5 Common Myths About Emergency Car Key Replacement You Should Stay Clear Of
3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys could be an extremely frustrating experience. There are some things you can do to assist yourself if this happens.
First, look in the obvious locations, like your pockets or purse. Consider buying an extra key 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 aren't able to locate them, the best thing to do is call the police. They can help you in more ways than locksmith or roadside assistance. They can also inform the general public that your car keys could have been stolen to prevent other people from using keys without permission.
They can't open your car's door unless it is an emergency. This is because they don't have the right tools to do this and don't want to cause damage to your vehicle. If the circumstances are suitable the police may be able to use a slim Jim to open the car door. However they must have a valid reason to do so. If they see that the child or animal is locked in a vehicle during hot weather, then they may break the window.
It's an excellent idea to have an extra key in a safe place in case you're locked out of your vehicle. Some people keep their spare keys in areas accessible to them like their office or home. Some people give them to family or friends to keep in case of an emergency. If you have a spare, reach out to it before calling the authorities or taking more drastic actions.
Many cars come with proximity remotes that have an emergency code that is hidden. If yours is one of them, you may be able to unlock the doors from a distance with an instrument that only locksmiths will possess. This tool is a flat-ended slim jim that can be used to pick locks.
2. Contact a Tow truck
Find a business that offers emergency replacement of car keys if you have lost your keys. It is recommended to save their contact details in your phone under the heading "Emergency" and then spend time looking into the services they offer, their charges as well as their coverage areas, technology and professionals.
You'll be able make a well-informed decision when the need arises. If you require an emergency locksmith or simply an extra key, these companies will help you get back on the road with little hassle.
It is best to have three or more spare sets of keys. Keep one set at home, one with your significant other and the third one in your wallet. This will ensure that you don't end up in a remote location.
A spare key can save you from having to call roadside assistance. A new key for a traditional key is usually very affordable. However, the cost of a smart-key could be quite costly. These keys have an electronic chip that allows them to control the vehicle. They must be paired with a manufacturer or dealer. This could take a few days.
To make the process as fast and painless as you can, it's always best to have the VIN number of your vehicle in your possession. This number can be found on the documents for your vehicle or on a metal plaque that is placed in the driver's doorpost. This information will allow the professional to modify your old key so that it can work with the new key.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's best to begin with a non-destructive method especially if you have young children or pets, or elderly people in your car. That way you won't risk having to call 999, or incur a high bill from a professional.
One of the easiest ways to unlock a vehicle is with an air pump wedge, that are available in auto lockout kits, and also by locksmiths and repo experts. The wedges are made of heavy-duty vinyl that can be inflated and deflated quickly. You can slide them between the weather stripping and the door without worrying about scratching the paint.
For the majority of cars, a curved wedge is more suitable. The idea is to create a space in which you can put in the long, thin rod in order to reach the pin that is locked. A coat hanger may be suitable if it's sturdy enough, but you could also try a rod made of plastic or even a blood pressure cuff. The rod should be put between the frame and the door so that you can pull it to open the vehicle.
It's best to avoid these methods unless you have an emergency. If not, the police might need to employ an even more destructive method to enter your vehicle and save your passengers or pets.
Keep a spare car key home or with a person close to you to allow you to get back into your vehicle if you lock yourself out. Also, you should be sure to check whether car key replacement is covered in your roadside assistance plan or auto insurance.
4. Try Coathanger
The coat hanger trick is a well-known one, and you've likely seen it in a film. This is a great solution for older vehicles that have locks that are manual and functions as a DIY slim jim. You'll need a small coat hanger that has pliers and a small wire.
Untwist the coathanger by pliers until one side is hooked, and the other side is straight. Slide the hook between the window frame and the 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 up and the door will open.

Another method is to tie a string with a slip-knot located in the upper right corner of the driver's side of the door. You can move the string in a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a huge tooth) to shift it toward the inside rod of the lock. It may take a few attempts and both hands to get the lock to release.
You could also consider using a strip of plastic that you bend into a shape that will fit in the narrow gap between the door and the frame. This is a more difficult option, but it may be the only way to get in the vehicle in case you can't locate your keys.
car key replacement near me is a good plan to keep a spare key somewhere that you can easily locate in an emergency. You'll need to contact road assistance or a locksmith if you don't. Be sure to have the key code number as well as your personal identification on your person so that locksmith or road assistance can help you out quickly.