Emergency Car Key Replacement Isn't As Tough As You Think
3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
The loss of keys to your car can be a frustrating experience. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to assist yourself in this scenario.
Check obvious places like your pockets or purse. Next, consider buying a spare key and keeping it in a safe place. This will help you avoid theft in the future.
1. Contact the police
If you've lost your keys and aren't able to find them, the best thing to do is call the police. They will be able assist you more than a locksmith or roadside assistance. They will also be able to inform the public that someone may have possibly stolen your car keys which can help prevent people from using them without permission.
G28 can't open your car's door unless it is an emergency. They do not have any tools and they do not want to damage the vehicle. If the circumstances are suitable, the police may be able to use a small Jim to open the car's door. However they must have a valid reason for doing this. For instance, if they see a small child or animal trapped inside the vehicle in hot weather, they might smash the window to save the life of a person.
It is also advisable to keep an extra car key hidden in case you have to lock yourself out of your vehicle. Some people keep their spare keys in areas accessible to them such as their home or office. Some people give them to their family or friends to keep in case of emergency. If you have an extra, reach out to it before calling authorities or taking more drastic actions.
Many cars have proximity remotes with a hidden emergency key in them. If yours is one of them, you could be able to unlock the doors from a distance with the help of a specific tool that locksmiths will possess. It is a slim jim that has a flat end that can be used to pick locks.
2. Call towing truck
If you lose your car keys, the most important thing to do is find a company that provides emergency car key replacement. It is best to save their contact numbers in your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time researching the services they offer, charges, coverage area, technology, and professionals.
This will enable you to make an informed choice when the need arises. If you require an emergency locksmith or a new key, these companies can help you get back on the road with little hassle.
The best way to prevent losing your keys is to keep a spare set, and when you can, have three or more sets. Keep one set at home, another with your spouse or important person and the third in your wallet. This will ensure that you do not end up in a foreign location.
A spare key can help you avoid calling for assistance on the road. The cost of a new key for a traditional key is usually very affordable, but the cost of a smart key could be quite expensive. These types of keys use an electronic chip to operate the vehicle, therefore they'll need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealership or manufacturer, and this can take several days.
To make the process as simple and painless as possible it's best to keep the VIN number of your car in hand. This can be found on your car's paperwork or is often stamped on a metal plaque in the driver's side doorpost. This information will assist the emergency car key replacement professional determine the best way to proceed with making your old key work with the new one.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's best to start with a non-destructive solution particularly in the case of children, pets, or elderly people in your car. You won't have to risk calling the number 999 or paying a big bill for a professional.
Air pump wedges are sold in auto lockout kit and by locksmith professionals and repo experts. They are made of high-quality vinyl that can be deflated and inflated quickly. This allows you to slip them between the door and the weather stripping without risking scratching or dinging the paint of your car.
For the majority of cars, a curved wedge is preferred. The idea is to create a space in which you can put in the long, thin rod to get to the pin locked. If the coat hanger is sturdy enough, it could be able to work. You could also try a rod made of plastic or a blood pressure cuff. The goal is to place the rod between the frame and door so you can pull it out and unlock the car.
It is best to avoid these methods unless you are in an emergency. Otherwise, the police may have to use an even more destructive method to enter your vehicle and rescue your passengers or pets.
Keep a spare car key at home or with a person close to you in case you need to gain access to your vehicle in the event that you are locked out. Of course it is important to verify that car key replacement is part of your roadside assistance plan or insurance for your car.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
The coat hanger trick is a classic one, and you've likely seen it in a film. This is a great option for older vehicles that have locks that are manually operated and functions as a DIY slim jim. You only need a thin coat hanger, pliers, and a wire.
Untwist the coathanger using pliers until one side is hooked, and the other is straight. The hook should be inserted into the gap between the window frame and the door frame. This will give you a greater chance of finding the control arm that's connected to the rod for locking. Once you've found it push the lever upwards and your door will open.
Another way is to tie a string with a slip-knot in the upper right corner of the driver's side of the door. Wiggle the string with a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a huge tooth) to pull it towards the inside rod of the lock. It is possible to use both hands and it may take several attempts however, if you are successful, the lock should let go and you should be able to unlock the door.
You can also make use of a plastic strip bent into a shape to fit the gap between the door and frame. This isn't the most ideal solution however it could be your only option if you can't locate your keys.
It is a good idea to keep a spare key in a place where you can find it in case of emergency. If you don't, you'll have to call road assistance or a locksmith. Make sure that you have the key code number and your personal identification on your person so that road assistance or locksmith can assist you quickly.