The 10 Scariest Things About Emergency Car Key Replacement
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 yourself in the event of a loss.
First, check the obvious locations, like your purse or pockets. You might want to consider purchasing an extra one and keeping it in a secure location. This will help prevent thefts in the future.
1. Contact the police
If you've lost car keys replacement your keys and aren't able to locate them, the best thing to do is call the police. They can help you more than an auto locksmith or roadside assistance. They will also be capable of informing the public that someone may have possibly taken your car keys, which could prevent others from using them without permission.
They can't open your car's door unless it is an emergency. They do not have any tools and don't want the vehicle damaged. If the circumstances are right the police may be able use a slim Jim to open the car's door. But they must have a valid reason for doing this. For instance in the event that they see an infant or a pet trapped inside the vehicle in hot weather, they could cut the window to save the life of a person.
It's an excellent idea to keep an extra key in a safe place in case you get locked out of your vehicle. Some people keep their spare keys in places that are easy to access such as their home or office. Some people offer them to family or friends to keep in case of emergency. If you have a spare make contact with it prior to calling the authorities or taking more drastic measures.
Many cars have proximity remotes that have an emergency key hidden within them. If yours is one of them, you may be able unlock the doors from a distance with the help of a specific tool that a locksmith will possess. This tool is a slim jim that has a flat end that can be used to open locks.
2. Call a Tow Truck
Find a company that provides emergency car key replacement if you have lost your keys. It is best to save their contact numbers on your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time researching the services they offer and the charges they charge, coverage area, technology, and professionals.
You will be able to make an informed decision if the need arises. These companies can assist you with an emergency key replacement or replacement.
It is advisable to have three or more spare keys. Keep one set at home, another with your spouse or significant other and the third one in your wallet. This will ensure that you never end up in a remote location.
Having a spare can also help you avoid calling for roadside assistance. The cost for car key replacement of a brand new key for a traditional one is usually quite affordable, however the cost of a smart key can be quite high. They are equipped with an electronic chip that allows them to control the vehicle. They must be paired with a manufacturer or dealer. This could take a few days.
To make the process as quick and easy as it can be it's best to have the VIN number of your car in hand. It's possible to find this number on the documentation for your vehicle, or stamped on a metal plaque that is placed in the doorway of the driver. This information will help the emergency key replacement professional determine the best way to proceed with reprograming your old key to work with the new one.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It is best to start with a non-destructive method particularly if you have young children or pets, or elderly people in your car. That way you won't risk needing to call 999 or incur a high bill from a professional.
Air pump wedges are sold in auto lockout kits and by repo and locksmith professionals. They are made of robust, heavy-duty vinyl. They are designed to be inflated for a brief time before being deflated. You can slip them between the weather stripping and the door without having to worry about scratching paint.
For most cars, a curved wedge is more suitable. The idea is to create space in which you can place an extremely thin rod to reach the pin that locks your door. If the coat hanger is strong enough, it could work. You could also try a rod made of plastic or a blood pressure cuff. The rod should be put between the door and the frame so that you can pull it to open the vehicle.
Most of these methods set off the car keys lost replacement alarm and that's why it is best to stay clear of these methods unless you're in an emergency. If you don't, police may have to employ more destructive tools to get inside your vehicle and save your passengers.
Keep a spare car key home or with a person close to you so you can gain access to your vehicle if you lock yourself out. It is also important to determine if your insurance for your vehicle or roadside assistance plan covers car key replacement.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
You've likely seen the coat hanger trick in a movie. This is a great option for older vehicles that have locks that are manually operated, and it works like a DIY slim jim. You'll need a small coat hanger with pliers and a wire.
With the pliers, untwist the coat hanger until it has one side swung and one straight. Place the hook in the space between the window and the door frame. This will give you a greater chance of finding the control arm that's connected to the lock rod. Once you've found it, push the lever upwards and your door will open.
Another method is to tie a string using an elongated slip knot in the upper right corner of the door for the driver. You can move the string with a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a tooth) to pull it towards the inside rod. You may need to use both hands, and it may take several attempts however, if it's successful, the lock will let go and you should be able to open the door.
You can also use a strip of plastic bent into a shape that fits the small gap between the door and frame. This isn't the most ideal solution, but may be your only option if it's impossible to find your keys.
If you have a spare key, it is recommended to store it somewhere where you can easily access it in the event of an emergency. If you don't, you'll have to call for road assistance or a locksmith. You must have your key code number and personal identification with you so that road assistance or a locksmith could help you quickly.