3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement

Losing your keys to your car can be a stressful experience. There are some steps you can do to assist yourself in the event of this happening to you.

Make sure you check the obvious places, such as your pockets or purse. Consider purchasing an extra one and keeping it in a secure location. This can help prevent theft in the future.

1. Call the Police

If you've lost your keys and are unable to locate them, the best option is to call the police. They will be able assist you more than an auto locksmith or roadside assistance. They can also inform the public that your car keys could be missing and help stop others from using keys without authorization.

They can't open your car's door unless it is an emergency. They do not have any tools and they don't want the vehicle damaged. If the circumstances are right the police might be able to use a slim Jim to open the door of the car. But, they must have a good reason to do this. If they see that an animal or a child is locked inside a vehicle during hot weather, then they may break the window.

It's an excellent idea to keep an extra key in a safe place in case you get locked out of your vehicle. Some people keep spare keys in areas easily accessible such as their office or home. Some people give them to family or friends to keep in case of emergency. If you have an extra, reach out to it before calling authorities or taking more drastic measures.

Many cars come with proximity remotes that have a hidden emergency code. You may be able to use your car, if it is one of these, to unlock the door from a distance with an instrument that locksmiths could have. It is a flat-ended slim jim that can be used to pick locks.

2. Call a Tow Truck

Find a company that provides emergency replacement car keys in the event that you lose your keys. You should keep their contact information in your phone under the heading "Emergency" and then spend time looking into the services they offer and their costs, their coverage area, technology and professionals.

You'll be able to make an informed choice when the time comes. If you require an emergency locksmith or simply a new key, these companies will help you get back to your vehicle with minimum hassle.

The best method to avoid losing your keys is to have an extra set, and when possible, three or more sets. Keep one set at home, another with your important person, and the other in your wallet. This will help you avoid being stuck in a remote location.

A spare key can help you avoid having to call roadside assistance. The cost of purchasing a new key for a traditional key is usually quite affordable, but the price of a smart key can be quite high. These types of keys make use of an electronic chip to operate the vehicle, so they'll have to be linked with the vehicle by a dealership or manufacturer which could take a few days.

It's a good idea, to make the process as easy and quick as is possible you keep the VIN number of the car in your pocket. It's possible to find this number on the paperwork for Car Keys Replacement Cost your vehicle or engraved on a metal plaque that is placed in the driver's doorpost. This information will assist the emergency key replacement professional determine the best method for reprograming your old key to work with the new one.

3. Try an Pump Wedge

It is best to start with a non-destructive method particularly when you have children, pets, or elderly people in your car. You won't have to risk calling 999 or paying a large bill for an expert.

Air pump wedges are available in auto lockout kit and by locksmith and repo professionals. They are made of heavy-duty vinyl that can be deflated and inflated quickly. You can slip 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 an angled one is better for most cars. The idea is to create space for you to insert the rod to reach the pin that locks your door. If the hanger for your coat is sturdy enough, it could work. You can also use 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.

Almost all of these methods trigger the car replacement key alarm and that's why it is best to stay clear of these methods unless you're in an emergency. Otherwise, the police may have to use a more destructive tool to gain access to your vehicle and rescue your pet or passengers.

Keep a spare car keys replacement cost - dig this - key home or with someone close to you in case you need to return to your car when you lock yourself out. And, of course it is important to check whether car key replacement is included in your roadside assistance plan or insurance for your vehicle.

4. Try a Coat Hanger

The coat hanger trick is a well-known, and you've probably seen it in a film. This is a great option for older vehicles with manual locks, and it works like a DIY slim jim. All you need is a thin coat hanger made of wire and pliers.

With the pliers, loosen the coat hanger until it has one side swung and one straight. Slide the hook into the gap between the window and the door frame. This will increase your chance of locating the control arm that's connected to the lock rod. Once you've located it, lift the lever and the door should be opened.

Another option is to tie a string using a slip-knot in the upper right corner of the driver's side door. Move the string in a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a huge tooth) to move it towards the inside rod. It could take a few attempts and both hands to get the lock to release.

You could also consider using a strip of plastic that is bent into a shape that will fit into the small gap between the frame and door. This is a more difficult option but it could be the only way to get into the vehicle in case you can't locate your keys.

If you have a spare key, it is best to keep it somewhere that you can easily access in case in an emergency. Otherwise, you will have to call for road assistance or a locksmith. Be sure to have the key code number as well as your personal identification in to ensure that the locksmith or road assistance can assist you in a timely manner.