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 more likely than you think. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to get your keys back without calling for assistance on the road.
By taking precautionary measures, like always double-checking locks before locking doors and keeping spare keys in designated areas, you can avoid getting locked out of your car completely!
1. Inflatable Wedge
It can be a very uncomfortable feeling to realize you have locked your keys in the car. It can throw your day into chaos and make you wonder how you will get home, to work or to your next appointment.
There are a number of methods to get back into your vehicle when you've locked your keys in the car. You can break the glass using a coathanger made of wire that you have shaped into a 'hook', or making a wedge from three or two 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 might be the ideal solution.
Air pump wedges are an incredibly versatile tool that locksmiths and repo experts to help with auto lockouts. These tools typically come with an inflatable bag component that is slipped between the car door and the weather stripping to create an opening that can be reached via longer-reach tools, like car-unlocking rods. These wedges also feature an extremely durable design that is non-marring to avoid chipping the paint on the car.
For DIYers there are numerous air wedge kits that are available on the market, including a few which come with a hand pump to allow manual inflation. A top-quality kit will be able form an opening large enough to fit tools and open many vehicles with manual locks.
For those who do not have an air wedge or another option, there is always the option to call for roadside assistance or a local locksmith in the event that there is nothing else that works. If this is the only option, make sure that you keep your spare key in a safe place so that you don't need to worry about losing it when you need to utilize it. No matter what method you select do not panic. You can still return to normal 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 the hook into a small V in order to grasp the lock post on your door. Then, you move the hook to unlock the lock. This is the same technique police officers employ using the slim jim, however using a coat hanger requires less finagling.
Tie a slipknot at the middle of a long piece paracord or string that is stiff. Make use of the slipknot at the top edge of the car door to pull it open. This will allow you enough room to place a rod, like hanger for clothes or a blood pressure cuff. If you don't have a blood pressure cuff look at your local drugstore or discount store and they usually have one in their emergency kits.
Unravel the coat hanger's end and straighten it until you have a hook as well as a straight edge on both sides. It is possible to bend the hook into a V-shape, especially if you have pliers. You will need to do this a few times to get the right hook shape. Once you've got the right shape then slide the hook through the weather stripping that is on the lower part of the door. Place it in the door, above the handle.
Once you have the hanger set, move it back and forth to locate a pin or a bar that regulates the door lock post. Depending on how do you unlock a car without a key might find it either above or below the handle of your door's interior. If you locate it, tap it lightly to test whether it moves. You can also pull it upwards or backwards to release the lock.
If the lock's post shakes, you have successfully disengaged the lock. Then, you can pull the handle down and you're back in your vehicle! This method works on older vehicles that have manual locks. Just be careful not to damage your window or car frame by slipping the hook too far.
3. Shoestring
There are many tools that can be used to swiftly unlock your vehicle. You can make use of a long rod like a wooden or metal strip that fits through the gap between the door frame and the car, and then press down the unlock button on the inside. These options aren't always available and can damage the paint of your car. A wedge made of air is another option. It's shaped like an inflatable cuff that you might find at the doctor's office. It can be placed into the gap to make it sufficient to push the unlock button. These devices are fairly inexpensive and can be used multiple times, if needed, to unlock your car.
A much more simple tool to make use of is a shoelace. First, take off a pair of shoes and eyeball in the middle to determine where the slip knot located. Place one end of your shoelace between the corner and the doorframe of your car. Work through the crack to tie around the knob of your lock. Then, pull it tightly and upwards. This technique can be mastered through practice in less than 30 second.
If this method doesn't work You could try using a slim jim to open your car. A slim jim, which is a small, flat metal tool with hooks at both ends that fit between the weatherproofing rubber on your car door and window, is the ideal solution. One can use the hooks of a slim jim to open the car door, however this method is a bit risky because it requires the device to be inserted through the window's glass and could damage the seal of the door.
Prepare for the possibility that you lose your keys inside your vehicle and require to get it. You can prepare yourself for this scenario by signing up to the automaker's service or app and registering for roadside assistance or leaving keys and a spare fob with your family or friends.
4. Blood Pressure Cuff
Many nurses, doctors and other professionals have a blood pressure cuff that they carry in their pockets. It's a simple device that can be used to open your car after you've locked the keys inside.
Insert a cuff that has been deflated into the space where the door meets the frame and slowly inflate it to make an opening. Do not over-inflate it, or you could damage the door. You should have enough room to place a wire hanger or a long thin object that is able to be able to reach inside the door.
If you don't own a coat hanger or wire, you could make use of a piece of tubing. This is a trick that professionals use to open automobiles, so it's bound to work!
There are a variety of methods to unlock a locked car, but you must be cautious not to damage your car or injure yourself. Remember to always take the simplest and most secure method first. Your insurance company might also cover these services! If all else fails call 911 or a towing company. They will charge a small fee, but you'll be saving time and money in the end. 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 it usually will not ruin your day so long as you know the right tips to get back in! If you have an extra key in your home, make sure you are aware of where it is. If not then ask a trusted friend or family member to keep an extra key for you. To ensure your security, check that you have the keys before pressing the lock. These tips will prevent you from being locked out of your vehicle in the future.