The 10 Scariest Things About Emergency Car Key Replacement
3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
The loss of keys to your car may be a stressful experience. There are a few things you can do yourself in the event of this happening to you.
Look for obvious places such as your purse or pockets. Consider buying an extra key and keeping it in a secure location. This will prevent any future thefts.
1. Call the police
If you've lost your keys and aren't able to find them, the most effective 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 stolen your car keys, which will stop people from using keys without authorization.
However, they won't be able to unlock your car door unless there is an emergency situation. This is because they do not have the tools needed to do so and they don't want to cause damage to the vehicle. In certain circumstances, police may be able to use the slim jim to unlock the door, but they'll require a valid reason for doing so. If they find that the child or animal is locked in a vehicle in the heat, they may break the window.
It's an excellent idea to keep an extra key somewhere in case you get locked out of your car. Some people keep them in easy-to-access places, like their home or their office. Others lend them to friends or family members to hold onto in the event of an emergency. If you have a spare, you should try to reach it before calling the police or resorting to more drastic measures.
A lot of cars come with proximity remotes with an emergency code that is hidden. You may be able, if your car is one of these to open the door from a distance with a special tool a locksmith could have. The tool is a slim jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to pick locks.
2. Contact a Tow Truck
Find a company that provides emergency replacement car keys in the event that you have lost your keys. You should save their contact details on your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend time researching what services they provide, their charges as well as their coverage areas, technology and experts.
This will help you make a well-informed decision if the need arises. No matter if you require an emergency locksmith or an extra key, these companies will assist you in getting back on the road with little hassle.
The best method to avoid losing your keys is to have an extra set, and when possible, three or more sets. Keep one at home, and give one to your spouse or your significant other, and keep the other in your wallet or pocket. This will ensure that you do not be stuck in an unfamiliar place.
A spare key could prevent you from having to call for roadside assistance. A new key for a traditional key is usually quite affordable. However, the cost of a smart key can be quite costly. These keys use an electronic chip that allows them to operate the car. They must be connected with a manufacturer or dealer. This can take several days.
It's a good idea to make the process as simple and fast as you can, to keep the VIN number of the vehicle in your pocket. It can be found on your car's paperwork or is often stamped on a metal plate in the driver's side doorpost. This information will aid the emergency key replacement professional determine how to go about making your old key work with the new one.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It's always best to employ a non-destructive method initially especially if you have children, pets or elderly people in the car. There's no need to worry about calling 911 or paying a huge bill for a professional.
Air pump wedges are sold in auto lockout kit and by locksmith and repo professionals. They are made of robust, heavy-duty vinyl. They are designed to be inflated for a brief period of time, and then deflated. This lets you slide them between the door and the weather stripping without scratching or damaging the paint of the car.
You can make use of an ordinary wedge, or an angled one is better for most cars. The idea is to create a space so that you can insert the long, thin rod to reach the pin that is locked. If the hanger for your coat is sturdy enough, it could be able to work. You can also use a plastic rod or a blood pressure cuff. The rod should be placed between the door and the frame so that you can pull it to open the vehicle.
It's best to stay clear of these techniques unless you're in an emergency. If you don't, the police could have to use more destructive tools to get inside the car and save your passengers.
Keep a spare key at home or with a trusted friend in order to have a chance of getting back in your car in the event you get locked out. It is also important to determine if your insurance for your vehicle or roadside assistance policy covers car key replacement.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
You've probably seen the coat hanger trick in a film. This is a great solution for older vehicles with locks that are manually operated and functions as an easy slim jim. All you need is a thin coat hanger with a wire and pliers.
With the pliers, pull off the coat hanger until it has one side swung and one straight. Slide car key replacements between the window frame and the door frame. This will help you find the control arm that is connected to the rod for locking. Once you've found it pull the lever up and your door will open.
Another option is to tie a string using an elongated slip-knot on the upper right corner on the driver's side door. Then, you can wiggle the string back and forth (like flossing massive teeth) to move it towards the rod of the inside lock. It may take several attempts and both hands to get the lock to release.
You could also consider using a strip of plastic that can be bent into a form that will fit in the narrow gap between the door and the frame. This is a more challenging option however it could be the only way to get in the vehicle if you are unable to locate your keys.
It is a good idea to keep a spare key in a place where you can find it in the event of an emergency. In the event of an emergency, you'll need to call for 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 will help you quickly.