Locked Keys in Car? Here's How to Get Back Inside Without Calling Roadside Assistance
The odds of locking your keys in your car are probably much higher than you think. Luckily, there are multiple options to get back inside without calling roadside assistance.
You can prevent being locked out of your vehicle by taking preventative measures like checking the doors twice before locking them, and keeping spare keys in designated places.
1. Inflatable Wedge
The feeling that you've locked your keys in your car could be one of the most unpleasant experiences you'll ever have. It can throw your day into chaos and make you think about how to get home, to work, or to your next appointment.
There are several options to get back into your vehicle when you've locked your keys inside it. Utilizing a coat hanger made of wire which you've turned into a hook, or creating a wedge out of two or three door stops can help break through the glass and open your door. If you don't have these items or if your vehicle is equipped with an auto lock or air pump, then an air pump wedge might be the best solution.
An air pump wedge is a versatile tool used by professional locksmiths and repo professionals for auto lockout services. They typically come with an inflatable bag that slips between the door and the weather stripping of the car to create an opening which can be reached with longer-reaching tools, such as rods for unlocking vehicles. These wedges are also made of an extremely durable design that is non-marring to avoid chipping the paint on the car.
There are a variety of DIY air wedge kits on the market. Some include an electric pump that can be used to manually inflate. A top-quality kit should be able form a gap between the jamb and the door sufficient to allow for the installation of access tools and allow the unlocking of most vehicles with manual locks.
If nothing else works, you can always call roadside assistance or a local locksmith in the event that you don't have a spare key. If this is your only option, ensure that you keep a spare key in a secure place to ensure that you don't have to worry about losing it when the time comes to use it. No matter what method you decide to use, be patient and remember that it's ok to panic when you lock your keys in your car; your life will continue with the same ease by following these simple tips.
2. Coat Hanger
A coat hanger made of wire is a common item found in the majority of households. It can be used to open a locked car. The trick is to bend the hook into a tiny "V" shape that will grip the lock post inside your door, and then move it to pop the lock open. This is the same technique police officers use with a slim jim. However, using a coat hanger requires less effort.
Take a long piece of paracord or string with a stiff end and tie a slipknot through the middle. Use the slipknot on the top corner of the car door to pull it open. This allows you to have enough room to put in a long rod, like a clothes hanger or a blood pressure cuff. If you don't have an artery pressure cuff, look at your local drugstore or discount store as they often have one in their emergency kits.
Unravel the top of your coat hanger and straighten it out so that you have an opening on one side and a straight one on the other. It is possible to bend the hook into a V-shape when you have pliers. You'll need to repeat this process a few times to achieve the ideal hook shape. Once you have the right shape, you can slide it over the weather stripping at the bottom of the door. Then, insert it into the door, just above the handle.
Once the hanger is in place then move it around to find the pin or bar that controls the door lock post. Depending on your vehicle, it may be located just above or below the interior door handle. When you find it, tap it lightly to check whether it moves. Then, try pulling it upwards or backwards to release the lock.
If the lock's post shakes then you have successfully disconnected the lock. You can then pull the handle downwards and you're inside your vehicle! This method works for older vehicles that have manual locks. The hook is inserted gently to avoid damaging the window or car frame.
3. Shoestring
There are a number of tools that can help you get into your car locked quickly. You can make use of a long rod such as a metal or wooden strip that can fit through the gap between the door frame and the car to press down the unlock button on the inside. However, these options are not always easy to find and can scratch the paint of your car. An air wedge is another option. It's shaped like an inflatable cuff that you may find in the doctor's office. It can be put into the gap until it enough to push the unlock button. service to unlock car are fairly inexpensive and can be used repeatedly, if needed, to unlock your car.
A shoelace is an even more simple tool. To find the slip knot, first unlace your shoe and then look around the middle. Then, place one end of the shoelace between the corner of your car door and the doorframe and work it down through the crack until it wraps around the knob on the lock. Pull tight and up. If you practice this technique, it can be learned in less than 30 seconds.
If this method does not work, you can use a slim Jim to open your vehicle. A slim jim is a flat, thin metal tool that has hooks on both ends. It fits into the space between the weatherproofing rubber of your car's door and window. A person can maneuver the hooks of a slim jim in order to open the door of a car, but this technique is a bit risky since it requires the device to be inserted through the window glass and could damage the door's seal.
It is crucial to prepare for scenarios in which you'll need to leave keys in your car and have to get into it. There are several ways you can prepare yourself for this scenario before it occurs, such as signing up for an automaker's application or service, subscribing to roadside assistance, or leaving an extra key and fob with your family or friends.
4. Blood Pressure Cuff
Many doctors, nurses and others have a blood pressure cuff that they carry in their pockets. Even if you don't have one, this is an inexpensive device that can help save the day when you lock your keys in your car.
Place a deflated hand into the gap between the frame and the door. Slowly inflate the wrist to create an opening. Don't over-inflate it or you could damage the door. You should now have enough room to fit a coat hanger made of wire or other long, skinny object that can reach the unlock button on the door.
If you don't have a hanger for your coat Try a piece tubing or wire. This is a trick professionals use to open cars, so it's likely to work!
There are a myriad of ways to unlock your car, but you need be cautious not to do anything that might damage your vehicle or hurt yourself. Always try the easiest and least damaging methods first. And don't forget that your car insurance may cover services to assist you in this type of situation! If all else fails, call 911 or contact a towing company. There will be for a small amount, but you will save time and money in the end. The good news is that most of us have locked keys in our cars at some point or another. It's not an issue if you know how to get in. If you have an extra key in your house, make sure it's where you can find it. If not, ask a trusted friend or family member to keep an extra key for you. Also, be sure to make a habit of checking your keys before you press the lock button and never lock your car with the remote, just to be safe. These easy tips will help prevent you from getting locked out of your car in the future!