3 DIY Tips For Emergency Car Key Replacement Losing your car keys could be a traumatic experience. Fortunately, there are https://output.jsbin.com/wofifameru/ to help yourself in this scenario. First, look in the obvious locations, like your purse or pockets. Next, consider purchasing a spare key and keeping it in a secure location. This can help prevent theft in the future. 1. Contact the police If you've lost your keys and aren't able to find them, the best thing to do is call the police. They can assist you in more ways than locksmith or roadside assistance. They will also be capable of informing the public that someone has possibly stolen your car keys which could prevent others from using keys without authorization. They are not able unlock the door of your car unless it is an emergency. This is due to the fact that they don't have the proper tools to do this and they don't want to cause damage to your vehicle. Based on the situation the police might be in a position to use a slim jim to open the door, but they'll require a valid reason to do this. If they find that an animal or a child is locked inside a vehicle in hot weather, they could break the window. It is also advisable to keep a spare car key somewhere hidden in case you have to lock yourself out of your vehicle. Some people keep spare keys in areas accessible to them, such as their office or home. Some people offer them to friends or family members to keep in case of an emergency. If you have a spare, you should try to locate it before calling the police or resorting to more drastic measures. Many cars come with proximity remotes that have an emergency key inside. If yours is one of them, you may be able to unlock the doors from a distance by using a special tool that locksmiths will have. It is a thin tool with a flat edge that can be used to pick a lock. 2. Call towing truck If you have lost your car keys, the most important thing you can do is locate a business that provides emergency replacement of car keys. You should save their contact details on your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend some time researching what services they provide, their charges as well as their coverage areas, technology and experts. You will be able to make an informed choice when the need arises. These companies can help you with the replacement of your key or an emergency one. It is advisable to have three or more spare sets of keys. Keep one at home, give one to your partner or significant other, and keep the other in your purse or wallet. This will help you avoid being stuck in a strange place. Having a spare can also help you avoid calling for roadside assistance. The cost of a new key for a traditional one is usually very affordable, but the cost of a smart key could be quite high. These keys use an electronic chip that allows them to control the vehicle. They will have to be paired by a manufacturer or dealer. This can take several days. To make the process as simple and painless as you can, it's always recommended to have the VIN number of your car in hand. It can be found on your car's paperwork or, more often, on a metal plate that is located in the driver's side doorpost. This information will enable 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. There's no need to worry about calling the number 999 or paying a big bill for a professional. Air pump wedges are available in the auto lockout kit as well as by repo and locksmith professionals. These wedges are made from durable vinyl that can be deflated and inflated quickly. This allows you to slide them between the door and the weather stripping, without scratching or dinging the paint of your car. For the majority of cars, a curved wedge is more suitable. The idea is to create a space where you can put in the rod's length and thickness in order to get to the pin locked. A coat hanger might be suitable if it's sturdy enough, but you can also try a plastic rod or even a blood pressure cuff. The rod should be put between the door and the frame so that you can pull it to open the vehicle. Almost all of these methods will trigger the car alarm This is why it's recommended to avoid them unless there is an emergency. If you don't, police may have to employ more destructive tools to get inside the car and save your passengers. Keep a spare key at home or with a trusted friend to ensure that you have a chance of getting back in your car in the event you get locked out. Of course you must be sure to confirm that key replacement is covered in your roadside assistance plan or auto insurance. 4. Try a Coathanger The coat hanger trick is a classic and you've probably seen it in a film. This is a great option for older cars that come with manual locks. It functions like the slim jim. All you need is a thin coat hanger with a wire and pliers. Untwist the coathanger using pliers until one side is snared and the other side is straight. Slide the hook into the space between the window and the door frame. This will allow you to locate the control arm connected to the rod that locks. Once you've found it pull the lever up and your door will open. Another option is to tie a string using a slip knot at the upper right-hand corner of the door for the driver. Wiggle the string in a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a giant tooth) to shift it toward the inside rod of the lock. It is possible to use both hands, and it could take several attempts, but if it is successful, the lock should let go and you should be able to unlock the door. You can also use the plastic strip bent into a shape to fit the gap between the door and frame. This is a harder option but it may be the only option if it's impossible to locate your keys. If you have an extra key, it is best to keep it somewhere that you can easily access it in the event of an emergency. Otherwise, you will have to call for road assistance or a locksmith. You should have your key code number and personal identification with you so that road assistance or a locksmith can help you promptly.