3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
The loss of your car key fob replacement near me keys can be an extremely frustrating experience. There are some things you can do to help yourself in the event of this happening to you.
Make sure you check the obvious places, such as your pockets or purse. Then, think about purchasing an extra key and keeping it in a secure location. This will help you avoid theft in the future.
1. Contact the police
Call the police if you are unable to find your keys. They will be able to help you more than a locksmith or roadside assistance. They could also inform the public that your car keys might have been stolen, which will help prevent other people from using keys without permission.
They're not able to unlock the door of your car unless it is an emergency. This is because they don't have the right tools to do it and aren't looking to cause damage to your vehicle. Based on the situation the police may be able to use the slim jim to unlock the door, but they will require a valid reason to do so. For instance when they spot an infant or a pet locked in the car during hot weather, they might cut the window to save the life of a person.
It's also a good idea to keep an extra key somewhere in case you are locked out of your car. Some people keep their spare keys in areas accessible to them such as their office or home. Some people give them to family or friends to keep in case of an emergency. If you have a spare, try to locate it before calling the police or resorting to more extreme measures.
Many cars come with proximity remotes that have an emergency code hidden behind them. You may be able in the event that your vehicle is one of them to open the door from a distance by using a special tool a locksmith could possess. This tool is a slim tool with a flat edge that can be used to pick locks.
2. Contact a Tow truck
Find a business that offers emergency replacement car replacement key keys in the event that you have lost your keys. It is recommended to save their contact details in your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend time researching what services they provide as well as their prices as well as their coverage areas, technology and experts.
This will enable you to make a well-informed decision if the need arises. These companies can help you with an emergency key replacement or replacement car key fob.
It is recommended to have three or more spare keys. Keep one set at home, one with your important person, and the other in your wallet. This will help you to avoid being stranded in a secluded spot.
Having a spare can also save you from calling for assistance on the road. A new key for a conventional key is typically very affordable. However, the price of a smart key car replacement can be quite costly. These types of keys use an electronic car key replacement chip that operates the vehicle, therefore they'll have to be linked with the vehicle by a manufacturer or dealer, and this can take several days.
It's a good idea to make the process as simple and quick as is possible and to keep the VIN number of the vehicle in your pocket. This can be found on your car's paperwork or is often stamped on a metal plate in the doorpost for the driver's side. This information will help the emergency key replacement specialist determine the best way to proceed with making your old key work with the new one.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's best to start with a non-destructive method especially if you have young children, pets, or elderly people in your vehicle. This way, you don't have the risk of having to call 999, or incur a high bill from a professional.
Air pump wedges can be found in auto lockout kit and by repo and locksmith professionals. They're made from durable, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a brief period of time, and then deflated. They can be slipped between the weather stripping and the door without worrying about scratching paint.
You can use wedges of any size, but a curved one is even more suitable for the majority of cars. The idea is to create a space where you can insert a long, thin rod to reach the door pin locked. If the hanger for your coat is sturdy enough, it might be able to work. You could also try an aluminum rod, or even a blood-pressure cuff. The goal is to get the rod between the frame and door so you can pull it and unlock the car.
It is best to avoid these techniques unless you're in an emergency. In the event of an emergency, police may need to employ a more destructive tool to enter your vehicle and rescue your pets or your passengers.
Keep a spare key somewhere at home or with a trusted friend in order to have a chance of getting back in your vehicle in the event that you lock yourself out. Of course it is important to confirm that key replacement is part of your roadside assistance plan or auto insurance.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
You've probably seen the coat hanger trick in a movie. This is a great solution for older vehicles that have manual locks, and it works like a DIY slim jim. You only need a thin coat hanger that has pliers and a wire.
With the pliers, loosen the coat hanger so that it has one side swung and one straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will give you a better chance of finding the control arm that is connected to the lock rod. Once you find it, pull up and the door should open.
Another method is to tie a long string with a slip knot in the upper right corner of the driver's door. Then, wiggle the string back and forward (like flossing giant teeth) to move it towards the inside lock rod. You may need to use both hands and it could take several attempts however, if it's 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 the frame. This is a more difficult option however it could be the only method to enter the vehicle in case you can't find your keys.
If you have an extra key, it is recommended to store it somewhere where you can easily access it in case of an emergency. You'll need to contact road assistance or a lock-smith if you don't. Be sure to have the key code number as well as your personal identification in to ensure that the locksmith or road assistance will be able to help you out quickly.