These Are The Most Common Mistakes People Make Using Emergency Car Key Replacement
3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
The loss of keys to your car could be a frustrating experience. There are some steps you can do to help yourself if this happens.
Check obvious places like your pockets or purse. You might want to consider purchasing an extra one and keeping it in a secure place. This will help prevent thefts in the future.
1. Call the Police
If you've lost your keys and can't find them, the most effective option is to call the police. They can assist you more than a locksmith or roadside assistance. They could also inform the public that your car keys might have been stolen to prevent others from using keys without permission.
They can't open the doors of your car unless there 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 might be able to use a small Jim to open the car door. However they must have a good reason for doing so. If they see that an animal or a child is locked in a car in hot weather, they may break the window.
It is also advisable to keep a spare car key somewhere hidden in case you lock yourself out of your vehicle. Some people keep them in accessible places like their home or office. Some people give them to family or friends to keep in case of emergencies. If you have a spare, reach out to it prior to calling the authorities or taking more drastic actions.
Many cars have proximity remotes that conceal an emergency key in them. If yours is one of them, you may be able unlock the doors from a distance using the help of a specific tool that a locksmith will have. The tool is a slim jim that has a flat end that can be used to pick locks.
2. Call a tow truck
If you have lost your car keys the first thing to do is locate a company that can provide an emergency car key replacement. You should store the contact information of these companies in 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 with the replacement of your key or an emergency one.
It is recommended to have three or more spare keys. Keep one set at home, one with your significant other, and the other in your wallet. This will ensure that you don't end up in a remote location.
The possession of a spare key can save you from calling for assistance on the road. A new key for a conventional key is typically very affordable. However, the cost of a smart-key could be quite costly. They are equipped with an electronic chip that allows them to operate the vehicle. auto car key replacement will have to be paired by a dealer or manufacturer. This can take several days.
To make the process as fast and easy as it can be it's best to have the VIN number of your vehicle in your possession. This can be found on your car's registration or is usually stamped on a metal plate that is located in the driver's side doorpost. This information will allow the technician to reprogram your old key so that it can work with the new key.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's always best to use a non-destructive approach first particularly if you have children, pets or elderly people in the car. auto car key replacement won't risk needing to call 999 or incur a high bill from an expert.
Air pump wedges are available in auto lockout kits and by locksmith and repo professionals. They're made of durable, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a short time before being deflated. You can slide them between the weather stripping and the door without having to worry about scratching paint.
You can make use of wedges of any size, but a curved one is better for most cars. The idea is to create a space for you to insert an extremely thin rod to reach the locked door pin. If the coat hanger is thick enough, it could work. You could also try a rod made of plastic or a blood pressure cuff. The rod should be placed between the door and the frame to allow you to pull it to unlock the vehicle.
Most of these methods will cause the car alarm to go off, which is why it is best to stay clear of these methods unless you're in an emergency. If not, the police might require a more destructive tool to gain access to your vehicle and save your passengers or pets.
Keep an extra car key at home or with a person close to you so you can get back into your vehicle in the event that you are locked out. Also you must be sure to confirm that key replacement is covered in your roadside assistance plan or auto insurance.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
You've likely seen the coat hanger trick in a film. This is a good option for older vehicles with locks that are manual, and it works like an easy slim jim. You'll need a small coat hanger with pliers and a small wire.
Untwist the coathanger using pliers so that one side is snared and the other is straight. Slide the hook into the gap between the window frame and the door frame. This will increase your chance of locating the control arm which is attached to the lock rod. When you locate it, pull it up and the door should open.
Another method is to tie a long string with a slip knot at the upper right corner of the driver's door. Move the string with a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a huge tooth) to pull it towards the inside lock rod. It could take a few attempts and both hands to get the lock to release.
You can also use a plastic strip 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.
It is a good idea to keep a spare key in a place where you can easily find it in an emergency. You'll need to call road assistance or a lock-smith if you don't. Be sure to have the key code number and your personal identification card on to ensure that the locksmith or road assistance can assist you in a timely manner.