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 in your car. There are many ways to gain access to your car without having to call roadside assistance.
By taking preventative measures, such as always double-checking locks before locking doors, and keeping spare keys in designated locations you can ensure that you don't get locked out of your car altogether!
1. Inflatable Wedge
It can be a very uncomfortable feeling to realize you've locked your keys inside your car. It could send your entire day into a tizzy and leave you wondering how you'll ever get home or to work, or to your next appointment.
There are many ways to get back into your car after losing your keys. Utilizing a coat hanger that you've made into a hook or constructing a wedge out of two or three door stops can help you break through the glass and open your door. If you don't own these items or if your car has an auto lock, then an air pump wedge may be the best option.
Air pump wedges are a versatile tool that locksmiths and repo experts to help with auto lockouts. These tools usually feature an inflatable bag that is slipped between the door and weather stripping of the car to create gaps that can be accessed with longer-reaching tools, like car unlocking rods. These wedges are also designed to be heavy-duty and non-marring, which aids to avoid damaging the paint on your car, while providing a sturdy solution to get into the locked vehicle.
There are numerous DIY air wedge kits available on the market. Some come with an electric pump that can be used to manually inflate. A top-quality kit should be able to form a gap between the door and the jamb that's large enough to insert access tools and unlock most cars with manual locks.
If you do not have an air wedge or another alternative, there's the option of calling roadside assistance or a local locksmith particularly if nothing else works. If you're the only option, ensure that you keep an extra key in a secure location so that you don't have to be concerned about losing it when you need to use it. Whatever method you decide to use Don't be afraid. You can still return to normal by following these simple tips.
2. Coat Hanger
A coat hanger made of wire is a common item found in many households and is a simple way to unlock a locked car. The trick is to bend the hook into a small "V" shape that will grasp the lock post within your door and manipulate it to open the lock. open. This is the same technique police officers employ with the slim jim, however using a coat hanger requires less effort.
Tie a slipknot at the middle of a long piece stiff string or paracord. Use the slipknot to push open the car door at the top corner. This will give you enough space to insert an extended rod, such as a clotheshanger or blood pressure cuff. If you don't have a blood pressure cuff, visit your local discount or drugstore; they often include one in their emergency kits.
Unravel your coat hanger's end and straighten it to ensure that you have a hook as well as an edge that is straight on both sides. If you have pliers, it could be easier to bend the hook into a V shape. This requires repeating the process several times until you achieve the perfect hook shape. Once you have the right shape, slide it behind the weather stripping on the bottom of the door. Then, insert it into the door just above the handle.
Once the hanger is set then move it around to locate the pin or bar controlling the door lock post. Depending on the type of vehicle you have it could be either above or below the door's interior handle. When get my keys out of my car find it, tap on it lightly to test whether it moves. Then, try pulling it upwards or backward to disengage the lock.
You have successfully disengaged your lock if the lock post moves. Then you can simply pull the handle down and you're in your vehicle! This method works for older vehicles that have manual locks. Use the hook gently to avoid damaging the window or frame of the car.
3. Shoestring
There are many tools that can help you get into your car that is locked. You can use a long rod like a metal or wooden strip that can be inserted into the gap between the door frame and the car. It will then push down the unlock button on the inside. These options are not always available and may scratch your vehicle's paint. Another alternative is an air wedge. It's similar to the cuff that you use at the doctor's office and can be pumped into to create a space large enough to press the unlock button inside. These devices are quite affordable and can be used repeatedly when needed to unlock your car.
An even simpler tool to utilize is the shoelace. To locate the slip knot, first unlace a shoe and then look around the middle. Then, you can place the shoelace's end between the corner of your car's door and the doorframe, and move it through the crack until it wraps around the knob of the lock. Pull the knob tightly and pull upwards. With practice, this method can be mastered in less than 30 seconds.
If this method doesn't work, you might try using the slim jim to open your car. A slim jim is a flat, thin piece of metal that has hooks at both ends that fit into the space between the weatherproofing rubber on your car's door and window. The hooks on a slim jim could be used to open the car's door. However, this method is risky since it requires insertion of the tool through the window and could damage the seal.
Make a plan for the event that you forget your keys in a vehicle and need to get it. You can prepare yourself for this eventuality by signing up for the automaker's service or app and registering for roadside assistance or leaving keys and a spare fob with family or friends.
4. Blood Pressure Cuff
Many doctors, nurses, and others carry a blood pressure cuff along with them. This is a small device that can be used to open your car after you've locked the keys inside.
Insert a deflated arm into the gap between the door and the frame. Slowly inflate the wrist until it forms an opening. Be careful not to over-inflate the air cuff or you may harm the door. There should be enough room to place an electrical wire hanger or other long, thin object that can penetrate the door.
If you don't have a coat hanger Try a piece tubing or some wire. This is the same trick used by professionals to open their vehicles and make their cars more secure, so you can be certain that it will work!
There are many tricks to unlock your vehicle, but you have be aware not to do anything that could harm your vehicle or yourself. Remember to always use the most simple and most secure method first. Your insurance policy may also cover these services! If nothing else works then you can dial 911 or an auto towing service. They'll charge a modest fee, but you'll save time and money in the long run. The positive side is that a lot of us have locked our keys inside our cars at one point or another. It's a frequent occurrence and typically will not ruin your day so long as you're aware of the best ways to get your keys back! If you have a spare key in your home, make sure that it's in the right place to find it. Ask a friend or relative who you trust to keep keys for you in case you don't have one. Also, be sure to make a habit of checking that you have your keys before pressing the lock button. Never lock your car using the remote, just to be sure. These simple tips can ensure that you are not locked out of your vehicle in the future.