3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement

The loss of keys to your car can be a frustrating experience. There are some things you can do to assist yourself if this happens.

First, check the obvious locations, like your pockets or purse. Consider purchasing a spare key and keeping it in a safe place. This can help prevent theft in the future.

1. Contact the police

Contact the police if can't find your keys. They can help you in more ways than an emergency roadside assistance or locksmith. They can also inform the general public that your car keys may be missing and help stop others from using keys without permission.

However, they won't be in a position to unlock your car's door in the event of an emergency situation. They don't have tools and they do not want to damage the vehicle. Based on the situation, police may be capable of using the slim jim to unlock the door, but they'll require a valid reason for doing so. If they discover that a child or an animal is locked inside a vehicle in the heat, they could break the window.

It is also advisable to keep an extra car key hidden in case you need to lock yourself out of your vehicle. Some people keep them in accessible places like their home or their office. Others lend them to family members or friends members to hold onto in the event in the event of an emergency. If you have a spare, reach out to it before calling the authorities or taking more drastic actions.

Many cars have proximity remotes that come with an emergency code that is hidden. You may be able to use your car, if it is one of these, to unlock the door from a distance using a special tool a locksmith could use. It is a thin jim with a flat-ended end that can be used to pick a lock.

2. Contact a Tow truck

Find a company that provides emergency replacement car keys in the event that you lose your keys. It is recommended to keep their contact numbers in your phone under "Emergency," and spend some time studying their offerings and the charges they charge, coverage area technology, and professional.

This will allow you to make a well-informed decision if the need arises. If you require an emergency car key replacement locksmith or simply a replacement key, these companies will assist you in getting back to your vehicle with minimum hassle.

It is best to have three or more spare sets of keys. Keep one set at home, another with your significant person, and the other in your wallet. This will ensure that you do not find yourself stranded in a foreign location.

Having a spare can also help you avoid calling for roadside assistance. A new key for a traditional key is usually quite affordable. However, the price of a smart-key can be quite expensive. These types of keys use an electronic chip to operate the vehicle, which means they'll need to be paired with the car by a dealership or manufacturer, and this could take a few days.

To make the process as fast and painless as possible it's a good idea to have the VIN number of your car in hand. This number can be found on the documentation for your vehicle, or engraved on a metal plaque that is placed in the driver's doorpost. This information will enable professionals to reprogram your old key so that it works with the new key.

3. Try an Pump Wedge

It's best to begin with a non-destructive method especially when you have children or pets, as well as elderly people in your vehicle. There's no need to worry about calling 911 or paying a huge bill for a professional.

Air pump wedges are available in auto lockout kit and by locksmith professionals and repo experts. They're made of durable, heavy-duty vinyl and are designed to be inflated for a brief time before being deflated. You can slide them between the weather stripping and the door without having to worry about scratching paint.

You can use wedges of any size, but a curved one is better for Emergency Car Key Replacement most cars. The idea is to create a space in which you can place the long, thin rod to reach the locked pin. If the hanger for your coat is strong enough, it might work. You could also try an aluminum rod or a blood pressure cuff. The goal is to get the rod between the frame and door so that you can pull it out and unlock the car.

Most of these methods will cause the car alarm to go off, which is why it's recommended to avoid them unless there's an emergency. If not, the police might require a more destructive tool to get into your vehicle and save your pets or your passengers.

Keep a spare car key at home or with a friend near you in case you need to return to your car if you lock yourself out. It is also important to determine if your auto insurance or roadside assistance plan covers the replacement of keys to your car.

4. Try a Coat Hanger

The coat hanger trick is a well-known, and you've likely seen it in a movie. This is a great option for older vehicles that come with locks that are manually operated, and it works like a DIY slim jim. You will require a simple coat hanger, pliers, and a small wire.

With the pliers, untwist the coat hanger so that it has one side swung and one straight. The hook should be inserted into the gap between the window and the door frame. This will allow you to locate the control arm that is attached to the rod that locks. Once you find it, pull up and the door should be opened.

Another way is to tie a string using an elongated slip-knot on the upper right corner of the driver's side door. Then, move the string back and forth (like flossing huge teeth) to move it towards the rod inside the lock. It may take a few attempts and both hands to get the lock to release.

You could also consider using a plastic strip that you bend into a shape that will fit in the narrow gap between the frame and door. This isn't the most ideal solution but it may be the only option if you are unable to find your keys.

If you have a spare key, it is best to keep it somewhere that you can easily access it in case of an emergency. Otherwise, you will have to call road assistance or a locksmith. You should have your key code number as well as personal identification with you so that road assistance or a locksmith will assist you quickly.