The loss of keys to your car can be a frustrating and stressful experience. There are a few things you can do to assist yourself in the event of a loss.
Check obvious places like your purse or pockets. Consider purchasing an extra one and keeping it in a secure place. This will prevent any future thefts.
1. Call the Police
If you've lost your keys and can't find them, the most effective thing to do is call the police. They will be able assist you more than a locksmith or roadside assistance. They will also be capable of informing the general public that someone has possibly stolen your car keys which can help prevent people from using keys without authorization.
However, they aren't in a position to unlock the door of your car unless there is an emergency situation. They do not have any tools and they do not want to damage the vehicle. In certain circumstances the police might be in a position to use a slim jim to open the door, but they will require a valid reason to do this. For instance in the event that they see an infant or a pet locked in the car during hot weather, they could break the window to save the life.
It's an excellent idea to have an extra key somewhere in case you're locked out of your vehicle. Some people keep spare keys in places easily accessible, such as their office or home. Link Home Page give them to their family or friends to keep in case of emergency. If you have a spare, you should try to get it out of the way before calling the police or taking more drastic measures.
Many cars come with proximity remotes that conceal an emergency key hidden within them. You may be able in the event that your vehicle is one of these, to unlock the door from a distance using an instrument that locksmiths could have. It is a flat-ended slim jim that can be used to pick locks.
2. Contact a Tow truck
If you have lost your car keys, the most important thing to do is locate a business that provides emergency replacement of car keys. You should keep their contact details in your phone under the heading "Emergency" and spend time looking into the services they offer, their charges as well as their coverage areas, technology and professionals.
This will allow you to make an informed decision when the situation arises. No matter if you require an emergency locksmith or an extra key, these companies can help you get back on the road with minimal hassle.
It is advisable to have two or three spare sets of keys. Keep one at home, then give one to your spouse or your significant other, and then keep the other one in your wallet or pocket. This will help you avoid being stranded in a strange place.
A spare key could prevent you from having to call for roadside assistance. The cost of purchasing a new key for a traditional key is usually very affordable, but the price of a smart key could be quite expensive. These types of keys make use of 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 easy as it can be, it's always recommended to keep the VIN number of your car in hand. This number can be found on the documentation for your vehicle, or on a plaque made of metal in the driver's doorpost. This information will allow professionals to modify your old key to ensure that it can work with the new key.
3. Try an Pump Wedge
It's best to begin with a non-destructive method especially in the case of children, pets, or elderly people in your vehicle. There's no need to worry about calling 999 or paying a large bill for an expert.
Air pump wedges can be found in auto lockout kits and by locksmith professionals and repo experts. They're made from robust, heavy-duty vinyl. They are designed to be inflated for a short time before being deflated. You can slide them between the weather stripping and the door without having to worry about scratching the paint.
You can make use of an ordinary wedge, or a curved one is even more suitable for the majority of cars. The idea is to create space in which you can place the rod to reach the door pin locked. If the coat hanger is sturdy enough, it could be able to work. You can also use an aluminum rod or a blood pressure cuff. The goal is to get the rod between the frame and the door so that you can pull it and unlock the car.
The majority of these methods will cause the car alarm to go off, which is why it's best to avoid them unless there's an emergency. If not, the police might need to employ an additional tool to enter your vehicle and rescue your pets or your passengers.
Keep a spare car key home or with someone close to you so you can gain access to your vehicle if you lock yourself out. You should also check if your insurance for your vehicle or roadside assistance plan covers the replacement of your car keys.
4. Try Coathanger
You've likely seen the coat hanger trick in a movie. This is a great solution for older vehicles with manual locks, and it works like an easy slim jim. All you require is a coat hanger made of wire and pliers.
With the pliers, loosen the coat hanger until it has one side hooked and one straight. Place the hook in the gap between the window frame and the door frame. This will increase your chance of finding the control arm that is connected to the rod for locking. Once you've located it, lift the lever and your door will open.
Another method is to tie a string with a slip-knot located in the upper right corner of the driver's side door. Move the string with a back-and-forth motion (like flossing a giant tooth) to move it towards the inside rod of the lock. 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 harder option, but may be your only option if it's impossible to find your keys.
If you have an extra key, it's a good idea to leave it somewhere that you can easily access in the event of an emergency. You'll need to contact road assistance or a locksmith in the event that you don't. It is recommended to carry your key code number as well as your personal identification in order that road assistance or a locksmith can help you quickly.
