3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your keys to your car could be a frustrating and stressful experience. Fortunately, there are cost for car key replacement can take to help yourself in this situation.
First, check the obvious locations, like your pockets or purse. Consider purchasing a spare key and storing it in a secure place. This will help to prevent theft in the future.
1. Call the police
Contact the police if cannot locate your keys. They can help you more than a locksmith or roadside assistance. They can also inform the general public that your car keys could be missing and help stop other people from using keys without permission.
However, they aren't able to unlock your car door in the event of an emergency situation. This is because they do not have the tools needed to do it and don't want to cause damage to the vehicle. Based on the situation the police may be able to use an incredibly small jim to open the door, but they'll need to have a good reason to do this. If they find that an animal or a child is locked inside a vehicle during hot weather, then they may break the window.
It is also advisable to keep an extra car key hidden in case you lock yourself out of your vehicle. Some people keep their spare keys in places accessible to them like their office or home. Some give them to family or friends to keep in case of emergency. If you have a spare, you should try to reach it before calling the police or taking more drastic measures.
Many cars come with proximity remotes that conceal an emergency key inside. If yours is one of them, you might be able to open the doors from a distance by using an instrument that only locksmiths have. It is a thin jim with a flat end that can be used to pick a lock.
2. Call towing truck
Find a company who provides 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 studying their offerings and the charges they charge, coverage area technology, and professional.
You will be able to make an informed decision if the need arises. Whether you need an emergency locksmith or simply a replacement key, these companies will help you get back on the road with little hassle.
It is best to have three or more spare keys. Keep one set at home, another with your spouse or important person and the third one in your wallet. This will ensure that you don't find yourself stranded in a remote location.
A spare key can prevent you from needing to call roadside assistance. A new key for a standard key is usually very affordable. However, the price of a smart-key could be quite costly. They are equipped with an electronic chip that allows them to operate the vehicle. They must be connected by a manufacturer or dealer. This could take a few days.
To make the process as quick and painless as possible it's best to keep the VIN number of your car in hand. It's possible to find this number on the paperwork for your vehicle or on a metal plaque in the doorway of the driver. This will allow professionals to modify your old key so that it can work with the new key.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It's always best to try to employ a non-destructive method initially, especially if there are young children, pets or elderly people in the car. So you don't run the risk of having to call 999, or be charged a high amount from a professional.
One of the simplest ways to unlock a vehicle is with an air pump wedge which are offered in auto lockout kits, and also by repo and locksmith experts. They are made of robust, heavy-duty vinyl. They are designed to be inflated for a brief period of time, and then deflated. This allows you to slip them between the door and the weather stripping, without scratching or dinging the paint of your car.
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's length, which is thin in order to get to the pin locked. If the coat hanger is strong enough, it may be able to work. You can also use a plastic rod, or even a blood-pressure cuff. The rod should be placed between the door and the frame so that you can pull it to unlock the vehicle.
Most of these methods set off the car alarm, which is why it is best to stay clear of them unless there is an emergency. If you don't, police might have to use more destructive tools to gain access to your vehicle and save your passengers.
Keep a spare key somewhere at home or with a trusted friend in order to have a chance of getting back in your vehicle in the event that you lock yourself out. It is also important to determine if your auto insurance or roadside assistance plan will cover car key replacement.
4. Try a Coathanger
The coat hanger trick is a classic, and you've likely seen it in a movie. This is a great option for older vehicles that come with locks that are manual and works as an easy slim jim. All you require is a wire coat hanger and pliers.
Untwist the coathanger using pliers until one side is hooked and the other straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will allow you to locate the control arm connected to the rod for locking. Once you've found it, pull the lever up and your door should open.
Another method is to tie a string using a slip knot at the upper right corner of the driver's door. Then, move the string back and forth (like flossing huge teeth) to move it towards the rod inside the lock. It may take several attempts and both hands to allow the lock to be released.
You could also consider using a strip of plastic that is bent into a shape that fits into the small gap between the frame and door. This is a harder option but it may be the only option if it's impossible to locate your keys.
If you have a spare key, it's recommended to store it somewhere where you can easily access it in the event in an emergency. You'll need to contact road assistance or a locksmith in the event that you don't. Make sure that you have the key code number and your personal identification on hand so that the locksmith or road assistance can assist you quickly.