Locked Keys in Car? Here's How to Get Back Inside Without Calling Roadside Assistance
It's more likely than you think that you will lock your keys inside your car. Luckily, there are multiple ways to get back inside without calling assistance on the road.
You can prevent being locked out of your car by taking preventative measures such as double-checking the doors prior to locking them, and keeping spare keys in designated places.
1. Inflatable Wedge
It can be a very frustrating feeling to realize that you have locked your keys inside your car. It can turn your day into chaos and cause you to wonder how you will get home or work or to your next event.
There are many methods to get back into your car if you've lost your keys. Using a wire coat hanger that you've shaped into a hook or making an elongated wedge from two or three door stops can help break through the glass to open your door. If you don't have access to the materials mentioned above or if your vehicle has an automatic lock or a key lock, an air pump wedge might be the best option.
Air pump wedges are an incredibly versatile tool that locksmiths and repo experts to help with auto lockouts. These tools usually feature an inflatable bag that slides between the door and weather stripping of the car to create a gap which can be reached by longer-reaching tools like rods for unlocking vehicles. keys locked in vehicle have a heavy-duty design that is non-marring, which helps to prevent chipping of the paint on a car.
For those who are DIY-ers there are numerous air wedge kits that are available on the market, including a few that come with a handy hand pump for manual inflation. A high-quality kit should be able to form a gap between the jamb and the door which is large enough to accommodate access tools and unlock the majority of cars that have manual locks.
For those who don't have an air wedge or another alternative, there's always the option of calling for roadside assistance or a local locksmith, especially if there is nothing else that works. If this is the only option available make sure you keep a spare in a safe location so you won't lose it when you need it. Regardless of the method you choose, be patient and remember that it's ok to be scared when you lock your keys in your car. your life will go with the same ease when you follow these easy guidelines.
2. Coat Hanger
Wire coat hangers are a common household item that can be used to unlock the car. The trick is to bend the hook into a small V in order to grasp the lock post on your door. Then, you use the hook to open the lock. This is the same method police officers use with a slim jim, but using a coat hanger takes less effort.
Take a long piece of paracord or string that is stiff and tie a slipknot through the middle. Apply the slipknot to the top edge of the car door to pry it open. This will allow you enough room to put in a long rod, like hanger for clothes or a blood pressure cuff. If you don't have a blood pressure cuff check at your local drugstore or discount store as they often have one in their emergency kits.
Unravel the coat hanger's end and straighten it so that you have a hook as well as an even edge on both sides. If you have pliers, it could be easier to bend the hook into a V-shape. This will require you to repeat the process a few times until you achieve the desired hook shape. Once you've gotten the correct shape you can slide the hook over the weather stripping that is on the door's bottom. Install it on the door above the handle.
Once the hanger is set, move it around to locate the pin or bar that controls the door lock post. Depending on your vehicle, you may find it above or below the door handle on your interior. When you find it, tap on it lightly to see whether it moves. You can also pull it up or backwards in order to deactivate the lock.
You have successfully disengaged your lock if the lock post moves. You can then pull the handle down and you're inside your vehicle! This method works for older vehicles that have manual locks. Just be careful not to scratch your window or car frame by sliding the hook too hard.
3. Shoestring
There are many tools available to get into your locked car quickly. You can make use of a long rod like wood or metal strips that fits through the gap between the door frame and the car, and then press down the unlock button inside. These options aren't always available and may scratch your vehicle's paint. Another alternative is to use an air wedge. It resembles the inflatable cuff you use in a doctor's office and can be pumped in to create a gap large enough to push down the unlock button within the. These devices are not expensive and can be used over and repeatedly to unlock your car.
A shoelace is a more simple tool. First, unlace your shoes and look around the middle to find where the slip knot located. Place one end of your shoelace between the doorframe and the corner of your car. Work through the crack to wrap around the knob of the lock. Then, pull it hard and upwards. After a few times, this technique can be mastered in less than 30 seconds.
If this method isn't working If this doesn't work, you could try using a slim jim to open your car. A slim jim, a thin, flat metal tool with hooks on both ends that sits between the weatherproofing rubber on the car's door and window, is the ideal solution. The hooks on a slim jim could be used to open the door of a car. However this method is dangerous because it requires inserting the tool through the window, and could damage the seal.
Make a plan for the event that you forget your keys in your vehicle and require to get it. You can prepare yourself for this scenario by signing up to the automaker's app or service and registering for roadside assistance or leaving a spare fob and key with your family or friends.
4. Blood Pressure Cuff
Many doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals carry a blood pressure cuff in their bag. Even if not, this is a low-cost device that can help to save the day if you lock your keys in the car.
Insert a deflated arm into the gap between the frame and the door. Slowly increase the inflation of the wrist to make an opening. Don't over-inflate it or you risk damaging the door. There should be enough space to place an iron coat hanger or other long, skinny object that can reach the unlock button inside the door.
If you don't have a hanger for your coat, try a piece of tubing or wire. This is the same method used by professionals to open their cars, so you can be sure that it will work!
There are a myriad of ways to gain entry into a locked car, but you need be cautious not to do anything that might harm your vehicle or yourself. Always use the easiest and least damaging techniques first - and don't forget that your auto insurance may cover services to assist you in this kind of situation! If all else fails, call 911 or contact a towing company. They'll charge a small fee, but you'll be saving time and money in the long run. The good news is that most of us have locked keys in our cars at one time or another. It's a common mistake and typically will not ruin your day so long as you know the right tips to get back in! If you have an extra key at your home, ensure you are aware of where it is. If you don't have a trusted person or relative to store an extra key for you. To ensure your safety, always check that you have the keys before you press the lock. These easy tips will help prevent you from being locked out of your car in the future!