3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys can be an extremely frustrating experience. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to help yourself in this situation.
First, look in the obvious places, such as your pockets or purse. Consider buying a spare key and keeping it in a safe place. This will help prevent thefts in the future.
1. Call the Police
Contact the police if can't locate your keys. They can help you in more ways than locksmith or roadside assistance. They could also inform the public that your car keys might have been stolen to prevent other people from using keys without permission.
However, they aren't capable of unlocking your car's door unless there is an emergency situation. This is due to the fact that they don't have the proper tools to do it and they don't want to cause damage to the vehicle. If the circumstances are appropriate the police may be able to use a small Jim to open the car door. However they must have a valid motive to do so. For instance in the event that they see a small child or animal locked inside the car in hot weather, they could cut the window to save the life of a person.
It is also advisable to keep a spare car key somewhere hidden in case you have to lock yourself out of your car. Some people keep them in easily accessible places like their home or their office. Others offer them to family or friends members to keep in case 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 come with proximity remotes that have a hidden emergency code. It is possible to use your car, if it is one of them, to unlock the door from a distance using a special tool a locksmith would possess. It is a thin jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to pick locks.
2. Contact towing truck
Find a business that offers emergency replacement of car keys if you lose your keys. You should store their contact numbers on your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time studying their offerings and the charges they charge, coverage area technology, and experts.
This will enable you to make an informed decision when the need arises. Whether you need an emergency locksmith or an extra key, these companies can help you get back on the road with minimal hassle.
The best method to avoid losing your keys is to keep an extra set, and when feasible, two or three sets. Keep one set at home, another with your spouse or significant person and the third one in your wallet. This will ensure that you do not find yourself stranded in a remote location.
Having a spare can also save you from calling for assistance on the road. car keys replacement near me for a standard key is usually quite affordable. However, the cost of a smart-key could be quite expensive. These keys use an electronic chip that allows them to control the car. They will need to be connected with a manufacturer or dealer. This could take a few days.
To make the process as simple and painless as you can it's best to keep the VIN number of your vehicle handy. It's possible to find this number on the documentation for your vehicle, or stamped on a plaque made of metal in the driver's doorpost. This information will enable the technician to reprogram your old key so that it works with the new key.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It's always best to employ a non-destructive method initially, especially if there are children, pets or elderly people in the car. You don't have to worry about calling 911 or paying a huge bill for an expert.
Air pump wedges are available in auto lockout kits and by repo and locksmith professionals. These wedges are made from high-quality vinyl that can be inflated and deflated quickly. This allows you to slide them between the door and the weather stripping without risking scratching or damaging the paint of your car.
For the majority of cars, a curved wedge is preferred. The idea is to create a space in which you can put in the long, thin rod in order to reach the pin that is locked. A coat hanger could be suitable if it's sturdy enough, but you could try a rod made from plastic or even a blood pressure cuff. The goal is to place the rod between the frame and the door so you can pull it and unlock the car.
Most of these methods will cause the car alarm to go off, which is why it's best to avoid them unless there is an emergency. If not, the police might have to use an even more destructive method to get into your vehicle and rescue your passengers or pets.
Have a spare key at your home or with a friend to ensure that you have a chance of getting back into your car in case you lock yourself out. You should also check if your auto insurance or roadside assistance plan covers the replacement of keys to your car.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
The coat hanger trick is a well-known one, and you've likely seen it in a film. This is a great solution for older vehicles that come with locks that are manual and works as a DIY slim jim. You'll need a small coat hanger with pliers and a wire.
With the pliers, untwist the coat hanger until it has one side swung and one straight. Slide the hook into the space between the window and the door frame. This will increase your chance of finding the control arm that is connected to the rod for locking. Once you find it, pull it up and the door will open.
Another option is to tie a long string using an elongated slip knot in the upper right corner of the driver's door. Then, wiggle the string back and forth (like flossing giant teeth) to move it towards the rod inside the lock. You may need to use both hands and it could take a few attempts however, if you are successful, the lock should let go and you should be able to unlock the door.
You can also try using a strip of plastic that you bend into a shape that will fit in the small gap between the door and frame. This isn't the most ideal solution however it could be your only option if you can't locate your keys.
If you have a spare key, it's best to keep it somewhere that you are able to access it in case of 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 as well as your personal identification in hand so that the locksmith or road assistance will be able to assist you quickly.