Locked Keys in Car? Here's How to Get Back Inside Without Calling Roadside Assistance
The chances of locking your keys in your car are probably much greater than you imagine. There are several ways to gain entry into your car without having to call roadside assistance.
You can avoid being locked out of your vehicle 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 difficult feeling to discover that you've locked your keys in the car. It could send your day into a tailspin and leave you wondering how you'll ever get back home or to work or to your next appointment.
There are several options to gain access back to your vehicle when you've locked your keys in the car. You could break the glass using a wire coathanger which you've shaped into a 'hook', or making a wedge out of three or two door stoppers. If you don't have access these materials, or if your car has an automatic lock, an air pump wedge might be the ideal solution.
An air pump wedge is a versatile tool used by professional locksmiths and repo professionals for auto lockout services. These tools usually feature an inflatable bag that is slipped between the door and the weather stripping of the car to create an opening that can be opened with more extended tools, like rods for unlocking vehicles. These wedges also feature a heavy-duty design that is non-marring, which helps to prevent chipping of the paint on the exterior of a car.
There are numerous DIY air wedge kits available on the market. Some include an electric pump that can be used to manually inflate. A good kit should be able form a gap between the door and the jamb that's large enough to insert access tools and allow the unlocking of most cars with manual locks.
If you don't have an air wedge or other option, there is always the option of calling roadside assistance or a local locksmith in the event that there is nothing else that works. If you're the only option, ensure that you keep a spare key in a safe place so that you don't have to be concerned about losing it when you need to make use of it. No matter what method you choose do not panic. You can get your life back to normal by following these tips.
2. Coat Hanger
Wire coat hangers are a common household item that can be used to open the car. The trick is to bend the hook into a small "V" shape that will hold the lock post inside your door, and then move it to push the lock open. This is the same method police officers employ using the slim jim, however using a coat hanger takes less effort.
Make sure you have a long length 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 insert a long rod for example, a clotheshanger or blood pressure cuff. If you don't have a blood pressure cuff, check at your local drugstore or discount store and they usually have one in their emergency kits.
Unravel your coat hanger's end and straighten it to ensure that you have a hook and a straight edge on both sides. If you have pliers, it may be easier to bend the hook into a V shape. This will require repeating the process several times until you achieve the perfect hook shape. Once you've gotten the correct shape then slide the hook through the weather stripping at the bottom of the doors. Then, insert it into the door, just above the handle.
Once you have the hanger set, move it forward and back to locate a pin or a bar that is responsible for the door lock post. Depending on your vehicle, it may be located above or below the door's interior handle. Tap lightly on it to see if you can move it. Then, try pulling it upwards or backwards to release the lock.
If the lock's post shakes it means you have successfully disengaged the lock. You can then pull the handle downwards and you're in your vehicle! This method is also applicable to older vehicles with manual locks. Slide the hook in gently to avoid damaging the window or car frame.
3. Shoestring
There are a number of tools available to get into your locked car quickly. You can make use of a long metal or wood strip that fits through the gap between the car and the door frame, and then press the unlock button from the inside. However, these options are not always readily available and may scratch the paint of your car. A wedge made of air is another alternative. It looks like an inflatable cuff could be found in an office of a doctor. It can be pumped into the gap to make it sufficient to push the unlock button. These devices are inexpensive and can be used over and repeatedly to unlock your car.
An even simpler tool to make use of is the shoelace. To find the slip knot, you must first unlace your shoe and look around the middle. Put one end of your shoelace between the corner and the doorframe of your car and work through the crack to loop around the lock's knob. Then, pull it tightly and up. After a few times, this technique can be mastered in less than 30 seconds.
If this method isn't working, you might try using a slim jim to open your car. A slim jim, which is a thin, flat metal tool with hooks on both ends that fit between the weatherproofing rubber of your car door and window, is the perfect solution. The hooks on a slim jim can be used to open a car's door. However, this method is risky since it requires inserting the tool through the window, and could damage the seal.
Prepare for the possibility that you leave your keys inside your vehicle and require to enter it. You can prepare yourself for this eventuality by signing up to the automaker's app or service and registering for roadside assistance, or leaving an extra fob and key with your family or friends.
4. vehicle unlock service , nurses and other staff members carry a blood pressure cuff along with them. Even if not, this is a low-cost device that can to save the day if you lock your keys in the car.
Insert a cuff that has been deflated into the gap where the door joins the frame and slowly inflate it until it creates an opening. Be careful not to over-inflate or you risk damaging the door. There should be enough room to put in a wire hanger or another long thin object that could reach inside the door.
If you don't have a coat hanger, try a piece of tubing or some wire. This is the same method that professionals employ to unlock their cars and you can be certain it will work!
There are a variety of methods to open a locked vehicle but you should be cautious not to damage your car or injure yourself. Always try the easiest and least damaging techniques first - and don't forget that your insurance may cover services to help you with this kind of scenario! If nothing else works you can contact 911 or use an auto towing service. They'll charge a modest fee, but you'll save time and money in the long run. It's a good thing we have all locked our keys in our automobiles at some moment in time. It's a frequent occurrence and it usually doesn't ruin your day as long as you know the best ways to get your keys back! If you have a spare key in your house, make sure it's where you can find it. If you don't, ask a trusted friend or relative to keep an additional key for you. Also, be sure to make a habit of checking your keys before pressing the lock button. Also, never lock your car with the remote, just to ensure your security. These tips will keep you from being locked out of your vehicle in the future.