3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
The loss of keys to your car could be a frustrating and stressful experience. Luckily, there are some actions you can take to help yourself in this situation.
First, look in the obvious places, such as your purse or pockets. Consider buying a spare and storing it in a secure location. This will help prevent thefts in the future.
1. Call the police
Contact the police if are unable to find your keys. cost for car key replacement will be able assist you more than an auto locksmith or roadside assistance. They can also inform the general public that your car keys may have been stolen and help stop people from using them without permission.
They're not able to unlock your car's door unless it is an emergency. This is because they don't have the tools needed to do it and aren't looking to cause damage to the vehicle. Depending on the circumstances, police may be capable of using the slim jim to unlock the door, but they will require a valid reason for doing so. If they discover that an animal or a child is locked inside a vehicle in the heat, they could break the window.
You should also keep an extra car key hidden in case you have to lock yourself out of your vehicle. Some people keep them in easily accessible places, like their home or their office. Others lend them to family or friends members to hold onto in case in the event of an emergency. If you have a spare contact it before calling authorities or taking more drastic actions.
A lot of cars come with proximity remotes with a hidden emergency code. If yours is one of them, you may be able unlock the doors from a distance using the help of a specific tool that locksmiths will have. This tool is a slim tool with a flat edge that can be used to pick locks.
2. Call a Tow Truck
Find a company who provides emergency replacement of car keys if you lose your keys. It is recommended to keep the contact information of these companies in your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time studying their offerings, charges, coverage area, technology, and professionals.
This will enable you to make a well-informed decision if the situation arises. These companies can assist you with the replacement of your key or an emergency one.
It is best to have three or more spare keys. Keep one at home, give one to your spouse or your significant other, and keep the other in your wallet or pocket. This will help you avoid being stuck in a strange place.
A spare key can make it easier to call for roadside assistance. The cost of a brand new key for a traditional one is typically very affordable, however the cost of a smart key can be quite expensive. These types of keys make use of an electronic chip to control the vehicle, so they'll require pairing with the car by a manufacturer or dealer, and this can take several days.
To make the process as simple and easy as it can be, it's always recommended to have the VIN number of your vehicle in your possession. You can find this number on the documents for your vehicle or on a metal plaque in the door of the driver. This information will aid the emergency key replacement professional determine how to go about reprograming your old key to work with the new one.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It's always best to employ a non-destructive method initially particularly if you have children, pets or elderly people in the car. You won't have to risk calling 911 or paying a huge bill for an expert.
Air pump wedges are sold in auto lockout kits and by locksmith professionals and repo experts. They are made of high-quality vinyl that can be deflated and inflated quickly. You can slip them between the weather stripping and the door without having to worry about scratching paint.
You can use a standard wedge, or a curved one is even more suitable for cars with a wide range of. The idea is to create space for you to insert an extremely thin rod to reach the locked door pin. If the coat hanger is sturdy enough, it might work. You can also use a plastic rod or a blood pressure cuff. The goal is to get the rod between the door and the frame so that you can pull it out and unlock the car.
It is recommended to avoid these methods unless you have an emergency. If you don't, police may have to employ more destructive tools to gain access to your vehicle and save your passengers.
Keep a spare key at home or with a trusted friend in order to have a chance of getting back into your vehicle in the event that you are locked out. Of course it is important to confirm that key replacement is included in your roadside assistance plan or insurance for your car.
4. Try a Coathanger
You've probably seen the coat hanger trick in a film. This is a good option for older vehicles that come with locks that are manually operated, and it works like a DIY slim jim. You will require a simple coat hanger with pliers and a small wire.
With the pliers, loosen 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 increase your chance of finding the control arm that is connected to the rod for locking. Once you've found it, pull the lever up and your door should open.
Another option is to tie a string using a slip knot in the upper right-hand corner of the driver's door. Wiggle the string in a back-andforth motion (like flossing a huge tooth) to pull it towards the inside rod of the lock. You may need to use both hands and it could take a few attempts however, if it's successful, the lock should let go and you should be able to unlock the door.
You can also make use of the plastic strip bent into a shape that fits the gap between the door and frame. This is a harder option but it may be the only option if you can't locate your keys.
If you have an extra key, it is a good idea to leave it somewhere where you can easily access in case in an emergency. You'll need to call road assistance or a lock-smith in the event that you don't. You must have your key code number as well as personal identification with you so that road assistance or a locksmith could help you promptly.