Emergency Car Key Replacement: It's Not As Expensive As You Think

3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement

Losing your car keys can be a traumatic experience. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to assist yourself in this situation.

Look for obvious places such as your purse or pockets. You might want to consider purchasing an extra one and keeping it in a secure place. This will help to prevent theft in the future.

1. Contact the police

If you've lost your keys and are unable to locate them, the best solution is to contact the police. They will be able help you more than a locksmith or roadside assistance. They can also inform the public that your car keys may be missing and help stop people from using keys without permission.

However, they aren't able to unlock the door of your car in the event of an emergency situation. They don't have tools and they don't want the vehicle damaged. Based on the situation the police might be able to use the slim jim to unlock the door, but they will require a compelling reason to do this. If they find that a child or an animal is locked in a vehicle in hot weather, they may break the window.

You should also keep a spare car key somewhere hidden in case you have to lock yourself out of your car. Some people keep them in easy-to-access places, like their home or their office. Some give them to their family or friends to keep in case of an emergency. If you have a spare, try to locate it before calling the police or resorting to more extreme measures.

Many cars come with proximity remotes that come with a hidden emergency code. If yours is one of them, you might be able to open the doors from a distance by using the help of a specific tool that locksmiths have. The tool is a small jim with a flat end that can be used to pick a lock.

2. Call a Tow Truck

Find a company that provides emergency  car key replacement  if you have lost your keys. It is recommended to save their contact details in your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend some time investigating their services as well as their prices as well as their coverage areas, technology and experts.

You'll be able to make an informed choice when the time comes. These companies can assist with an emergency key replacement or replacement.

The best way to prevent losing your keys is to keep a spare set, and should you be able to, if you can, have two or three sets. Keep one at home, and give one to your partner or your significant other, and keep the other in your wallet or pocket. This will ensure that you never find yourself stranded in a remote location.

Having a spare can also help you avoid calling for assistance on the road. The cost of a new key for a traditional one is typically very affordable, but the price of a smart key could be quite expensive. These types of keys use an electronic chip to operate the vehicle, therefore they'll need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or manufacturer which could take a few days.

It's a good idea, to make the process as simple and quick as possible you keep the VIN number of the car in your pocket. It can be found on the paperwork of your car or is usually stamped on a metal plate that is located in the driver's side doorpost. This information will assist the emergency key replacement specialist determine how to go about making your old key work with the new one.

3. Try a Pump Wedge

It's best to start with a non-destructive treatment, especially if you have young children or pets, as well as elderly people in your vehicle. There's no need to worry about calling 999 or paying a large bill for a professional.

Air pump wedges can be found in the auto lockout kit as well as by locksmith and repo professionals. They're made of tough, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a brief time before being deflated. This allows you to slide them between the door and the weather stripping without risking scratching or damaging the paint of the car.

For the majority of cars, a curved wedge is better. The idea is to create a space in which you can place the long, thin rod to get to the pin locked. If the coat hanger is strong enough, it might be able to work. You could also try a rod made of plastic or a blood pressure cuff. The aim is to get the rod between the frame and door to allow you to pull it out and unlock the car.

It is recommended to avoid these techniques unless you're in an emergency. If you don't, the police could have to use more destructive tools to gain access to your vehicle and save your passengers.

Have a spare key at home or with a trusted friend, so that you have a chance to get back in your vehicle in the event that you lock yourself out. And, of course, you should be sure to check whether car key replacement is part of your roadside assistance plan or auto insurance.

4. Try a Coathanger

You've probably seen the coat hanger trick in a movie. This is a great option for older cars with manual locks. It works like a slim jim. You only need a thin coat hanger, pliers, and a small wire.

Untwist the coathanger with 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 help you locate the control arm that is connected to the lock rod. Once you've found it, pull it up and the door will open.

Another method is to tie a long string using a slip knot in the upper right-hand corner of the door for the driver. Then, wiggle the string back and forward (like flossing giant teeth) to move it towards the inside lock rod. It may be necessary to use both hands, and it may take several attempts however, if you are successful, the lock should be released and you will be able to unlock the door.

You can also try using a plastic strip that can be bent into a form that fits into the gap between the door and the frame. This is a more difficult option but it may be the only option if it's impossible to locate your keys.

It is a good plan to keep a spare key somewhere you can easily find it in the event of an emergency. You'll need to call road assistance or a lock-smith in the event that you don't. Make sure you have the key code number as well as your personal identification in hand so that the road assistance or locksmith can help you out quickly.