3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys can be an extremely frustrating experience. There are some steps you can do yourself in the event of a loss.
First, check the obvious places, such as your pockets or purse. Next, consider purchasing a spare key and keeping it in a secure location. This can prevent future thefts.
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 assist you in many ways other than locksmith or roadside assistance. They will also be able to inform the public that someone has possibly taken your car keys, which could prevent others from using them without permission.
They can't open your car's door unless it is an emergency. This is because they do not have the tools needed to do so and aren't looking to cause damage to the vehicle. In certain circumstances the police may be capable of using a slim jim to open the door, but they'll require a compelling reason to do this. If they find that an animal or a child is locked in a car in hot weather, they may break the window.
It's an excellent idea to keep an extra key in a safe place in case you get locked out of your vehicle. Some people keep spare keys in places accessible to them, such as their home or office. Others give them to friends or family members to hold onto in the event of an emergency. If you have a spare, you should try to get it out of the way before calling the police or resorting to more drastic measures.
Many cars come with proximity remotes with a hidden emergency key in them. You might be able, if your car is one of them, to unlock the door from a distance by using an instrument that locksmiths could have. It is a thin tool with a flat edge that can be used to pick locks.
2. Call a Tow 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 researching the services they offer, charges, coverage area technology, and experts.
You'll be able make an informed choice when the time comes. These companies can assist you with the replacement of your key or an emergency one.
It is advisable to have at least two or three spare keys. Keep one set at home, another with your spouse or significant other and the third in your wallet. This will ensure that you never be stuck in a remote location.
Having a spare can also help you avoid calling for assistance on the road. The cost of purchasing a new key for a traditional one is typically very affordable, but the cost of a smart one can be quite expensive. They are equipped with an electronic chip that allows them to control the vehicle. They must be paired by a dealer or manufacturer. This could take a few days.
To make the process as simple and painless as possible, it's always recommended to keep the VIN number of your car in hand. This number is usually on your car's registration or is often stamped on a metal plate that is located in the doorpost for the driver's side. This will allow professionals to modify your old key to ensure 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 you have children, pets, or elderly people in the vehicle. You don't have to worry about calling 911 or paying a huge bill for a professional.
Air pump wedges are sold in the auto lockout kit as well as by locksmith and repo professionals. These wedges are made from heavy-duty vinyl that can be deflated and inflated quickly. This allows you to slip them between the door and the weather stripping without scratching or dinging the paint on the car.
For replacement key fob car of vehicles, a curving wedge is preferred. The idea is to create a space in which you can place an extremely thin rod to reach the locked door pin. A coat hanger may work if it's thick enough, but you can also try a plastic rod or even a blood pressure cuff. The rod should be put between the frame and the door so that you can pull it to unlock the vehicle.
It is recommended to stay clear of these methods unless you are in an emergency. If not, the police might need to employ an additional tool to gain access to your vehicle to rescue passengers or pets.
Keep a spare car key at home or with a person close to you in case you need to gain access to your vehicle in the event that you are locked out. Of course, you should be sure to verify that car key replacement is part of your roadside assistance plan or auto insurance.
4. Try Coathanger
The coat hanger trick is a classic and you've likely seen it in a movie. This is a great option for older cars that have manual locks. It functions like an incredibly slim jim. All you require is a thin coat hanger with a wire and pliers.
With the pliers, pull off the coat hanger so that it has one side swung and one straight. The hook should be inserted into the gap between the window frame and door frame. This will increase your chance of locating the control arm that's connected to the lock rod. Once you've located it, push the lever upwards and your door will open.
Another option is to tie a long string using an elongated slip knot in the upper right-hand corner of the door for the driver. Then, move the string back and forward (like flossing huge teeth) to move it towards the rod inside the lock. You may need to use both hands, and it could take a few attempts, but if it is successful, the lock should let go and you should be able to open the door.
You could also try a strip of plastic that you bend into a shape that will fit in the small gap between the door and the frame. This is a more difficult choice, but it may be the only way to get into the vehicle in case you can't locate your keys.
It is a good idea to keep a spare key in a place where you can easily find it in case of emergency. Otherwise, you will have to call road assistance or a locksmith. It is recommended to carry your key code number and personal identification with you so that road assistance or a locksmith could help you promptly.