Locked Keys in Car? Here's How to Get Back Inside Without Calling Roadside Assistance
It's more likely than you think that you'll lock your keys inside your
car key lock out. There are a variety of ways to get inside your car without calling roadside assistance.
By taking preventative measures, such as always double-checking before locking the doors and storing spare keys in designated locations to avoid being locked out of your car completely!
1. Inflatable Wedge
It's a difficult feeling to discover that you have locked your keys in the car. It can throw your day into chaos and cause you to wonder how you will get home or work or to your next event.
Fortunately, there are a number of methods to get back into your vehicle when you've locked your keys inside the vehicle. You can break the glass by using a coathanger made of wire that you have shaped into a 'hook' or making a wedge out of three or two door stoppers. If you don't own these materials or your vehicle is equipped with an auto lock, then an air pump wedge might be the best option.
An air pump wedge is a multi-purpose tool, which is often utilized by professional locksmiths and repo professionals to provide auto lockout services. They typically have an inflatable bag component that is slipped between the
car lockout assistance's door and the weather stripping to form an opening that can be accessed with longer-reaching tools, such as car unlocking rods. These wedges are also designed to be durable and non-marring, which helps to avoid scratching the paint of your car while providing a strong solution to gain access to the locked vehicle.
For those who are DIY-ers, there are many air wedge kits for sale on the market, including some that include a hand pump that can be used to manually inflate. A top-quality kit will create a gap big enough to fit tools and open many vehicles with manual locks.
If nothing else works then you can always contact roadside assistance or a local lock-smith in the event that you don't have a spare lock. If this is the only option, ensure that you keep a spare key in a safe place so that you don't have to worry about losing it when the time comes to utilize it. Regardless of the method you choose, remain patient and remember that it's okay to be scared when you lock your keys in your car; your life will go with the same ease when you follow these easy guidelines.
2. Coat Hanger
Wire coat hangers are a standard household item that can be used to unlock a car. The trick is to bend the hook into a small "V" shape that will grip the lock post inside your door and then manipulate it to pop the lock open. This is the same method police officers use with a slim jim. However, using a coat hanger takes less effort.
Tie a slipknot at the middle of a long, paracord or string that is stiff. Make use of the slipknot at the top of the car door to pull it open. This will allow you enough room to insert a long rod like hanger for clothes or a blood pressure cuff. If you don't have an artery pressure cuff, check at your local drugstore or discount store as they often have one in their emergency kits.
Unravel the end of your coat hanger and straighten it out so that you have a hook on one end and a straight side on the other. If you have pliers, it might be easier to bend the hook into a V-shape. You will need to do this several times to achieve the ideal hook shape. Once you've got the right shape you can slide the hook over the weather stripping on the bottom of the doors. Then insert it into the door, just above the handle.
Once the hanger is in place, move it around to locate the pin or bar that controls the door lock post. Depending on the vehicle you drive, it may be located just above or below the door's interior handle. When you find it, tap it lightly to see if it moves. 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, pull the handle backwards and you're in your vehicle! This method also works on older vehicles that have manual locks. Use the hook gently to avoid damaging the window or frame of the car.
3. Shoestring
There are several tools that can be used to quickly unlock your car. You can use a lengthy wood or metal strip that fits into the gap between the car and the door frame to press the unlock button from the inside. These options aren't always available and can scratch your vehicle's paint. A wedge made of air is another alternative. It resembles the inflatable cuff you might utilize at a doctor's appointment and can be pumped into to create a gap enough to push down the unlock button inside the. These devices are quite affordable and can be used multiple times when needed to unlock your car.
A shoelace is an even more simple tool. To locate the slip knot, first unlace your shoe and look around the middle. Place one end of your shoelace between the doorframe and the corner of your car. Work through the crack to wrap around the knob of the lock. Pull tightly and pull upwards. This technique can be learned by practicing for less than 30 seconds.
If this method doesn't work, you could try a slim Jim to open the door of your vehicle. A slim jim is a flat thin metal tool with hooks on both ends. It fits into the space between the weatherproofing rubber on your car's door and window. The user can move the hooks of a slim jim 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 cause damage to the seal of the door.
It is crucial to be prepared for the eventuality when you're tempted to leave your keys in a car and need to access it. There are many ways you can prepare for this situation prior to it happening by signing up for an automaker's app or service, subscribing to roadside assistance, or even leaving a spare key and fob with your family or friends.
4. Blood Pressure Cuff
Many doctors, nurses and other professionals carry a blood-pressure cuff with them. It's a simple device that can be used to unlock your car after you've locked the keys inside.
Place a deflated cuff in the space where the door meets the frame and slowly inflate it to make an opening. Don't over-inflate the cuff or you may harm the door. There should be enough room to insert a wire hanger or a long, thin object that can be able to reach inside the door.
If you don't have a coat hanger, try a piece of tubing or some wire. This is a trick the pros employ to open their cars, so it should work!
There are a variety of methods to open a locked vehicle however, you must be careful not to harm your vehicle or yourself. Always try the easiest and least damaging methods first - and don't forget that your insurance may cover services to assist you in this kind of scenario! If all else fails call 911 or a towing company. They will charge a small fee, but you'll save time and money in the long run. It's a good thing that we have all locked our keys inside our automobiles at some moment in time. It's a frequent occurrence and usually doesn't ruin your day as long as you're aware of the best ways to get your keys back! If you have an extra key at your home, make sure you know where it is. Request a family member or friend who you trust to keep
left my keys in the car for you in case you don't have one. Also, keep a routine of checking your keys before pressing the lock button. 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!