mikeh

Okay so I/wife lost my car keys and all of my spares on in my car. How do I get into the car and has anyone ever used the AAA to get into an Audi?

ok2000A8

yup. Last year, my tuning shop locked the keys in the car, all windows up and doors closed, with the engine running, while up on hoist. Nice huh? I was several kms away and it would have taken me 1.5-2 hours and missed appointments to go home get spares and go to shop. Most of the day would've be ruined. I'm self employed and just can't afford to do that for such a situation. I called CAA and asked them to please go to shop and open doors. They did and had doors opened in less than 1 hour, including the waiting for them! No marks or scratches on car either. Only problem I had is that CAA won't normally do anything to a car unless owner is with car. As I was far away, I had to ask very nicely if they could make an exception. Afterall, car was at licenced Audi garage, I have a history of a lot of work done on the car at that location which garage could have shown and I've been a CAA member since 1989, so they did. I called to thank them later. I'd call them without hesitation.

mikeh

UPDATE

Called CAA who responded within 15 minutes. The guy had the door open within 30 seconds and then left.

I didn't have to produce any id, sign any papers or prove that the keys even existed. The fellow didn't say two words and the whole ordeal was over in 2 minutes. The car alarm didn't go off until the door was actually opened.

Although the response was fantastic I am a bit concerned over the security of it all.

BTW.... no damages or scratches and I hid a spare key elsewhere.

ok2000A8

That's why standard and immobilizer alarms, Boomerang, GPS tracking and anti-car-jacking alarms are selling. Great service from CAA, eh?

mikeh

It was great service!!! However, I am considering some kind of immobilizer and GPS device now. Not to mention some locking nuts for my BBS rims.

ok2000A8

I have a Clifford G5 Avantguard alarm system complete with remote starting and the anti-carjacking "Blackjax" all built in. I've had it for almost 8 years now and it has been great. Recently had to replace antenna and remotes and a few battery back-up sirens over the years. A friend of mine has Boomerang and another has a GPS tracking system. Some of those GPS tracking systems can also allow remote control such as shutdown of engine and door unlocking. Then there's OnStar who can remotely unlock your car. Maybe this is what you need Don't forget to ask your insurance company about a discount after alarm/immobilizer, GPS, Boomerang etc. is installed. Audi factory alarms only get minimal, if any, discount unless they have full immobilizer circuitry, which I believe the newer cars have.

mikeh

Thanks for the info. I will def be doing some research.

cheeba

Is this for your S4, Mike? If so, it's got Immobilizer in it; and, the only ways someone can actually steal your car are: they are extremely knowledgeable professional car thieves, they have your key, or they take it on a flatbed.

cheeba

I forgot to mention that all VW/Audi vehicles have had Immobilizer since - I think - 1995.

ok2000A8

Unfortunately, I know of 2 cases, here in Toronto, where new luxury vehicles were stolen right from under owner's nose. Thief used OEM key, obtained by fraudulent means from dealer. Immobilizer does nothing if you have OEM key. Imagine, dealers have your VIN, can issue/program new key and know where you live or maybe where you work. One new Lexus was stolen from place of business just before lunch - it was the business owner's car! Another new Lexus SUV was stolen right from driveway of new owner, after only 1 month. I like my aftermarket "Blackjax" from Clifford. Even with keys, you need to know secret code you program yourself to run car. No-one can stop a flat-bed haul-away. My friend with a real hot car in Montreal installed Boomerang with about 15 transceivers hidden in car. If they really want to steal your car, they can and they will. Don't leave valuables or important documents in car at any time and be sure to get it appraised and insured on appraised value if you have a lot of $$$ invested and car is worth a lot more than Black Book. Very few insurers are offering "Appraised Value" insurance on cars these days though. Chubb is one of them in Ontario.