Emergency Car Key Replacement: What's The Only Thing Nobody Has Discussed
3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your keys to your car can be a stressful experience. There are some things you can do yourself in the event of a loss.
Make sure you check the obvious places, such as your pockets or purse. Consider purchasing a spare key and keeping it in a secure place. This will help prevent thefts in the future.
1. Contact the police
Contact the police if can't find your keys. They can assist you in a variety of ways, not just locksmith or roadside assistance. They will also be capable of informing the public that someone may have possibly taken your car keys, which could prevent others from using them without authorization.
They're not able to unlock the door of your car unless it is an emergency. They don't have any tools and do not want to damage the vehicle. If the circumstances are right the police might be able use a slim Jim to open the car door. But they must have a good reason for doing so. For example in the event that they see an animal or small child locked in the car during hot weather, they could break the window to save a life.
You should also keep a spare car key hidden in case you need to lock yourself out of your vehicle. Some people keep spare keys in areas easily accessible such as their office or home. Others offer them to friends or family members to keep in case of an emergency. If you have an extra make contact with it prior to calling the authorities or taking more drastic steps.
Many cars come with proximity remotes that have an emergency code hidden behind them. If yours is one of them, you could be able to unlock the doors from a distance with an instrument that only a locksmith will have. The tool is a slim jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to pick locks.
2. Contact a Tow truck
If you lose your car keys, the most important thing you can do is find a company that provides emergency car key replacement. You should store their contact numbers in your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time looking into their services and the charges they charge, coverage area technology, and experts.
You'll be able to make an informed choice when the time comes. If you require an emergency locksmith or a new key, these companies will assist you in getting back on the road with minimal hassle.
The best method to avoid losing your keys is to have an extra set, and should you be able to, if possible, three or four sets. Keep replacements car key set at home, one with your spouse or significant other, and the other in your wallet. This will ensure that you do not find yourself stranded in an unfamiliar place.
A spare key can help you avoid having to call for roadside assistance. A new key for a traditional key is usually quite affordable. However, the price of a smart-key can be quite costly. These keys use an electronic chip that allows them to control the vehicle. They will have to be paired by a manufacturer or dealer. This can take several days.
To make the process as fast and painless as you can it's best to have the VIN number of your vehicle handy. 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 information will assist the emergency key replacement specialist determine the best method for making your old key work with the new one.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's always best to employ a non-destructive method initially especially if you have young children, pets or elderly people in the vehicle. You won't have to risk calling 999 or paying a large bill for a professional.
Air pump wedges are sold in auto lockout kits and by locksmith professionals and repo experts. They are made of robust, heavy-duty vinyl. They are designed to be inflated for a short period of time, and then deflated. This allows you to slide them between the door and the weather stripping without risking scratching or dinging the paint on the car.
You can make use of an ordinary wedge, or a curved one is better for most cars. The idea is to create a space so that you can insert the rod's length and thickness in order to reach the locked pin. If the hanger for your coat is thick enough, it could work. You could also try an aluminum rod, or even a blood-pressure cuff. The goal is to place the rod between the frame and door so that you can pull it out and unlock the car.
It is best to stay clear of these methods unless you have an emergency. If you don't, police might have to use more destructive tools to enter the car and save your passengers.
Keep a spare car key at home or with a friend near you in case you need to return to your car in the event that you are locked out. And, of course you must be sure to check whether car key replacement is part of your roadside assistance plan or insurance for your vehicle.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
You've likely seen the coat hanger trick in a film. This is a good option for older vehicles that have locks that are manually operated and works as an easy slim jim. You'll need a small coat hanger with pliers and a wire.
With the pliers, pull off the coat hanger until it has one side swung and one straight. The hook should be inserted into the gap between the window and the door frame. This will allow you to locate the control arm that is connected to the lock rod. Once you've located it, pull the lever up and your door will open.
Another option is to tie a string with a slip-knot in the upper right corner of the driver's side of the door. Move the string in a back-andforth motion (like flossing a giant tooth) to pull it towards the inside rod. It may be necessary to use both hands, and it may take several attempts, but if it is successful, the lock should release and you can open the door.
You could also consider using a plastic strip that can be bent into a form that fits into the narrow gap between the door and frame. This is a more difficult option but it could be the only way to get in the vehicle if you are unable to find your keys.
If you have an extra key, it is best to keep it somewhere where you can easily access in the event of an emergency. If you don't, you'll have to call for road assistance or a locksmith. You should have your key code number and personal identification with you so that road assistance or a locksmith will help you quickly.