3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
The loss of your car keys can be a very frustrating experience. Luckily, there are some ways to assist yourself in this circumstance.
Make sure you check the obvious places, such as your pockets or purse. Consider buying a spare key and keeping it in a secure place. This will help you avoid theft in the future.
1. Contact the police
If you've lost your keys and are unable to find them, the most effective option is to call the police. They can help you in a variety of ways, not just locksmith or roadside assistance. They will also be capable of informing the public that someone has possibly taken your car keys, which will stop people from using keys without authorization.
They can't open your car's door unless it is an emergency. This is because they do not have the proper tools to do this and aren't looking to cause damage to your vehicle. In certain circumstances the police might be able to use the slim jim to unlock the door, but they will require a valid reason for doing so. If they find that the child or animal is locked in a car during hot weather, then they may break the window.
It is also advisable to keep an extra car key hidden in case you need to lock yourself out of your vehicle. Some people keep them in easily accessible places like their home or their office. Some people offer them to family or friends to keep in case of emergencies. If you have an extra contact it before calling the authorities or taking more drastic actions.
Many cars come with proximity remotes with an emergency code that is hidden. You may be able to use your car, if it is one of them, to unlock the door from a distance by using the same tool that a locksmith would possess. The tool is a small tool with a flat edge that can be used to pick locks.
2. Call a Tow Truck
Find a company who provides emergency car key replacement if you lose your keys. You should store 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 help you make an informed decision when the need arises. These companies can assist with a replacement or emergency key.
how much is a replacement car key uk to avoid losing your keys is to have an extra set, and should you be able to, if possible, three or more sets. Keep one set at home, one 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.
The possession of a spare key can save you from calling for roadside assistance. The cost of a brand new key for a traditional key is usually very affordable, but the cost of a smart key can be quite high. These types of keys use an electronic chip to control the vehicle, which means they'll have to be linked with the vehicle by a dealer or manufacturer, and this could take a few days.
It's a good idea to make the process as simple and quick as possible and to keep the VIN number of the car in your pocket. It's possible to find this number on the paperwork for your vehicle or on a metal plaque that is placed in the door of the driver. This will allow the technician to reprogram your old key so that it can work with the new key.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It is always advisable to use a non-destructive method first especially if you have children, pets, or elderly people in the car. You don't have to worry about calling the number 999 or paying a big bill for a professional.
Air pump wedges can be found in auto lockout kit and by repo and locksmith professionals. These wedges are made from durable vinyl that can be deflated and inflated quickly. This lets you slide them between the door and the weather stripping, without scratching or dinging the paint of the car.
For the majority of vehicles, a curving wedge is preferred. The idea is to create a space where you can insert the rod's length and thickness to reach the locked pin. A coat hanger may work if it's thick enough, but you can try a rod made from plastic 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.
It is best to avoid these methods unless you have an emergency. If you don't, the police could have to use more destructive tools to gain access to your vehicle and save your passengers.
Keep a spare car key home or with someone close to you to allow you to get back into your vehicle when you lock yourself out. It is also important to determine if your insurance for your vehicle or roadside assistance plan will cover the replacement of keys to your car.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
The coat hanger trick is a well-known, and you've likely seen it in a movie. This is a solution for older cars with manual locks. It functions like a slim jim. All you need is a thin coat hanger with a wire and pliers.
With the pliers, pull off the coat hanger so that it has one side swung and one straight. Slide the hook into the gap between the window frame and door frame. This will increase your chance of locating the control arm that's connected to the lock rod. Once you've found it, pull it back and the door should be opened.
Another method is to tie a string using a slip-knot in the upper right corner of the driver's side door. Then, you can wiggle the string back and forward (like flossing huge teeth) to move it towards the inside lock rod. It may take a few attempts and both hands to get the lock to release.
You can also use a plastic strip bent into a shape to fit the narrow gap between 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 find it in an emergency. You will need to call road assistance or a locksmith in the event that you don't. It is recommended to carry your key code number and your personal identification in order that road assistance or a locksmith could help you quickly.