The 10 Scariest Things About Emergency Car Key Replacement
3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys can be a very frustrating experience. There are, however, some ways to help yourself in this scenario.
First, check the obvious places, like your purse or pockets. Then, think about purchasing a spare key and storing it in a secure place. This can help prevent theft in the future.
1. Contact the police
If you've lost your keys and can't find them, the best solution is to contact the police. They will be able to assist you more than a locksmith or roadside assistance. They'll also be capable of informing the general public that someone has possibly stolen your car keys, which could prevent others from using them without authorization.
They're not able to unlock the door of your car unless it is an emergency. This is because they do not have the right tools to do so and don't want to cause damage to the vehicle. In certain circumstances the police may be capable of using the slim jim to unlock the door, but they will need to have a good reason for doing so. If they see that an animal or a child is locked inside a vehicle in the heat, they could 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 car. Some people keep their spare keys in places easily accessible, such as their office or home. Others give them to family or friends members to hold onto in case of an emergency. If you have a spare make contact with it before calling authorities or taking more drastic steps.
Many cars have proximity remotes that have a hidden emergency code. If yours is one of them, you could be able unlock the doors from a distance by using a special tool that locksmiths have. This tool is a flat-ended slim jim that can be used to open locks.
2. Contact a Tow Truck
If you have lost your car keys, the most important thing to do is find a company that can provide an emergency replacement of car keys. You should save their contact details in your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend time researching what services they provide and their costs, their coverage area, technology and experts.
You will be able to make an informed decision if the need arises. No matter if you require an emergency locksmith or a new key, these companies can assist you in getting back to your vehicle with minimum hassle.
It is best to have three or more spare sets of keys. Keep one at home, and give one to your spouse or your significant other, and then keep the other one in your purse or wallet. This will help you avoid being stuck in a strange place.
A spare key can prevent you from having to call roadside assistance. The cost of a new key for a traditional key is usually very affordable, but the cost of a smart key can be quite expensive. These keys use an electronic car key replacement chip that allows them to control the vehicle. They will have to be paired by a manufacturer or dealer. This could take a few days.
It's a good idea to make the process as simple and quick as possible you keep the VIN number of the vehicle in your pocket. This number is usually on your car's registration or, more often, on a metal plate in the doorpost for the driver's side. This will allow the professional to reprogram your old key so that it works with the new key.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's always best to try to employ a non-destructive method initially especially if you have young children, pets or elderly people in the vehicle. This way, you don't have the risk of needing to call 999 or be charged a high amount from an expert.
Air pump wedges are sold in the auto lockout kit as well as by locksmith car key replacement cost professionals and repo experts. The wedges 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 worrying about scratching the paint.
For the majority of cars, a curved wedge is preferred. The idea is to create a space in which you can place the rod to reach the door pin locked. A coat hanger could be suitable if it's sturdy enough, but you could try a rod made from plastic or even a blood pressure cuff. The aim is to get the rod between the frame and the door so that you can pull it out and unlock the car.
It's best to avoid these methods unless you have an emergency. If you don't, police could have to use more destructive tools to enter your car and rescue your passengers.
Keep a spare car keys replacement key home or with a person close to you to allow you to get back into your vehicle if you lock yourself out. Also, you should be sure to confirm that key replacement is part of your roadside assistance plan or insurance for your vehicle.
4. Try a Coathanger
You've likely seen the coat hanger trick in a movie. This is a good option for older vehicles with locks that are manual and works as an easy slim jim. You will require a simple coat hanger with pliers and a thin wire.
Untwist the coathanger with pliers until one side is snared and the other is 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 find it, pull up and the door should open.
Another method is to tie a string using a slip knot at the upper right-hand corner of the door for the driver. You can move the string in a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a tooth) to shift it toward the inside rod. It may take a few attempts and both hands to unlock the lock.
You can also try using a plastic strip that you bend into a shape that will fit into the small gap between the door and the frame. This is a more difficult option however it could be the only way to get in the vehicle in case you can't find your keys.
It is a good plan to keep a spare key in a place where you can easily find it in case of emergency. You'll need to call road assistance or a lock-smith if you don't. You must have your key code number as well as personal identification with you so that road assistance or a locksmith will help you promptly.