Locked Keys in Car? Here's How to Get Back Inside Without Calling Roadside Assistance
It's more likely than you think you'll lock your keys in your car. There are several ways to gain access to your car without having to call roadside assistance.
By taking precautionary measures, like always double-checking locks before locking doors and storing spare keys in designated places you can ensure that you don't get locked out of your car completely!
1. Inflatable Wedge
It's a difficult feeling to discover that you've locked your keys inside the car. It can send your entire day into a tizzy and leave you wondering how you'll ever get back home, to the office, or to your next appointment.
There are several options to get back into your vehicle when you've locked your keys inside it. You can break the glass using a coathanger wire which you've shaped into a 'hook' or making a wedge from two or three door stoppers. If you don't have access the materials mentioned above or if your car has an automatic lock or a key lock, an air pump wedge may be the best option.
An air pump wedge is a multi-purpose tool that's often used by professional locksmiths and repo experts for auto lockout services. They typically come with 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 cars. These wedges are also designed to be heavy-duty and non-marring, which aids to prevent scratching the paint of your car while also providing a solid solution to get into a locked vehicle.
There are numerous DIY air wedge kits on the market. Some include the option of a hand pump that you can manually inflate. A good kit will create a gap large enough to insert tools and unlock many cars with manual locks.
If none of the other options work, you can always call roadside assistance, or a local lock-smith in the event that you do not have a spare key. If this is the only option available make sure you keep a spare in a safe location to ensure you don't lose it when you require 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
Wire coat hangers are a standard household item that can be used to unlock the car. The trick is to bend your hook into a small V shape in order to grasp the lock post in your door. Then, you can manipulate the hook to pop the lock. The same technique is used by police officers using a slim Jim, but a coathanger requires less finagling.
Take a long piece of paracord or string that is stiff and tie a slipknot in the middle. Use the slipknot to pry open the car door slightly in the upper corner. This will allow you enough room to insert a long rod, such as a clotheshanger or blood pressure cuff. If you don't have a blood pressure cuff, ask your local drugstore for one. They usually include them in their emergency kits.
Unravel the coat hanger's end and straighten it until 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. You'll need to do this a few times to get the right hook shape. Once you have the perfect shape, slide it behind the weather stripping on the bottom of the door. Then, slide it into the door, just above the handle.
Once you have the hanger positioned, move it around to find a pin or a bar that is responsible for the door lock post. Depending on your vehicle, it may be located either above or below the door's interior handle. Tap it lightly to see if you are able to move it. You can also try to pull it up or backwards to disengage the lock.
You have successfully disconnected your lock if the lock post is jiggling. Then you can simply lower the handle and you are in your vehicle! This method works on older vehicles that have manual locks. The hook is inserted gently to ensure that it doesn't damage the window or frame of the car.
3. Shoestring
There are a number of tools to gain access to your car that is locked. You can use a long wooden or metal strip that fits into the gap between the car and the door frame to push the unlock button from the inside. However these options aren't always easy to locate and can scratch the paint of your vehicle. An air wedge is a different alternative. It resembles an inflatable cuff that you may find in the doctor's office. It can be put into the gap to make it sufficient to push the unlock button. unlock car keys inside are relatively inexpensive and can be used repeatedly in order to unlock your vehicle.
A much simpler tool to make use of is the shoelace. First, unlace a pair of shoes and eyeball around the middle to determine the location where the slip knot is situated. Place one end of your shoelace between the doorframe and the corner of your car and work it through the crack to loop around the lock's knob. Pull it tight and upwards. After a few times, this technique 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 thin, flat tool made of metal with hooks at both ends that fit between the weatherproofing rubber of your car's door and window, is the ideal solution. The hooks on a slim jim could 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.
Plan ahead in case you leave your keys inside a vehicle and need to enter it. You can prepare yourself for this scenario by signing up to the automaker's service or app or by subscribing to roadside assistance, or leaving keys and a spare fob with family or friends.
4. Blood Pressure Cuff
Many doctors, nurses and other staff members carry a blood-pressure cuff with them. It's a simple device that can be used to open your car after you've locked the keys inside.
Slide a deflated wrist into the gap between the door and the frame. Slowly increase the inflation of the wrist to make a hole. Do not over-inflate it, or you risk damaging the door. There should be enough room to place a wire hanger or another long thin object that is able to reach inside the door.
If you don't have a coat hanger or wire, you could make use of a tubing piece. This is a trick the pros use to open cars, so it should work!
There are a variety of methods to open a locked vehicle however, you must be careful not to damage your car or injure yourself. Always try the easiest and least damaging method first. And don't forget that your insurance may cover services to help you with this kind of situation! If nothing else works then you can dial 911 or an auto towing service. They will charge a small fee, but you'll save time and money in the end. The positive side is that a lot of us have locked keys in our cars at some point or another. It's not a big deal if you are aware of how to gain entry. If you have an extra key at your home, ensure you are aware of where it is. If not then ask a trusted friend or relative to store an extra key for you. To ensure your security, make sure you have the keys before pressing the lock. These simple tips can ensure that you are not locked out of your car in the future.