Keep An Eye On This: How Emergency Car Key Replacement Is Taking Over And What To Do
3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
The loss of keys to your car could be a stressful experience. Fortunately, there are a few actions you can take to assist yourself in this situation.
First, look in the obvious places, like your pockets or purse. Next, consider purchasing a spare key and keeping it in a secure location. This can help prevent theft in the future.
1. Contact the police
If you've lost your keys and are unable to find them, the best option is to call the police. They can help you in many ways other than a roadside assistance or locksmith. They will also be able to inform the general public that someone has possibly stolen your car keys which could prevent others from using them without authorization.
They are not able unlock the door of your car unless it is an emergency. They don't have any tools and they don't want the vehicle damaged. In certain circumstances the police may be capable of using a slim jim to open the door, but they will require a valid reason for doing so. If cost of a replacement car key see that a child or an animal is locked inside a vehicle in the heat, they could break the window.
It is also advisable to keep an extra car key hidden in case you have to lock yourself out of your car. Some people keep them in accessible places, like their home or their office. Some people give them to their family or friends to keep in case of 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 key in them. It is possible, if your car is one of them to open the door from a distance by using a special tool a locksmith might have. This tool is a slim jim that has a flat end that can be used to open locks.
2. Contact towing truck
Find a company that provides emergency replacement of car keys if you have lost your keys. It is recommended to save their contact information in your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend time researching what services they provide and their costs as well as their coverage areas, technology and professionals.
This will allow you to make a well-informed decision if the situation arises. If you require an emergency locksmith or an extra key, these companies will help you get back on the road with minimal hassle.
It is advisable to have at least two or three spare sets of keys. Keep one set at home, another with your important person and the third one in your wallet. This will help you to avoid being stuck in a secluded spot.
The possession of a spare key can make it easier to call for assistance on the road. The cost of purchasing a new key for a traditional one is usually very affordable, but the cost of a smart one can be quite costly. These types of keys make use of an electronic chip to operate the vehicle, therefore they'll have to be linked with the car by a manufacturer or dealer and can take several days.
To make the process as fast and painless as you can it's recommended to keep the VIN number of your car in hand. This number is usually on the paperwork of your car or is often stamped on a metal plaque in the doorpost for the driver's side. This information will enable professionals to modify your old key so that it can work with the new key.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's always best to try to employ a non-destructive method initially, especially if there are young children, pets or elderly people in the car. This way, you don't have the risk of having to call 999, or be charged a high amount from an expert.
Air pump wedges can be found in auto lockout kits and by repo and locksmith professionals. They're made from durable, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a short period of time and then deflated. You can slide them between the weather stripping and the door without having to worry about scratching the paint.
You can make use of a standard wedge, or a curved one is more suitable for cars with a wide range of. The idea is to create a space for you to insert the rod to reach the door pin locked. A coat hanger could be a good choice if it's strong enough, but you could also try a rod made of plastic or even a blood pressure cuff. The goal is to place the rod between the frame and door so you can pull it out and unlock the car.
It is recommended to avoid these methods unless you are in an emergency. In the event of an emergency, police may have to use an additional tool to enter your vehicle and save your pets or your passengers.
Keep an extra car key at home or with a person close to you so you can gain access to your vehicle if you lock yourself out. Also, make sure that your auto insurance or roadside assistance plan covers car key replacement.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
The coat hanger trick is a well-known, and you've likely seen it in a film. This is a great option for older cars with manual locks. It works as an incredibly slim jim. All you require is a coat hanger with a wire and pliers.
With the pliers, loosen the coat hanger until it has one side hooked 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 rod that locks. When you locate it, pull up and the 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 of the door. Wiggle the string with a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a tooth) to move it towards the inside rod of the lock. It could take a few attempts and both hands to get the lock to release.
You could also consider using a plastic strip that is bent into a shape that fits into the small gap between the door and the frame. This is a more difficult option but it could be the only option to enter the vehicle if you cannot find your keys.
It is a good plan to keep a spare key in a place where that you can easily locate in the event of an emergency. You'll need to contact road assistance or a lock-smith if you don't. Make sure you have the key code number as well as your personal identification card on hand so that the locksmith or road assistance will be able to assist you quickly.