3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
The loss of keys to your car could be a frustrating and stressful experience. Fortunately, there are a few actions you can take to assist yourself in this situation.
The first step is to check the obvious locations, like your purse or pockets. Consider buying a spare key and keeping it in a secure place. This will prevent any future thefts.
1. Contact the police
Contact the police if you are unable to locate your keys. They can assist you more than an auto locksmith or roadside assistance. They can also inform the general public that your car replacement keys near me keys may be missing and help stop people from using keys without permission.
However, they aren't capable of unlocking your car door unless it is an emergency situation. They don't have tools and don't want to risk damaging the vehicle. Based on the situation, police may be able to use the slim jim to unlock the door, but they'll require a valid reason for doing so. For instance, if they see a small child or animal locked inside the car in hot weather, they could cut the window to save the life.
It's also a good idea to have a spare key hidden somewhere in case you get locked out of your car. Some people keep them in accessible places, like their home or office. Some people offer them to friends or family members to keep in case of emergency. If you have an extra, reach out to it prior to calling the authorities or taking more drastic steps.
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 unlock the doors from a distance using an instrument that only locksmiths will possess. This tool is a slim jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to open locks.
2. Contact a Tow truck
Find a business that offers emergency replacement car keys in the event that you lose your keys. You should save their contact details on your phone under the heading "Emergency" and then spend time researching what services they provide, their charges, their coverage area, technology and experts.
This will enable you to make an informed decision when the situation arises. These companies can assist you with the replacement of your key or an emergency one.
The best way to avoid losing your keys is to have an extra set, and when you can, have three or four sets. Keep one at home, then give one to your partner or significant other, and keep the other one in your wallet or pocket. This will allow you to avoid being stranded in a remote location.
A spare key can make it easier to call for roadside assistance. The cost of a new key for a traditional one is usually very affordable, but the price of a smart key can be quite expensive. They are equipped with an electronic chip that allows them to control the vehicle. They must be connected by a manufacturer or dealer. This could take a few days.
To make the process as simple and painless as you can it's recommended to keep the VIN number of your vehicle handy. This number is usually on your car's registration or how much is a replacement car key uk usually stamped on a metal plate in the doorpost for the driver's side. This will allow the technician to reprogram your old key so that it functions 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 car. You don't have to worry about calling the number 999 or paying a big bill for an expert.
Air pump wedges are sold in auto lockout kit and by locksmith professionals and repo experts. They are made of durable, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a short period of time and then deflated. This allows you to slip them between the door and the weather stripping, without scratching or dinging the paint of the car.
For the majority of cars, a curved wedge is more suitable. The idea is to create a space in which you can insert the long, thin rod to get to the pin locked. If the hanger for your coat is strong enough, it may work. You could also try a plastic rod, or even a blood-pressure cuff. The goal is to place the rod between the door and the frame so you can pull it out and unlock the car.
It is best to avoid these methods unless you are in an emergency. In the event of an emergency, police may require an additional tool to gain access to your vehicle and save your pet or passengers.
Keep a spare car key home or with someone close to you so you can return to your car key replacement service if you lock yourself out. Of course it is important to check whether car key replacement is part of your roadside assistance plan or insurance for your vehicle.
4. Try Coathanger
The coat hanger trick is a classic, and you've probably seen it in a movie. This is a great solution for older vehicles with locks that are manual, and it works like an easy slim jim. You only need a thin coat hanger, pliers, and a small wire.
With the pliers, pull off the coat hanger until it has one side swung and one straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will help you locate the control arm connected to the lock rod. Once you find it, pull it back and the door should be opened.
Another option is to tie a long string with an elongated slip knot in the upper right corner of the door for the driver. Move the string in a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a tooth) to move it towards the inside lock rod. You may need to use both hands, and it may take several attempts however, if you are successful, the lock will be released and you will be able to open the door.
You can also make use of a strip of plastic bent into a form to fit the small gap between the door and frame. This is a more difficult option however it could be the only option to get in the vehicle if you cannot find your keys.
If you have a spare key, it's recommended to store it in a place where you can easily access in case of an emergency. You will need to call road assistance or a locksmith in the event that you don't. You should have your key code number as well as personal identification with you so that road assistance or a locksmith will assist you quickly.