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 inside your car. There are a variety of ways to get inside your car without calling roadside assistance.
You can avoid being locked out of your vehicle by taking preventative measures like double-checking the doors before locking them and storing spare keys in designated locations.
1. Inflatable Wedge
The feeling of having locked your keys in the car can be among the worst things you can experience. It can throw your day into a tailspin and leave you wondering if you'll get home, to the office, or to your next appointment.
There are a variety of ways to get back into your car if you've lost your keys. Utilizing a coat hanger made of wire that you've shaped into a hook or constructing an elongated wedge from three or two door stops can help you break through the glass to open your door. If you don't have access to the materials mentioned above or if your vehicle is equipped with an automatic lock, an air pump wedge could be the best option.
Air pump wedges are a versatile tool used by locksmiths as well as repo experts for auto lockouts. They typically have an inflatable bag component that slips between the door of the car and the weather stripping to create an opening that is accessible via longer-reach tools, such as car-unlocking rods. These wedges are also designed to be durable and non-marring, which helps to prevent scratching the paint of your car while providing a sturdy solution to get into a locked vehicle.
For DIYers There are a variety of air wedge kits available for purchase on the market, including a few that come with a handy hand pump for manual inflation. A high-quality kit will be able to create a gap between the jamb and the door which is large enough to accommodate access tools and allow the unlocking of most cars with manual locks.
If all else fails, you can always call roadside assistance or a local locksmith, if you don't have a spare key. If this is the only option available you should keep a spare key in a secure location to ensure that you don't lose it when you require it. Whatever 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 continue in the normal way by following these simple guidelines.
2. Coat Hanger
Wire coat hangers are a typical household item that can be used to open the car. The trick is to bend your hook into a small V in order to grasp the lock post on your door. You then manipulate the hook to pop the lock. This is the same method police officers employ with the slim jim, however using a coat hanger takes less finagling.
Make a slipknot in middle of a long piece stiff string or paracord. Use the slipknot on the top edge of the car door to open it open. This will allow you enough room to insert a long rod, such as a clothes hanger or a blood pressure cuff. If you don't have a blood pressure cuff you can ask your local drugstore for one. They often include them in their emergency kits.
Unravel the end of your coat hanger, then straighten it so that you have a hook on one side and a straight side on the other. It is possible to bend a hook into a V-shape, especially if you have pliers. This requires repeating the process a few times until you achieve the desired hook shape. Once you have the perfect shape, slide it in behind the weather stripping on the bottom of the door. Place it in the door just above the handle.
Once the hanger is in place then move it around to find the pin or bar that controls the door lock post. Depending on the vehicle you drive, it may be located either above or below the door's interior handle. Tap lightly on it to see if you are able to move it. Try pulling it up or backwards to detach the lock.
If the lock post moves, you have successfully disengaged the lock. You can then pull the handle downwards and you're inside your vehicle! This method also works on older vehicles with manual locks. Just be careful not to damage your window or the car frame by slipping the hook too far.
3. Shoestring
There are a number of tools to gain access to your car locked quickly. You can make use of a long rod such as wood or metal strips that can fit through the gap between the door frame and the car. It will then push down the unlock button located on the inside. However, these options are not always easy to find and may scratch the paint on your vehicle. Another alternative is an air wedge. It resembles the inflatable cuff you might utilize at a doctor's appointment and can be pumped up to create a space large enough to press the unlock button within the. These devices are fairly inexpensive and can be used repeatedly in order to unlock your car.
An even more simple tool to use is a shoelace. First, unlace your shoes and then look in the middle to determine where the slip knot is situated. Then, you can place the shoelace's end between the corner of your car's door and the door frame and pull it down through the crack until it wraps around the knob of the lock. Pull it tight and upwards. After a few times, this technique can be mastered in less than 30 seconds.
If this method isn't working, you can try using a slim jim to open your car. A slim jim is a thin, flat tool made of metal with hooks on both ends that sits between the weatherproofing rubber of the car's door and window, is the perfect solution. The user can move the hooks of a slim jim to open the door of a car, but this technique is a bit risky because it requires inserting the device through the window's glass and could cause damage to the door's seal.
It is important to be prepared for the eventuality where you might leave your keys in a car and need to get into it. You can prepare yourself for this situation by signing up to the automaker's app or service or by subscribing to roadside assistance, or leaving keys and a spare fob with family or friends.
4. Blood Pressure Cuff
Many nurses, doctors and others have a blood pressure cuff that they carry in their pockets. It's a simple device that can be used to open your car when you've locked the keys inside.
Insert a deflated arm into the gap between the frame and the door. Slowly inflate the wrist to create a hole. Don't over-inflate the cuff, or you could damage the door. There should be enough room to insert a wire hanger or a long thin object that could reach inside the door.
If you don't have a coat hanger or wire, you can use a piece of tubing. This is the same trick used by professionals to open their vehicles and you can be certain that it will work!
There are many methods to unlock a locked car but you should be careful to not cause damage to your vehicle or yourself. Always use the most simple and most secure method first. Your insurance company might also cover these services! If all else fails, you can call 911 or use an auto towing service. You will be charged for a small amount, 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 one point or another. It's not a huge issue when 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. You can ask a relative or friend who you trust to store a spare key for you if you don't have one. Also, be sure to make a habit of checking your keys before hitting the lock button. Never lock your car with the remote, simply to be sure. These simple steps will prevent you from being locked out of your car in the future!