3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
The loss of keys to your car may be a frustrating experience. There are, however, some actions you can take to help yourself in this situation.
First, look in the obvious locations, like your purse or pockets. Consider buying an extra key and keeping it in a secure place. This can help prevent theft in the future.
1. Contact the police
Call the police if you can't find your keys. They can assist you in more ways than an emergency roadside assistance or locksmith. They'll also be able to inform the public that someone may have possibly taken your car keys, which can help prevent people from using keys without authorization.
However, they won't be able to unlock the door of your car in the event of an emergency situation. They don't 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 door of the car. But they must have a legitimate reason for doing so. For instance when they spot a small child or animal locked in the car during hot weather, they may break the window to save a life.
It's also a good idea to keep an extra key in a safe place in case you get locked out of your vehicle. Some people keep them in easy-to-access places like their home or their office. Others give them to family or friends members to keep in the event in the event of an emergency. If you have a spare, you should try to reach it before calling the police or taking more extreme measures.
Many cars have proximity remotes that come with an emergency code that is hidden. It is possible, if your car is one of these, to unlock the door from a distance using a special tool a locksmith could use. The tool is a small tool with a flat edge that can be used to pick a lock.
2. Call a Tow Truck
Find a business that offers emergency replacement car keys in the event that you lose your keys. It is best to save their contact numbers on your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time researching the services they offer, charges, coverage area technology, and experts.
You'll be able make an informed decision if the need arises. These companies can help 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 significant other and the third in your wallet. This will help you to avoid being stranded in a remote location.
A spare key can prevent you from needing to call roadside assistance. The cost of a brand new key for a traditional key is usually very affordable, but the price of a smart key could be quite expensive. These types of keys use an electronic chip to operate the vehicle, which means they'll need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or manufacturer which could take a few days.
It's a good idea, to make the process as simple and quick as possible, to keep the VIN number of the car in your pocket. It 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 enable professionals 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 use a non-destructive approach first, especially if there are children, pets, or elderly people in the car. So you don't run the risk of needing to call 999 or incur a high bill from a professional.
Air pump wedges are sold in auto lockout kit and by locksmith and repo professionals. They're made from robust, heavy-duty vinyl. They are designed to be inflated for a brief period of time, and then deflated. This allows you to slide them between the door and the weather stripping without risking scratching or dinging the paint of the car.
You can use wedges of any size, but a curved one is better for most cars. The idea is to create space where you can insert the rod to reach the door pin locked. A coat hanger could be suitable if it's sturdy enough, but you can try a rod made from plastic or even a blood pressure cuff. The goal is to get the rod between the frame and door to allow you to pull it out and unlock the car.
Almost all of these methods cause the car alarm to go off This is why it's best to avoid these methods unless you're in an emergency. If you don't, the police may have to employ more destructive tools to get inside your car and rescue your passengers.
Keep a spare key somewhere at your home or with a friend, so that you have a chance to get back in your car in case you lock yourself out. Also it is important to confirm that key replacement is part of your roadside assistance plan or insurance for your vehicle.
4. Try a Coathanger
You've probably seen the coat hanger trick in a movie. This is a great option for older vehicles with manual locks, and it works like an easy slim jim. You'll need a small coat hanger, pliers, and a wire.
Untwist the coathanger by pliers to ensure that one side is hooked and the other side is straight. Place car key replacement G28 in the gap between the window frame and door frame. This will help you find the control arm that is connected to the rod that locks. Once you've found it, lift the lever and the door should be opened.
Another method is to tie a string with an elongated slip knot in the upper right corner of the driver's door. Then, move the string back and back and forth (like flossing massive teeth) to move it towards the inside lock rod. It may take several attempts and both hands to unlock the lock.
You can also use the plastic strip bent into a form to fit the narrow gap between door and frame. This is a harder option however it could be your only option if you can't locate your keys.
It is a good plan to keep a spare key in a place where you can find it in case of emergency. You will need to call road assistance or a lock-smith if you don't. Make sure you have the key code number as well as your personal identification card on to ensure that the locksmith or road assistance will be able to assist you in a timely manner.