3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement

The loss of keys to your car may be a frustrating and stressful experience. There are, however, some actions you can take to assist yourself in this circumstance.

First, check the obvious places, such as your pockets or purse. Next, consider purchasing an extra key and keeping it in a safe place. This can help prevent theft in the future.

1. Call the Police

Contact the police if you are unable to find your keys. They can assist you in many ways other than a roadside assistance or locksmith. They will also be capable of informing the public that someone may have possibly taken your car keys, which will stop people from using keys without authorization.

However, they are not capable of unlocking the door of your car unless it is an emergency situation. They don't have tools and they don't want the vehicle damaged. If the circumstances are suitable the police may be able to use a slim Jim to open the car's door. But they must have a legitimate reason to do so. For example, if they see a small child or animal locked inside the car in hot weather, they may break the window to save a life.

You should also keep an extra car key hidden in case you have to lock yourself out of your car. Some people keep spare keys in places that are easy to access such as their home or office. Others offer them to friends or family members to keep in case in the event of an emergency. If you have a spare, you should try to locate it before calling the police or taking more extreme measures.

Many cars come with proximity remotes that come with an emergency code that is hidden. You may be able, if your car is one of these, to unlock the door from a distance with a special tool a locksmith could have. This tool is a flat-ended slim jim that can be used to open locks.

2. Call a tow truck

Find a business that offers emergency replacement car keys in the event that you have lost your keys. You should store the contact information of these companies in your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time looking into their services, charges, coverage area, technology, and professionals.

This will allow you to make a well-informed decision if the situation arises. These companies can assist you with the replacement of your key or an emergency one.

It is best to have two or three spare keys. Keep one at home, give one to your spouse or significant other, and keep the other in your purse or wallet. This will help you avoid being stuck in a secluded spot.

The possession of a spare key can save you from calling for assistance on the road. The cost of replacement car keys of purchasing a new key for a traditional key is usually quite affordable, but the price of a smart key can be quite expensive. These types of keys make use of an electronic chip to control the vehicle, so they'll require pairing with the car by a dealership or manufacturer which can take several days.

To make the process as fast and easy as it can be, it's always a good idea to keep the VIN number of your vehicle handy. This can be found on your car's registration or is often stamped on a metal plate that is located in the driver's side doorpost. This information will enable the professional to modify your old key so that it functions 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, Emergency Car Key Replacement pets, or elderly people in the car. That way you won't risk having to call 999, or pay a large bill from a professional.

One of the easiest ways to unlock a vehicle is with an air pump wedge which are offered in auto lockout kits, and also by locksmiths and repo experts. The wedges are made of durable vinyl that can be deflated and inflated quickly. This lets you slide them between the door and the weather stripping, Emergency Car Key Replacement without scratching or damaging the paint on the car.

You can make use of wedges of any size, but an angled one is better for most cars. The idea is to create a space for you to insert an extremely thin rod to reach the door pin locked. If the hanger for your coat is strong enough, it might work. You can also use an aluminum rod or a blood pressure cuff. The goal is to get the rod between the frame and door so that you can pull it to unlock the car.

It is recommended to stay clear of these methods unless you have an emergency. If you don't, police may have to employ more destructive tools to get inside your vehicle and save your passengers.

Keep a spare car key at home or with a person close to you to allow you to gain access to your vehicle when you lock yourself out. Also, make sure that your auto insurance or roadside assistance policy covers 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 film. This is a solution for older cars with manual locks. It works as the slim jim. All you require is a wire coat hanger and pliers.

With the pliers, loosen the coat hanger until it has one side hooked and one straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the door frame. This will help you find the control arm connected to the rod for locking. Once you've located it, pull the lever up and your door should open.

Another method is to tie a string with an elongated slip-knot on the upper right corner of the driver's side of the door. Move the string in a back-andforth motion (like flossing a tooth) to pull it towards the inside lock rod. You may need to use both hands and it could take several attempts however, if it's successful, the lock will release and you can open 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 is a more difficult choice however it could be the only method to get into the vehicle if you cannot find your keys.

If you have a spare key, it's a good idea to leave it somewhere that you can easily access in the event in an emergency. You'll need to contact road assistance or a lock-smith if you don't. You should have your key code number and personal identification with you so that road assistance or a locksmith could help you quickly.