Locked Keys in Car? Here's How to Get Back Inside Without Calling Roadside Assistance
It's more likely than you think you'll keep your keys locked inside your car. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to get your keys back without calling for roadside assistance.
By taking preventive measures, for example, always double-checking the locks before locking the doors and storing spare keys in designated areas, you can avoid getting locked out of your car completely!
1. Inflatable Wedge
The feeling of having locked your keys in the car be one of the most unpleasant things you can experience. It can throw your day into a tailspin and leave you wondering how you'll ever get home or to work or to your next appointment.
Fortunately, there are a number of methods to gain access back to your vehicle after locking your keys in the car. Using a wire coat hanger which you've turned into a hook or making a wedge out of three or two door stops can help you break through the glass to open your door. If you don't have these items or your vehicle is equipped with an auto lock, then an air pump wedge may be the best option.
An air pump wedge is a versatile tool used by professional locksmiths and repo experts for auto lockout services. They typically have an inflatable bag component that is slipped between the car's door and the weather stripping to form an opening that can be reached by longer-reach tools, such as car-unlocking rods. These wedges also feature a heavy-duty design that is non-marring to avoid chipping the paint on the car.
For those who are DIY-ers There are a variety of air wedge kits that are available on the market, with some that include a hand pump to allow manual inflation. A top-quality kit should be able form a gap between the door and the jamb which is large enough to accommodate access tools and unlock most cars with manual locks.
If nothing else works it is possible to call roadside assistance, or a local lock-smith, if you do not have a spare key. If this is the only option you have you should keep a spare key in a secure location so you won't lose it when you need it. Whatever method you choose, be patient and remember that it's okay to panic when you lock your keys in your car. your life will continue with the same ease when you follow these easy guidelines.
2. Coat Hanger
A wire coat hanger is a common item in most households and it is a simple way to open a locked car. The trick is to bend the hook into a small "V" shape that can hold the lock post inside your door, and then move it to pop the lock open. This is the same technique police officers employ using a slim jim. However, using a coat hanger takes less finagling.
Take a long piece of paracord or string with a stiff end and tie a slipknot through the middle. Make use of the slipknot at the top corner of the car door to open it open. This gives you enough space to place a rod like a clothes hanger or a blood pressure cuff. If you don't have a blood pressure cuff visit your local discount or drugstore as they often have one in their emergency kits.
Unravel the top of your coat hanger, then straighten it out so you have a hook on one side and a straight side on the other. It is possible to bend the hook into a V-shape, especially if you have pliers. This will require repeating the process several times before you achieve the desired hook shape. Once you've got the right shape you can slide the hook over the weather stripping that is on the door's bottom. Place it in the door, above the handle.
Once you have the hanger in place in the desired position, move it forward and back to locate the pin or bar that is responsible for the door lock post. Depending on left keys inside car drive, it could be just below or above the handle of your door's interior. Tap lightly on it to see if it is able to move it. You can also pull it up or backwards to disengage the lock.
If the lock post moves it means you have successfully disengaged the lock. You can then pull the handle down and you're in your car! This method also works on older vehicles that have manual locks. Be careful not to scratch your window or the car frame by slipping the hook too hard.
3. Shoestring
There are many tools that can be used to unlock your vehicle. You can use a lengthy wood or metal strip that fits through the gap between your car and the door frame to push the unlock button from inside. These options aren't always available and can damage the paint of your car. Another alternative is to use an air wedge. It's shaped like an inflatable cuff could be found in an office of a doctor. It can be pumped into the gap until it large enough to push the unlock button. These devices are quite affordable and can be used over and over when needed to unlock your car.
An even simpler tool to utilize is the shoelace. To locate the slip knot, you must first unlace a shoe and examine the middle. Set one end of the shoelace between the corner and the doorframe of your car and work through the crack to wrap around the knob of the lock. Then, pull it tight and up. After a few times, this technique can be learned in less than 30 seconds.
If this method isn't working If this doesn't work, you can try using a slim jim to open your car. A slim jim is a flat, thin metal tool that has hooks on both ends and fits into the space between the weatherproofing rubber on your car's door and the window. A person can maneuver the hooks of a slim jim in order to open the car door, however this method is somewhat risky as it requires the device to be inserted through the glass of the window and could cause damage to the seal of the door.
It is important to plan ahead for situations in which you'll need to leave keys in your car and need to get into it. There are a number of ways to prepare for this problem before it happens like signing to an automaker's app or service, subscribing to roadside assistance, or leaving a spare key and fob with your family or friends.
4. Blood Pressure Cuff
Many nurses, doctors and other staff members carry a blood-pressure cuff with them. Even if you don't, this is a low-cost device that can help save the day when you lock keys in 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. Don't over-inflate the cuff or you may damage the door. You should have enough space to insert an electrical wire hanger or other long, thin object that can penetrate the door.
If you don't own a coat hanger or wire, you could use a piece of tubing. This is the same trick that professionals use to open their vehicles and you're sure that it will work!
There are a variety of methods to unlock a locked car however, you must be cautious not to damage your car or injure yourself. Be sure to take the simplest and most secure method first. Your auto insurance could also cover these types of services! If all else fails, you can call 911 or use an auto towing service. They will charge a small fee, but you'll save time and money in the long run. It's a good thing that we've all locked our keys inside our vehicles at some time or another. It's a common mistake and it usually 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, ensure that it's in the right place to find it. You can ask a relative or friend who you trust to store an extra key for you in case you don't have one. Also, make a habit of checking your keys before hitting the lock button. Also, never lock your car with the remote, just to be sure. These simple steps will prevent you from being locked out of your car in the future!