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 if this happens.
The first step is to check the obvious locations, like your purse or pockets. Next, consider buying an extra key and keeping it in a secure location. This will help prevent thefts in the future.
1. Contact the police
Call the police if you can't locate your keys. They can assist you more than a locksmith or roadside assistance. They will also be capable of informing the public that someone may have possibly stolen your car keys which can help prevent people from using keys without authorization.
They're not able to unlock the doors of your car unless there is an emergency. They do not have any tools and don't want the vehicle damaged. In certain circumstances the police may be capable of using the slim jim to unlock the door, but they will require a compelling reason for doing so. If they see that an animal or a child is locked in a vehicle in hot weather, they could break the window.
You should also keep an extra car key hidden in case you have to lock yourself out of your car. Some people keep them in easy-to-access locations, such as their home or their office. Others lend them to friends or family members to hold onto in case of an emergency. If you have a spare, try to reach it before calling the police or resorting to more drastic measures.
A lot of cars come with proximity remotes that have a hidden emergency code. You might be able to use your car, if it is one of these to open the door from a distance using an instrument that locksmiths could use. The tool is a slim jim that has a flat end that can be used to open locks.
2. Contact automotive key replacement
Find a business that offers emergency replacement of car keys if you lose your keys. You should keep their contact information in your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend some time researching what services they provide and their costs as well as their coverage areas, technology and experts.
You'll be able make an informed decision if the time comes. These companies can help you with the replacement of your key or an emergency one.
The best way to prevent losing your keys is to keep an extra set, and should you be able to, if feasible, three or more sets. Keep one set at home, one with your significant person, and the other in your wallet. This will ensure that you don't find yourself stranded in a remote location.
A spare key could help you avoid needing to call roadside assistance. A new key for a conventional key is typically very affordable. However, the price of a smart key can be quite costly. These types of keys use an electronic chip that operates the vehicle, which means they'll require pairing with the car by a dealer or manufacturer and could take a few days.
To make the process as quick and painless as you can, it's always a good idea to have the VIN number of your vehicle handy. It's possible to find this number on the documentation for your vehicle, or stamped on a metal plaque that is placed in the door of the driver. This information will enable the professional to modify your old key to ensure that it can work with the new key.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It's best to begin with a non-destructive solution particularly when you have children, pets, or elderly people in your car. That way you won't risk having to call 999 or incur a high bill from a professional.
Air pump wedges are available in the auto lockout kit as well as by locksmith and repo professionals. These wedges are made from heavy-duty vinyl that can be inflated and deflated quickly. You can slide them between the weather stripping and the door without having to worry about scratching paint.
For the majority of cars, a curved wedge is better. The idea is to create a space in which you can place the rod to reach the pin that locks your door. If the coat hanger is thick enough, it may work. You can also use an aluminum rod or a blood pressure cuff. The aim is to get the rod between the frame and the door to allow you to pull it out and unlock the car.
The majority of these methods will cause the car alarm to go off, which is why it is best to stay clear of them unless there's an emergency. If you don't, police might have to use more destructive tools to gain access to your car and rescue your passengers.
Keep a spare key somewhere at home or with a trusted friend to ensure that you have a chance to get back into your vehicle in the event that you are locked out. It is also important to determine if your insurance for your vehicle or roadside assistance plan covers the replacement of keys to your car.
4. Try a Coathanger
You've probably seen the coat hanger trick in a movie. This is a great option for older vehicles with locks that are manually operated and works as an easy slim jim. All you require is a thin coat hanger with a wire and pliers.
Untwist the coathanger by pliers to ensure that one side is hooked and the other 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've located it, pull the lever up and your door will open.
Another method is to tie a string using a slip-knot in the upper right corner on the driver's side of the door. You can move the string in a back-andforth motion (like flossing a tooth) to shift it toward the inside lock rod. You may need to use both hands and it could take a few attempts, but if it is successful, the lock should let go and you should be able to open the door.
You could also try a plastic strip that can be bent into a form that fits into the small gap between the frame and door. This isn't the most ideal solution but it may be the only option if you can't locate your keys.
It is a good plan to keep a spare key somewhere that you can easily locate in case of emergency. You will need to call road assistance or a lock-smith in the event that you don't. You should have your key code number and your personal identification in order that road assistance or a locksmith could help you quickly.