plan to keep a spare key in a place where you can find it in an emergency. You will need to call road assistance or a locksmith if you don't. You should have your key code number as well as your personal identification in order that road assistance or a locksmith could assist you quickly.
