3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your keys to your car can be a frustrating experience. There are, however, some steps you can take to help yourself in this situation.
First, look in the obvious places, like your purse or pockets. Consider purchasing an extra key and keeping it in a secure location. This can help prevent theft in the future.
1. Contact the police
Contact the police if you are unable to find your keys. They will be able to help you more than a 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.
They are not able unlock the door of your car unless it is an emergency. This is due to the fact that they don't have the right tools to do this and aren't looking to cause damage to your vehicle. In certain circumstances, police may be capable of using a slim jim to open the door, but they'll need to have a good reason for doing so. If they find that an animal or a child is locked inside a vehicle in the heat, they may break the window.
It's also a good idea to keep an extra key in a safe place in case you're locked out of your vehicle. Some people keep their spare keys in areas that are easy to access, such as their office or home. Some people offer them to family or friends to keep in case of an emergency. If you have a spare, try to locate it before calling the police or resorting to more extreme measures.
A lot of cars come with proximity remotes that have an emergency code hidden behind them. It is possible in the event that your vehicle is one of these, to unlock the door from a distance with a special tool a locksmith could possess. The tool is a flat-ended slim jim that can be used to pick locks.
2. Call a Tow truck
Find a business that offers emergency replacement of car keys if you have lost your keys. It is best to save the contact information of these companies in your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time looking into their services costs, coverage areas, charges technology, and professional.
This will enable you to make an informed choice when the situation arises. These companies can assist you with a replacement or emergency key.
The best method to avoid losing your keys is to keep a spare set, and when you can, have three or more sets. Keep one at home, and give one to your partner or your significant other, and then keep the other in your wallet or pocket. This will ensure that you never end up in a remote location.
The possession of a spare key can help you avoid calling for assistance on the road. The cost of a brand new key for a traditional key is usually quite affordable, however the cost of a smart key can be quite high. They are equipped with an electronic chip that allows them to operate the car. They will have to be connected by a manufacturer or dealer. This could take a few days.
It's a good idea, to make the process as easy and quick as possible you keep the VIN number of the vehicle in your pocket. You can find this number on the documents for your vehicle or on a metal plaque in the door of the driver. This will allow professionals to reprogram your old key so that it can work with the new key.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's always best to use a non-destructive approach first, especially if there are children, pets, or elderly people in the vehicle. This way, you don't have the risk of having to call 999, or incur a high bill from a professional.
One of the most efficient ways to unlock your car is to use an air pump wedge, which are offered in auto lockout kits and also by locksmiths and repo professionals. They are made of durable, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a short time before being deflated. This allows you to slip them between the door and the weather stripping without scratching or damaging the paint on the car.
You can make use of an ordinary wedge, or a curved one is even better for most cars. The idea is to create a space so that you can insert the rod's length and thickness in order to get to the pin locked. A coat hanger might be a good choice if it's strong enough, but you could also try 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 will cause the car alarm to go off and that's why it's best to avoid them unless there is 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 an extra car key at home or with a friend near you in case you need to get back into your vehicle in the event that you are locked out. Also, make sure that your insurance for your vehicle or roadside assistance policy covers the replacement of keys to your car.
4. Try Coathanger
The coat hanger trick is a classic, and you've probably seen it in a movie. This is a great option for older vehicles that have locks that are manually operated, and it works like an easy slim jim. You will require a simple coat hanger, pliers, and a small wire.
Untwist the coathanger by pliers so that one side is hooked, and the other side is straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will allow you to locate the control arm connected to the lock rod. Once car key replacement near me 've located it, lift the lever and your door will open.
Another option is to tie a string using an elongated slip knot in the upper right-hand corner of the driver's door. Move the string with a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a huge tooth) to pull it towards the inside lock rod. You may need to use both hands and it may take several attempts, but if it is successful, the lock will be released and you will be able to open the door.
You can also use the plastic strip bent into a shape that fits the narrow gap between door and frame. This is a more difficult option but it may be the only option if it's impossible to locate your keys.
If you have a spare key, it's best to keep it somewhere where you can easily access it in case of an emergency. You'll need to contact road assistance or a lock-smith if you don't. Make sure you have the key code number as well as your personal identification card on your person so that road assistance or locksmith can help you out quickly.