3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement

Losing your keys to your car could be a stressful experience. There are, however, some actions you can take to assist yourself in this scenario.

Make sure you check the obvious places, such as your purse or pockets. Consider purchasing a spare key and storing it in a secure place. This will help to prevent theft in the future.

1. Call 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 can assist you in more ways than locksmith or roadside assistance. They could also inform the public that your car keys might be missing, which will help prevent people from using keys without permission.

They are not able unlock the doors of your car unless there is an emergency. They don't have any tools and they don't want the vehicle damaged. If the circumstances are suitable, the police may be able use a slim Jim to open the door of the car. But they must have a legitimate motive to do so. For example, if they see an animal or small child locked inside the car in hot weather, they could cut 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 them in easily accessible places like their home or their office. Some people offer them to their family or friends to keep in case of an emergency. If you have a spare, try to reach it before calling the police or resorting to more drastic measures.

Many cars have proximity remotes that have a hidden emergency code. It is possible in the event that your vehicle is one of these to open the door from a distance with the same tool that a locksmith might possess. The tool is a slim jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to open locks.

2. Call a Tow Truck

Find a business that offers emergency car key replacement car key fob if you have lost your keys. You should save their contact details on your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend time investigating their services and their costs, their coverage area, technology and near professionals.

You'll be able make a well-informed decision when the time comes. These companies can assist you with a replacement or emergency key.

The best way to prevent losing your keys is to keep an extra set and, should you be able to, if possible, three or four sets. Keep one set at home, another with your spouse or significant other and the third one in your wallet. This will help you to avoid being stranded in a strange place.

A spare key could prevent you from needing to call roadside assistance. The cost of purchasing a new key for a traditional one is usually quite affordable, however the cost of a smart key can be quite expensive. These keys use an electronic chip that allows them to control the vehicle. They will have to be paired by a manufacturer or dealer. This could take a few days.

It's a good idea to make the process as simple and quick as is possible and to keep the VIN number of the vehicle in your pocket. You can find this number on the documentation for your vehicle, or engraved on a metal plaque that is placed in the doorway of the driver. This information will allow professionals to modify your old key so that it can work with the new key.

3. Try a Pump Wedge

It's always best to try to employ a non-destructive method initially, especially if there are young children, pets or elderly people in the car. This way, you don't have the risk of needing to call 999 or incur a high bill from an expert.

One of the simplest ways to unlock your car is with an air pump wedge, that are available in auto lockout kits and also by locksmiths and repo professionals. They're made of durable, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a brief period of time, and then deflated. They can be slipped between the weather stripping and the door without worrying about scratching paint.

For the majority of cars, a curved wedge is better. The idea is to create a space where you can put in the rod's length, which is thin in order to get to the pin locked. If the coat hanger is strong enough, it may be able to work. You can also use an aluminum rod or a blood pressure cuff. The rod should be put between the door and near the frame to allow you to pull it to open the vehicle.

It's best to avoid these methods unless you are in an emergency. In the event of an emergency, police may require an additional tool to gain access to your vehicle to rescue pet or passengers.

Keep a spare car key at home or with a friend near you in case you need to get back into your vehicle when you lock yourself out. Of course, you should be sure to confirm that key replacement is part of your roadside assistance plan or insurance for your vehicle.

4. Try a Coat Hanger

You've probably seen the coat hanger trick in a film. This is a solution for older cars that have manual locks. It works like the slim jim. You will require a simple coat hanger with pliers and a small wire.

With the pliers, loosen the coat hanger so that it has one side hooked and one straight. Slide the hook into the space between the window and the door frame. This will help you locate the control arm that is connected to the rod that locks. Once you've found it push the lever upwards and your door will open.

Another method is to tie a string using a slip-knot located in the upper right corner on the driver's side door. Then, wiggle the string back and back and forth (like flossing giant teeth) to move it towards the rod inside the lock. It may take a few attempts and both hands to unlock the lock.

You can also try using a plastic strip that you bend into a shape that fits into the gap between the frame and door. This is a more difficult option however it could be your only option if it's impossible to locate your keys.

It is a good idea to keep a spare key in a place where that you can easily locate in an emergency. You will need to call road assistance or a lock-smith in the event that you don't. Be sure to have the key code number as well as your personal identification in your person so that road assistance or locksmith can assist you quickly.