Blog entry by Christopher Dellit
3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys could be a traumatic experience. Luckily, there are some actions you can take to assist yourself in this circumstance.
First, check the obvious places, like your purse or pockets. Consider buying an extra one and keeping it in a secure place. This can prevent future thefts.
1. Call the Police
If you've lost car keys replacement cost your keys and can't locate them, the best solution is to contact the police. They can help you in many ways other than a roadside assistance or locksmith. They could also inform the public that your car keys could be missing, which will help prevent others from using keys without permission.
However, they aren't able to unlock your car's door unless there is an emergency situation. This is due to the fact that they don't have the tools needed to do it and don't want to cause damage to your vehicle. In certain circumstances, police may be in a position to use the slim jim to unlock the door, but they'll require a compelling reason to do so. For instance in the event that they see a small child or animal trapped inside the vehicle in hot weather, they could cut the window to save a life.
It is also advisable to keep a spare car key somewhere hidden in case you lock yourself out of your vehicle. Some people keep their spare keys in places easily accessible, such as their home or office. Others give them to family members or friends members to hold onto in case of an emergency. If you have a spare, reach out to it prior to calling authorities or taking more drastic steps.
Many cars have proximity remotes that have an emergency key hidden within them. If yours is one of them, you could be able to open the doors from a distance using an instrument that only locksmiths have. The tool is a slim jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to pick locks.
2. Contact towing truck
Find a company who provides emergency replacement car keys in the event that you lose your keys. You should store their contact numbers in your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time researching the services they offer costs, coverage areas, charges, 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 replacement key, these companies will help you get back on the road with little hassle.
The best way to avoid losing your keys is to have an extra set, and when possible, two or three sets. Keep one set at home, one with your spouse or important person and the third one in your wallet. This will ensure that you never end up in a remote location.
The possession of a spare key can make it easier to call for roadside assistance. The cost of a new key for a traditional key is typically very affordable, but the price of a smart key could be quite expensive. These keys use an electronic chip that allows them to operate the car. They will have to be connected with a manufacturer or dealer. This can take a number of days.
To make the process as simple and painless as possible, it's always a good idea to keep the VIN number of your vehicle handy. It can be found on your car's registration or is often stamped on a metal plaque in the doorpost for the driver's side. This information will enable the professional to modify your old key so that it can work with the new key.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It's always best to try to use a non-destructive approach first particularly if you have children, pets, or elderly people in the cheap car keys replacement. So you don't run the risk of having to call 999 or be charged a high amount from an expert.
One of the simplest methods to unlock a car is with an air pump wedge, that are available in auto lockout kits and also by repo and locksmith professionals. They're made of durable, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a brief period of time and then deflated. This allows you to slip them between the door and the weather stripping without risking scratching or damaging the paint of your car replacement keys.
You can make use of a standard wedge, or a curved one is better for most cars. The idea is to create space in which you can place the rod to reach the pin that locks your door. If the hanger for your coat is sturdy enough, it could be able to work. You can also use an aluminum rod or a blood pressure cuff. The aim is to get the rod between the frame and the door so you can pull it and unlock the car.
It's best to avoid these methods unless you are in an emergency. If you don't, police might have to use more destructive tools to enter your car and rescue your passengers.
Keep an extra car key at home or with a friend near you in case you need to gain access to your vehicle if you lock yourself out. Also, make sure that your insurance for your vehicle or roadside assistance plan covers the replacement of keys to your car.
4. Try a Coat Hanger
You've likely seen the coat hanger trick in a movie. This is a great solution for older vehicles with manual locks and functions as a DIY slim jim. You only need a thin coat hanger that has pliers and a thin wire.
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 give you a greater chance of finding the control arm that is connected to the lock rod. Once you find it, pull it back and the door should be opened.
Another method is to tie a string with a slip knot at the upper right-hand corner of the door for the driver. Wiggle the string in a back-andforth motion (like flossing a giant tooth) to shift it toward the inside lock rod. You may need to use both hands and it could take a few attempts however, if you are successful, the lock will release and you can unlock the door.
You could also consider using a plastic strip that can be bent into a form that will fit into the small gap between the door and frame. This is a harder option but it may be the only option if you are unable to find your keys.
It is a good plan to keep a spare key somewhere you can find it in case of emergency. You'll need to call road assistance or a locksmith if you don't. It is recommended to carry your key code number and personal identification with you so that road assistance or a locksmith can help you promptly.