3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
The loss of keys to your car can be a stressful experience. There are some things you can do to help yourself in the event of a loss.
The first step is to check the obvious places, such as your pockets or purse. Next, consider purchasing an extra key and keeping it in a secure location. This will help prevent thefts in the future.
1. Contact the police
If you've lost your keys and aren't able to find them, the most effective solution is to contact 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 taken your car keys, which can help prevent people from using them without permission.
They can't open the door of your car unless it is an emergency. They don't have any tools and they do not want to damage the vehicle. If the circumstances are appropriate the police might be able use a slim Jim to open the car door. However, they must have a valid motive to do this. For example when they spot an animal or small child trapped inside the vehicle in hot weather, they might smash the window to save the life of a person.
You should also keep an extra car key hidden in case you need to lock yourself out of your car. Some people keep spare keys in areas that are easy to access like their home or office. Some give them to family or friends to keep in case of emergency. If you have a spare, 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 may be able to unlock the doors from a distance with the help of a specific tool that a locksmith will have. It is a slim jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to pick locks.
2. car key fob replacements for a Tow Truck
Find a business that offers emergency replacement of car keys if you lose your keys. You should store their contact numbers on your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time looking into their services costs, coverage areas, charges technology, and experts.
You will be able to make a well-informed decision when the need arises. These companies can assist you with a replacement or emergency key.
The best method to avoid losing your keys is to keep a spare set, and should you be able to, if feasible, three or four sets. Keep one at home, give one to your partner or significant other, and keep the other in your purse or wallet. This will ensure that you don't find yourself stranded in an unfamiliar place.
A spare key could help you avoid needing to call roadside assistance. The cost of a new key for a traditional one is usually quite affordable, however the cost of a smart key could be quite high. These types of keys make use of an electronic chip to control the vehicle, therefore they'll need to be paired with the car by a dealership or manufacturer and can take several days.
It's a good idea, to make the process as easy and quick as possible, to keep the VIN number of the car in your pocket. You can find this number on the documentation for your vehicle, or engraved on a plaque made of metal in the driver's doorpost. This will allow professionals to modify your old key to ensure that it can work with the new key.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It is always advisable to use a non-destructive approach first especially if you have children, pets or elderly people in the car. You won't have to risk calling 911 or paying a huge bill for an expert.
One of the most efficient methods to unlock a car is with an air pump wedge, which are sold in auto lockout kits and also by repo and locksmith experts. They're made of tough, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a short period of time and then deflated. You can slide them between the weather stripping and the door without having to worry about scratching paint.
You can make use of an ordinary wedge, or a curved one is more suitable for the majority of cars. The idea is to create space in which you can place the rod to reach the door pin locked. A coat hanger could be a good choice if it's strong enough, but you can also try a plastic rod or even a blood pressure cuff. The rod should be placed between the frame and the door so that you can pull it to unlock the vehicle.
Almost all of these methods set off the car alarm, which is why it is best to stay clear of them unless there is an emergency. If you don't, police might have to use more destructive tools to get inside the car and save your passengers.
Keep a spare key somewhere at home or with a trusted friend in order to have a chance to get back in your car in the event you get locked out. It is also important to determine if your insurance for your vehicle or roadside assistance plan covers the replacement of keys to your car.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
You've probably seen the coat hanger trick in a movie. This is a solution for older cars with manual locks. It works like the 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 side is straight. Place the hook in the space between the window and the door frame. This will help you locate the control arm that is connected to the rod for locking. Once you've located it, push the lever upwards and your door should open.
Another option is to tie a string with an elongated slip knot in the upper right-hand corner of the door for the driver. Move the string with a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a huge tooth) to pull it towards the inside rod. It may take a few attempts and both hands to get the lock to release.
You can also use a strip of plastic bent into a shape that fits the gap between the door and frame. This is a more challenging option but it could be the only way to get into the vehicle in case you can't locate your keys.
If you have a spare key, it's best to keep it somewhere that you are able to access it in the event in an emergency. You will need to call road assistance or a lock-smith in the event that 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 can assist you quickly.