11 Ways To Totally Defy Your Emergency Car Key Replacement
3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
The loss of keys to your car could be a stressful experience. There are some steps you can do to help yourself in the event of this happening to you.
Look for obvious places such as your pockets or purse. Consider buying a spare and storing it in a secure place. This can prevent future thefts.
1. Call the Police
Contact the police if you are unable to locate your keys. They will be able to help you more than a locksmith or roadside assistance. They can also inform the general public that your car keys may be missing, which will help prevent other people from using them without permission.
However, they aren't able to unlock your car door unless it is an emergency situation. They don't have any tools and they don't want to risk damaging the vehicle. If the circumstances are appropriate the police may be able to use a slim Jim to open the car door. But, they must have a legitimate reason for doing this. If they find that an animal or a child is locked in a vehicle in the heat, they may break the window.
It is also advisable to keep a spare car key somewhere hidden in case you have to lock yourself out of your vehicle. Some people keep them in accessible locations, such as their home or their office. Some give them to family or friends to keep in case of an emergency. If you have a spare, try to locate it before calling the police or resorting to more drastic measures.
A lot of cars come with proximity remotes that come with an emergency code hidden behind them. If yours is one of them, you may be able to open the doors from a distance by using the help of a specific tool that locksmiths will have. It is a slim jim that has a flat end that can be used to open locks.
2. Contact a Tow Truck
Find a company that provides emergency replacement car keys in the event that you lose your keys. You should save their contact details on your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend some time looking into the services they offer and their costs as well as their coverage areas, technology and professionals.
You'll be able to make an informed decision if the time comes. No matter if you require an emergency locksmith or an extra key, these companies can help you get back to your vehicle with minimum hassle.
It is advisable to have at least two or three spare keys. Keep one set at home, another with your spouse or important person and the third 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 roadside assistance. The cost of a new key for a traditional key is usually very affordable, but the cost of a smart one can be quite expensive. These types of keys make use of an electronic chip that operates the vehicle, therefore they'll need to be paired with the car by a manufacturer or dealer, and this can take several days.
To make the process as fast and easy as it can be it's a good idea to keep the VIN number of your car in hand. It's possible to find this number on the documents for your vehicle or stamped on a metal plaque that is placed in the doorway of the driver. This information will assist the emergency key replacement professional determine how to go about reprograming your old key to work with the new one.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's always best to use a non-destructive approach first especially if you have young children, pets or elderly people in the car. You don't have to worry about calling 911 or paying a huge bill for an expert.
One of the simplest methods to unlock a vehicle is with an air pump wedge which are sold in auto lockout kits and also by repo and locksmith experts. These wedges are made from high-quality vinyl that can be deflated and inflated quickly. This allows you to slide them between the door and the weather stripping without 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 space in which you can place the rod to reach the locked door pin. A coat hanger could be suitable if it's sturdy enough, but you can try a rod made from plastic or even a blood pressure cuff. The goal is to place the rod between the frame and door to allow you to pull it and unlock the car.
It's best to avoid these methods unless you are in an emergency. If not, the police might require an additional tool to get into your vehicle and save your pet or passengers.
Keep an extra car key at home or with a person close to you in case you need to get back into your vehicle when you lock yourself out. And, of course you must be sure to verify that car key replacement is covered in your roadside assistance plan or auto insurance.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
You've likely seen the coat hanger trick in a film. This is a solution for older cars that come with manual locks. It works as an incredibly slim jim. All you need is a thin coat hanger made of wire and pliers.
With the pliers, untwist the coat hanger until it has one side swung and one straight. Slide the hook into the gap between the window frame and the door frame. This will give you a greater chance of finding the control arm that is connected to the rod for locking. Once automotive key replacement 've located it, pull the lever up and your door will open.
Another option is to tie a string with a slip-knot located in the upper right corner of the driver's side of the door. Move the string with a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a tooth) to pull it towards the inside rod of the lock. It is possible to use both hands and it could take several attempts, but if it is successful, the lock will let go and you should be able to open the door.
You could also try a plastic strip that is bent into a shape that will fit in the gap between the door and the frame. This is a more difficult choice however it could be the only way to get into the vehicle if you cannot find your keys.
If you have an extra key, it's best to keep it somewhere where you can easily access it in the event in an emergency. You'll need to contact road assistance or a lock-smith if you don't. It is recommended to carry your key code number as well as your personal identification in order that road assistance or a locksmith will assist you quickly.