3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys could be a traumatic experience. There are some steps you can do yourself if this happens.
The first step is to check the obvious locations, like your purse or pockets. Consider purchasing an extra one and keeping it in a safe place. This can help prevent theft in the future.
1. Contact the police
If you've lost your keys and aren't able to find them, the best thing to do is call the police. They can help you in more ways than locksmith or roadside assistance. They'll also be capable of informing the public that someone may have possibly stolen your car keys, which will stop people from using them without authorization.
However, they aren't capable of unlocking your car's door unless it is an emergency situation. They do not have any tools and they don't want to risk damaging the vehicle. Based on the situation the police may be able to use a slim jim to open the door, but they'll require a compelling reason to do so. If they find that an animal or a child is locked in a car in hot weather, they may break the window.
It is also advisable to keep an extra car key hidden in case you have to lock yourself out of your car. Some people keep them in easy-to-access locations, such as their home or office. Some give them to friends or family members to keep in case of emergencies. If you have a spare, you should try to get it out of the way before calling the police or taking more drastic measures.
A lot of cars have proximity remotes that conceal an emergency key hidden within them. It is possible, if your car is one of them, to unlock the door from a distance by using an instrument that locksmiths would use. This tool is a slim jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to pick locks.
2. Call a Tow truck
Find a business that offers emergency car key replacement if you lose your keys. g28carkeys should save their contact details in your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend time looking into the services they offer, their charges, their coverage area, technology and professionals.
You will be able to make an informed choice when the need arises. Whether you need an emergency locksmith or simply an extra key, these companies can help you get back on the road with minimal hassle.
The best way to prevent losing your keys is to have an extra set and, if you can, have three or more sets. Keep one at home, then give one to your partner or your significant other, and then keep the other one in your wallet or pocket. This will help you to avoid being stuck in a remote location.
The possession of a spare key can make it easier to call for assistance on the road. The cost of a new key for a traditional key is usually quite affordable, however the cost of a smart key could be quite costly. These keys use an electronic chip that allows them to control the vehicle. They must be connected by a manufacturer or dealer. This can take a number of days.
To make the process as quick and painless as you can, it's always a good idea to have the VIN number of your car in hand. It's possible to find this number on the paperwork for your vehicle or stamped on a metal plaque in the driver's doorpost. This will allow professionals to reprogram your old key so that it works with the new key.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It is always advisable to use a non-destructive approach first particularly if you have children, pets or elderly people in the vehicle. So you don't run the risk of having to call 999 or pay a large bill from a professional.
One of the simplest ways to unlock your car is to use an air pump wedge, that are available in auto lockout kits, and also by repo and locksmith experts. They are made of durable, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a brief time before being deflated. This allows you to slide them between the door and the weather stripping, without scratching or damaging the paint of the car.
You can use wedges of any size, but an angled one is more suitable for the majority of 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 thick enough, it could be able to work. You can also use an aluminum rod, or even a blood-pressure cuff. The rod should be placed between the frame and the door so that you can pull it to unlock the vehicle.
Most of these methods trigger the car alarm, which is why it's recommended to avoid them unless there is an emergency. If you don't, police might have to use more destructive tools to get inside your car and rescue your passengers.
Have a spare key at home or with a close friend, so that you have a chance to get back in your car in the event you get locked out. Also, make sure that your auto insurance or roadside assistance plan covers the replacement of keys to your car.
4. Try Coathanger
You've probably seen the coat hanger trick in a movie. This is a solution for older cars with manual locks. It functions like the slim jim. All you require is a thin coat hanger made of wire and pliers.
With the pliers, untwist the coat hanger so that it has one side hooked and one straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will allow you to locate the control arm that is attached to the rod that locks. Once you've found it, pull it up and the door should be opened.
Another option is to tie a string using a slip-knot located in the upper right corner on the driver's side of the door. You can move the string with a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a tooth) to pull it towards the inside lock rod. It may take a few attempts and both hands to get the lock to release.
You could also consider using a plastic strip that is bent into a shape that will fit into the narrow gap between the door and frame. This is a harder option however it could be your only option if you are unable to find your keys.
It is a good idea to keep a spare key in a place where you can easily find it in an emergency. You'll need to contact road assistance or a lock-smith in the event that you don't. It is recommended to carry your key code number and your personal identification in order that road assistance or a locksmith can help you promptly.