Locked Keys in Car? Here's How to Get Back Inside Without Calling Roadside Assistance
The odds of locking your keys inside your car are likely to be higher than you think. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to get back inside without calling assistance on the road.
You can prevent being locked out of your car by taking preventative measures like double-checking the doors prior to locking them and storing spare keys in designated places.
1. Inflatable Wedge
It can be a very uncomfortable feeling to realize you have locked your keys inside the car. It can throw your day into chaos and cause you to think about how to get home to work or to your next meeting.
There are several options to gain access back to your vehicle after locking your keys in the car. You could break the glass using a coathanger wire which you've shaped into a 'hook', or creating a wedge using three or two door stoppers. If you don't have these materials or your vehicle has an auto lock, then an air pump wedge could be the best choice.
An air pump wedge is a multi-purpose tool used by professional locksmiths and repo experts for auto lockout services. They typically have an inflatable bag component that is slipped between the free car unlock service's door and the weather stripping to create an opening that is accessible by longer-reach tools, like car-unlocking rods. These wedges also have a heavy-duty design that is non-marring to avoid chipping the paint on the exterior of a car.
For DIYers, there are many air wedge kits that are available on the market, including some which come with a hand pump for manual inflation. A good kit will be able form a gap big enough to allow tools to be inserted and unlock many cars with manual locks.
If all else fails it is possible to call roadside assistance, or a local lock-smith in the event that you don't have a spare key. If this is the only option available, keep a spare in a safe place so you won't lose it if you need it. No matter what method you decide to use, don't panic. You can get your life back to normal by following these guidelines.
2. Coat Hanger
Wire coat hangers are a typical household item that can be used to unlock keys in car a car. The trick is to bend the hook into a tiny "V" shape that can grip the lock out of car post inside your door and then manipulate it to pop the lock open. This is the same technique police officers use with a slim jim, but using a coat hanger requires less effort.
Attach a slipknot in the middle of a length of stiff string or paracord. Use the slipknot to pry open the door of your car in the upper corner. This will allow you enough room to insert a long rod like a clothes hanger or a blood pressure cuff. If you don't own an cuff for blood pressure you can ask your local drugstore for one. They often include them in their emergency kits.
Unravel the end of your coat hanger and straighten it until you have a hook and a straight edge on both sides. It may be easier to bend a hook into a V-shape, especially if you have pliers. You'll need to repeat this process a few times before you get the perfect hook shape. Once you've found the perfect shape you can slide the hook over the weather stripping that is on the lower part of the door. Place it in the door, above the handle.
Once the hanger is set, move it around to find the pin or bar controlling the door lock post. Depending on the vehicle you drive it could be above or below the interior door handle. When you find it, tap it lightly to test if it moves. Then, try pulling it upwards or backwards to release the lock.
You have successfully disengaged your lock if the post is jiggling. You can then pull the handle backwards and you're inside your vehicle! This method works for older vehicles that have manual locks. Slide the hook in gently to avoid damaging the window or frame of the car.
3. Shoestring
There are many tools that can help you get into your car that is locked. You can make use of a long metal or wood strip that fits into the gap between the car and the door frame, and then press the unlock button from the inside. These options aren't always available and could scratch your vehicle's paint. Another alternative is to use an air wedge. It resembles an inflatable cuff you may find in the doctor's office. It can be put into the gap until it enough to push the unlock button. These devices aren't expensive and can be used again and repeatedly to unlock your car.
A shoelace is an even simpler tool. First, unlace a pair of shoes and then look around the middle to determine where the slip knot located. Put one end of your shoelace between the doorframe and the corner of your car and work it through the crack until it forms a wrap around the knob of the lock. Pull the knob tightly and pull upwards. If you practice this technique, it can be learned in less than 30 seconds.
If this method isn't working If this doesn't work, you could try using slim jims to open your car. A slim jim is a flat thin piece of metal that has hooks on both ends. It fits into the space between the weatherproofing rubber on your car door and the window. A person can maneuver the hooks of a slim jim in order to open the door of a car, but this method is a bit risky since it requires insertion of the device through the window glass and could cause damage to the door's seal.
Make a plan for the event that you lose your keys inside your vehicle and require to enter it. There are several ways to prepare for this situation before it happens by signing up for an automaker's application or service, signing up for roadside assistance, or even leaving a spare key and fob with friends or family members.
4. Blood Pressure Cuff
Many nurses, doctors and other staff members carry a blood-pressure cuff with them. Even if not, this is a cheap device that can help to save the day if you lock your keys in your car.
Insert a deflated arm into the gap between the frame and the door. Slowly increase the inflation of the wrist to make a hole. Do not over-inflate it, or you could damage the door. You should have 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 the same trick used by professionals to unlock their cars and you can be certain it will work!
There are many methods to unlock a locked car however, you must be cautious not to harm your vehicle lock out service or yourself. Always use the most simple and most secure method first. Your insurance company may 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. It's a good thing we have all locked our keys in our vehicles at some point. It's a frequent occurrence and it usually will not ruin your day so long as you're aware of proper steps to get back in! If you have an extra key at your home, make sure you know where it is. If you don't have a trusted person or relative to keep an additional key for you. Also, make a habit of checking that you have your keys before pressing the lock button. Never lock your car with the remote, just to be safe. These simple steps can help ensure that you are not locked out of your vehicle in the future.
The odds of locking your keys inside your car are likely to be higher than you think. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to get back inside without calling assistance on the road.
You can prevent being locked out of your car by taking preventative measures like double-checking the doors prior to locking them and storing spare keys in designated places.
1. Inflatable Wedge
It can be a very uncomfortable feeling to realize you have locked your keys inside the car. It can throw your day into chaos and cause you to think about how to get home to work or to your next meeting.
There are several options to gain access back to your vehicle after locking your keys in the car. You could break the glass using a coathanger wire which you've shaped into a 'hook', or creating a wedge using three or two door stoppers. If you don't have these materials or your vehicle has an auto lock, then an air pump wedge could be the best choice.
An air pump wedge is a multi-purpose tool used by professional locksmiths and repo experts for auto lockout services. They typically have an inflatable bag component that is slipped between the free car unlock service's door and the weather stripping to create an opening that is accessible by longer-reach tools, like car-unlocking rods. These wedges also have a heavy-duty design that is non-marring to avoid chipping the paint on the exterior of a car.
For DIYers, there are many air wedge kits that are available on the market, including some which come with a hand pump for manual inflation. A good kit will be able form a gap big enough to allow tools to be inserted and unlock many cars with manual locks.
If all else fails it is possible to call roadside assistance, or a local lock-smith in the event that you don't have a spare key. If this is the only option available, keep a spare in a safe place so you won't lose it if you need it. No matter what method you decide to use, don't panic. You can get your life back to normal by following these guidelines.
2. Coat Hanger
Wire coat hangers are a typical household item that can be used to unlock keys in car a car. The trick is to bend the hook into a tiny "V" shape that can grip the lock out of car post inside your door and then manipulate it to pop the lock open. This is the same technique police officers use with a slim jim, but using a coat hanger requires less effort.
Attach a slipknot in the middle of a length of stiff string or paracord. Use the slipknot to pry open the door of your car in the upper corner. This will allow you enough room to insert a long rod like a clothes hanger or a blood pressure cuff. If you don't own an cuff for blood pressure you can ask your local drugstore for one. They often include them in their emergency kits.
Unravel the end of your coat hanger and straighten it until you have a hook and a straight edge on both sides. It may be easier to bend a hook into a V-shape, especially if you have pliers. You'll need to repeat this process a few times before you get the perfect hook shape. Once you've found the perfect shape you can slide the hook over the weather stripping that is on the lower part of the door. Place it in the door, above the handle.
Once the hanger is set, move it around to find the pin or bar controlling the door lock post. Depending on the vehicle you drive it could be above or below the interior door handle. When you find it, tap it lightly to test if it moves. Then, try pulling it upwards or backwards to release the lock.
You have successfully disengaged your lock if the post is jiggling. You can then pull the handle backwards and you're inside your vehicle! This method works for older vehicles that have manual locks. Slide the hook in gently to avoid damaging the window or frame of the car.
3. Shoestring
There are many tools that can help you get into your car that is locked. You can make use of a long metal or wood strip that fits into the gap between the car and the door frame, and then press the unlock button from the inside. These options aren't always available and could scratch your vehicle's paint. Another alternative is to use an air wedge. It resembles an inflatable cuff you may find in the doctor's office. It can be put into the gap until it enough to push the unlock button. These devices aren't expensive and can be used again and repeatedly to unlock your car.
A shoelace is an even simpler tool. First, unlace a pair of shoes and then look around the middle to determine where the slip knot located. Put one end of your shoelace between the doorframe and the corner of your car and work it through the crack until it forms a wrap around the knob of the lock. Pull the knob tightly and pull upwards. If you practice this technique, it can be learned in less than 30 seconds.
If this method isn't working If this doesn't work, you could try using slim jims to open your car. A slim jim is a flat thin piece of metal that has hooks on both ends. It fits into the space between the weatherproofing rubber on your car door and the window. A person can maneuver the hooks of a slim jim in order to open the door of a car, but this method is a bit risky since it requires insertion of the device through the window glass and could cause damage to the door's seal.
Make a plan for the event that you lose your keys inside your vehicle and require to enter it. There are several ways to prepare for this situation before it happens by signing up for an automaker's application or service, signing up for roadside assistance, or even leaving a spare key and fob with friends or family members.
4. Blood Pressure Cuff
Many nurses, doctors and other staff members carry a blood-pressure cuff with them. Even if not, this is a cheap device that can help to save the day if you lock your keys in your car.
Insert a deflated arm into the gap between the frame and the door. Slowly increase the inflation of the wrist to make a hole. Do not over-inflate it, or you could damage the door. You should have 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 the same trick used by professionals to unlock their cars and you can be certain it will work!
There are many methods to unlock a locked car however, you must be cautious not to harm your vehicle lock out service or yourself. Always use the most simple and most secure method first. Your insurance company may 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. It's a good thing we have all locked our keys in our vehicles at some point. It's a frequent occurrence and it usually will not ruin your day so long as you're aware of proper steps to get back in! If you have an extra key at your home, make sure you know where it is. If you don't have a trusted person or relative to keep an additional key for you. Also, make a habit of checking that you have your keys before pressing the lock button. Never lock your car with the remote, just to be safe. These simple steps can help ensure that you are not locked out of your vehicle in the future.