Losing your car keys could be an extremely frustrating experience. There are some things you can do to assist yourself if this happens.
Make sure you check the obvious places, such as your pockets or purse. Next, consider purchasing a spare key and keeping it in a safe place. This can help prevent theft in the future.
1. Contact the police
Call the police if you can't locate your keys. They can assist you in more ways than locksmith or roadside assistance. They can also inform the general public that your car keys may have been stolen to prevent other people from using keys without authorization.
They're not able to unlock the door of your car unless it is an emergency. They don't have any tools and don't want to risk damaging the vehicle. If the circumstances are suitable the police may be able to use a slim Jim to open the car's door. But they must have a valid reason for doing so. If they discover that the child or animal is locked in a car in the heat, they could break the window.
It's also a good idea to have an extra key in a safe place in case you're locked out of your car. Some people keep spare keys in areas easily accessible like their office or home. Others give them to friends or family members to hold onto in case of an emergency. If car key replacement service near me have a spare, you should try to get it out of the way before calling the police or resorting to more drastic measures.
Many cars have proximity remotes that have an emergency code hidden behind them. If yours is one of them, you may be able unlock the doors from a distance with the help of a specific tool that a locksmith will possess. The tool is a small jim with a flat end that can be used to pick a lock.
2. Contact towing truck
Find a business that offers emergency replacement car keys in the event that you lose your keys. It is recommended to save their contact details in your phone under the heading "Emergency" and then spend time researching what services they provide and their costs, their coverage area, technology and experts.
You'll be able to make an informed decision if the need arises. These companies can assist with the replacement of your key or an emergency one.
The best way to avoid losing your keys is to keep an extra set and, should you be able to, if feasible, three or more sets. Keep one set at home, one with your spouse or significant person and the third one in your wallet. This will help you avoid being stranded in a remote location.
Having a spare can also make it easier to call for assistance on the road. The cost of a brand new key for a traditional key is typically very affordable, however the cost of a smart one can be quite expensive. These keys utilize an electronic chip to operate the vehicle, therefore they'll require pairing with the vehicle by a dealer or manufacturer, and this can take several days.
To make the process as simple and painless as possible, it's always recommended to have the VIN number of your car in hand. This can be found on your car's paperwork or is usually stamped on a metal plaque in the driver's side doorpost. This information will allow professionals to modify your old key to ensure that it works with the new key.
3. Try a Pump Wedge
It's best to start with a non-destructive solution particularly if you have young children, pets, or elderly people in your car. This way, you don't have the risk of having to call 999, or pay a large bill from a professional.
Air pump wedges can be found in auto lockout kits and by repo and locksmith professionals. They are made of durable vinyl that can be deflated and inflated quickly. They can be slipped between the weather stripping and the door without worrying about scratching paint.
You can make use of wedges of any size, but a curved one is more suitable for the majority of cars. The idea is to create a space where you can insert the rod's length and thickness in order to reach the pin that is locked. A coat hanger could be suitable if it's sturdy enough, but you could also try a rod made of plastic or even a blood pressure cuff. The aim is to get the rod between the door and the frame so that you can pull it and unlock the car.
It's best to avoid these methods unless you are in an emergency. If not, the police might have to use an additional tool to gain access to your vehicle and rescue your pet or passengers.
Keep a spare key somewhere at your home or with a friend in order to have a chance to get back into your car in case you are locked out. You should also check if your auto insurance or roadside assistance policy covers car key replacement.
4. Try a Coathanger
You've probably seen the coat hanger trick in a film. This is a good option for older vehicles that come with locks that are manually operated, and it works like a DIY slim jim. You'll need a small coat hanger, pliers, and a thin 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 door frame. This will increase your chance of finding the control arm which is attached to the lock rod. Once you've found it, lift the lever and your door will open.
Another method is to tie a string with an elongated slip-knot on the upper right corner on the driver's side of the door. Then, move the string back and forth (like flossing huge teeth) to move it towards the inside lock rod. It may take several attempts and both hands to unlock the lock.
You can also use the plastic strip bent into a form to fit the narrow gap between door and frame. This is a more difficult choice but it could be the only option to get into the vehicle if you cannot find your keys.
It is a good plan to keep a spare key in a place where that you can easily locate in the event of an emergency. You'll need to call road assistance or a lock-smith if you don't. You should have your key code number and personal identification with you so that road assistance or a locksmith will help you quickly.
