Watch This: How Emergency Car Key Replacement Is Taking Over And What Can We Do About It
3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your keys to your car can be a frustrating and stressful experience. There are a few things you can do to assist yourself in the event of this happening to you.
First, look in the obvious locations, like your purse or pockets. You might want to consider purchasing an extra and keeping it in a secure location. This will help prevent thefts in the future.
1. Contact the police
Call the police if you are unable to find your keys. They can assist you in more ways than an emergency roadside assistance or locksmith. They can also inform the general public that your car keys might have been stolen, which will help prevent other people from using keys without permission.
However, they aren't in a position to unlock your car door unless it is an emergency situation. They don't have any tools and do not want to damage the vehicle. In certain circumstances, police may be capable of using the slim jim to unlock the door, but they'll require a valid reason for doing so. For instance when they spot an infant or a pet locked inside the car in hot weather, they may cut the window to save the life.
It is also advisable to keep a spare car key hidden in case you lock yourself out of your car. Some people keep them in accessible places like their home or office. Some people offer them to their family or friends to keep in case of emergencies. If you have an extra make contact with it before calling authorities or taking more drastic steps.
A lot of cars have proximity remotes with a hidden emergency key hidden within them. You might be able to use your car, if it is one of them, to unlock the door from a distance using a special tool a locksmith could possess. The tool 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 car key replacement if you lose your keys. It is recommended to save their contact information in your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend time looking into the services they offer and their costs as well as their coverage areas, technology and professionals.
This will enable you to make a well-informed decision if the situation arises. If you require an emergency locksmith or a replacement key, these companies will help you get back on the road with minimal hassle.
It is advisable to have two or three spare keys. Keep one at home, then give one to your partner or your significant other, and then keep the other in your purse or wallet. This will allow you to avoid being stranded in a strange place.
A spare key can help you avoid having to call roadside assistance. A new key for a standard key is typically very affordable. However, the cost of a smart-key can be quite costly. They are equipped with an electronic chip that allows them to control the vehicle. They will have to be paired with a manufacturer or dealer. This could take a few days.
To make automotive key replacement as quick and easy as it can be, it's always best to have the VIN number of your vehicle in your possession. You can find this number on the paperwork for your vehicle or stamped on a plaque made of metal in the door of the driver. This information will aid the emergency car key replacement specialist determine the best way to proceed with making your old key work with the new one.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It is always advisable to employ a non-destructive method initially, especially if there are children, pets, or elderly people in the vehicle. So you don't run the risk of having to call 999 or pay a large bill from an expert.
Air pump wedges can be found in auto lockout kit and by locksmith professionals and repo experts. The wedges are made of heavy-duty vinyl that can be deflated and inflated quickly. This allows you to slide them between the door and the weather stripping without risking scratching or dinging the paint of your car.
You can use an ordinary wedge, or an angled one is more suitable for the majority of cars. The idea is to create a space in which you can place the rod's length, which is thin to reach the pin that is locked. A coat hanger might be suitable if it's sturdy enough, but you can also try a plastic rod or even a blood pressure cuff. The rod should be put between the door and the frame to allow you to pull it to open the vehicle.
Most of these methods set off the car alarm and that's why it's best to avoid them unless there's an emergency. In the event of an emergency, police may require a more destructive tool to enter your vehicle to rescue pets or your passengers.
Keep a spare key at your home or with a friend in order to have a chance of getting back into your car in case you get locked out. You should also check if your insurance for your vehicle or roadside assistance plan will cover the replacement of keys to your car.
4. Try Coathanger
You've likely seen the coat hanger trick in a film. This is a great solution for older vehicles with locks that are manual, and it works like a DIY slim jim. All you need is a thin coat hanger with a wire and pliers.
Untwist the coathanger using 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 find the control arm that is connected to the rod for locking. When you locate it, pull it up and the door should open.
Another option is to tie a string using a slip knot in the upper right corner of the door for the driver. Move the string in a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a huge tooth) to move it towards the inside rod. It is possible to use both hands and it could take a few attempts however, if you are successful, the lock should let go and you should be able to unlock the door.
You can also use a strip of plastic bent into a form to fit the gap between the door and frame. This is a harder option but it may be the only option if it's impossible to locate your keys.
It is a good plan to keep a spare key in a place where you can easily find it in an emergency. You'll need to contact road assistance or a lock-smith in the event that you don't. Make sure you have the key code number and your personal identification on hand so that the locksmith or road assistance will be able to assist you in a timely manner.