3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
The loss of your car keys can be a very frustrating experience. Luckily, there are some ways to help yourself in this circumstance.
Make sure you check the obvious places, such as your pockets or purse. Consider purchasing a spare and storing 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 can't find them, the best thing to do is call the police. They can help 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 will stop people from using keys without authorization.
However, they aren't able to unlock the door of your car unless it is an emergency situation. This is due to the fact that they don't have the proper tools to do so and don't want to cause damage to your vehicle. If the circumstances are appropriate the police may be able to use a small Jim to open the car door. But, they must have a good reason for doing 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 an excellent idea to have an extra key in a safe place in case you get locked out of your vehicle. Some people keep their spare keys in places accessible to them, such as their office or home. Others lend them to family or friends members to hold onto in case in the event of an emergency. If you have a spare, try to locate it before calling the police or taking more extreme measures.
A lot of cars come with proximity remotes that have 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 the help of a specific tool that locksmiths possess. This tool is a slim jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to pick a lock.
2. Contact a Tow truck
If you lose your car keys The first thing to do is locate a company that offers emergency replacement of car keys. You should keep their contact details in your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend time researching what services they provide and their costs, their coverage area, technology and professionals.
You'll be able to make an informed choice when the need arises. These companies can assist you with a replacement or emergency key.
It is advisable to have at least two or three spare sets of keys. Keep one set at home, one with your significant other and the third in your wallet. This will help you to avoid being stuck in a strange place.
A spare key can prevent you from needing to call roadside assistance. The cost of a brand new key for a traditional one is typically very affordable, however the cost of a smart key can be quite expensive. These types of keys use an electronic chip to operate the vehicle, which means they'll need to be paired with the car by a dealership or manufacturer, and this can take several 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. This number is usually on the paperwork of your car or is usually stamped on a metal plate that is located in the doorpost for the driver's side. This information will enable professionals to reprogram your old key so that it can work with the new key.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's best to start with a non-destructive method, especially when you have children, pets, or elderly people in your vehicle. You don't have to worry about calling 911 or paying a huge bill for an expert.
One of the easiest methods to unlock a car is to use an air pump wedge, which are sold in auto lockout kits, and also by locksmiths and repo experts. G28 Car Keys are made from durable vinyl that can be deflated and inflated quickly. This lets you slide them between the door and the weather stripping without scratching or damaging the paint of your car.
You can use a standard wedge, or an angled one is more suitable for cars with a wide range of. The idea is to create a space in which you can place a long, thin rod to reach the pin that locks your door. A coat hanger may be suitable if it's sturdy enough, but you can try a rod made from plastic or even a blood pressure cuff. The rod should be put between the frame and the door to allow you to pull it to open the vehicle.
It is recommended to avoid these methods unless you have an emergency. If you don't, police may have to employ more destructive tools to enter your car and rescue your passengers.
Keep a spare car key at home or with a person close to you to allow you to get back into your vehicle in the event that you are locked out. It is also important to determine if your auto insurance or roadside assistance plan covers car key replacement.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
You've probably seen the coat hanger trick in a movie. This is an option for older cars with manual locks. It works as a slim jim. You'll need a small coat hanger that has pliers and a 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 give you a better chance of locating the control arm which is attached to the rod for locking. Once you've located it, lift the lever and your door should open.
Another method is to tie a string using a slip-knot in the upper right corner of the driver's side of the door. Then, move the string back and forward (like flossing massive teeth) to move it towards the inside lock rod. It may take several attempts and both hands to unlock the lock.
You can also use the plastic strip bent into a shape to fit the narrow gap between door and frame. This is a more difficult option however it could be your only option if you can't find your keys.
If you have a spare key, it is a good idea to leave it somewhere that you can easily access in case in an emergency. You'll need to contact road assistance or a locksmith if you don't. You must have your key code number and your personal identification in order that road assistance or a locksmith can help you promptly.