3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
The loss of your car keys can be a traumatic experience. There are a few things you can do to help yourself in the event of this happening to you.
Check obvious places like your pockets or purse. Consider buying an extra and keeping it in a secure location. This will help you avoid theft in the future.
1. Call the Police
If you've lost your keys and aren't able to find them, the best solution is to contact the police. They will be able to help you more than an auto locksmith or roadside assistance. They will also be capable of informing the general public that someone has possibly stolen your car keys which could prevent others from using keys without authorization.
They can't open the door of your car unless it is an emergency. This is because they don't have the right tools to do so and aren't looking to cause damage to your vehicle. Based on the situation, police may be able to use a slim jim to open the door, but they will need to have a good reason to do this. For instance when they spot an infant or a pet locked in the car during hot weather, they could break the window to save the life of a person.
It is also advisable to keep an extra car key hidden in case you need to lock yourself out of your car. Some people keep them in easy-to-access locations, such as their home or office. Some people offer them to friends or family members to keep in case of emergencies. If you have an extra, reach out to it prior to calling the authorities or taking more drastic measures.
Many cars have proximity remotes with an emergency code that is hidden. If yours is one of them, you may be able to open the doors from a distance by using a special tool that locksmiths have. The tool is a slim jim that has a flat end that can be used to pick locks.
2. Contact a Tow truck
Find a company that provides emergency replacement car keys in the event that you have lost your keys. You should store the contact information of these companies in your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time researching the services they offer, charges, coverage area, technology, and professionals.
This will enable you to make an informed choice when the situation arises. Whether you need an emergency locksmith or simply a replacement key, these companies will 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, three or four sets. Keep one at home, and give one to your spouse or your significant other, and keep the other one in your purse or wallet. This will ensure that you never be stuck in a foreign location.
Having a spare can also make it easier to call for roadside assistance. A new key for a standard key is typically very affordable. However, the price of a smart-key could be quite costly. These keys use an electronic chip that allows them to operate the vehicle. They must be connected with a manufacturer or dealer. This could take a few days.
To make the process as quick and painless as you can, it's always best to have the VIN number of your vehicle handy. This can be found on the paperwork of your car or is usually stamped on a metal plaque in the doorpost for the driver's side. This information will help the emergency car key replacement specialist determine how to go about changing your old key's programming to work with the new one.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It's best to start with a non-destructive method, especially in the case of children or pets, as well as elderly people in your vehicle. That way you won't risk having to call 999, or be charged a high amount from an expert.
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 professionals. The wedges are made of durable vinyl that can be inflated and deflated quickly. They can be slipped between the weather stripping and the door without having to worry about scratching the paint.
You can use wedges of any size, but an angled one is better for most cars. The idea is to create a space so that 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 may work. You could also try an aluminum rod or a blood pressure cuff. The rod should be put between the door and the frame so that you can 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 might have to use more destructive tools to gain access to your car and rescue your passengers.
Keep a spare car key home or with a person close to you in case you need to get back into your vehicle if you lock yourself out. You should also check 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 film. This is a solution for older cars that have manual locks. It works like an incredibly slim jim. You'll need a small coat hanger with pliers and a wire.
Untwist the coathanger by pliers until one side is snared and the other side is straight. Slide the hook into the gap between the window and the door frame. This will help you locate the control arm that is connected to the rod for locking. Once you find it, pull it up and the door should be opened.
replacement key for car near me is to tie a string with a slip-knot in the upper right corner of the driver's side door. You can move the string in a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a giant tooth) to shift it toward the inside rod. You may need to use both hands, and it may take several attempts, but if it is successful, the lock should let go and you should be able to unlock the door.
You could also consider using a plastic strip 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 case of an emergency. You will need to call 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 road assistance or locksmith can assist you quickly.