How to Deal With Locked Keys in Your Vehicle

Locking keys inside the car is a regular event, and can cause a panicked feeling. This is a situation that you can deal with.

There are ways to prevent getting locked out in the future, which includes keeping spare keys in a safe place and secure. You can also add roadside service to your vehicle. This helps with breakdowns and helps you get back on the road.

Locking the Doors

It's an embarrassing moment when you lock your keys inside your car. In the ideal scenario there is an acquaintance or family member nearby who can come unlock the door for you without damaging your car. It is still possible to access your car using the right tools, even if don't have a friend or family member nearby. The kind of vehicle you drive and the locks you have installed inside will determine the ease to get back inside.

If the locks on your car are not operated by sensors it is possible to unlock the doors using an incredibly thin rod or wire. You can use a wire coathanger bent into a lasso shape or, for newer vehicles, the rod is integrated into the key fob. There are also "lock picking" kits at many hardware stores, which include the rod made of metal and instructions to help unlock the door of your car.

To apply this method, you have to identify where the "unlock" switch is located. It may be near the key fob, or it may be on a wall in the front of the car door opener that's visible through the windshield. Once you've got this information, you can utilize the rod or coat hanger to create an opening between the car door and its frame or window. Then, you can reach inside and press the button.

Make sure that your door locks come with a release lever that you can press to open them. Some modern vehicles have them in the trunk, typically on the side closest to the passenger seats. You can also try using the emergency release tab, which folds down the seat so that you can crawl into the trunk and take your keys locked in vehicle.

If none of these methods work, it's time to call for help. You can ask a friend to help you, provided they have the same car as you do. Or you can request your dealer to make a new key for you. They can do this for much less than you'll pay an locksmith.

Locking the Trunk

It is not a good idea to secure the trunk of your vehicle unless you intend to hide valuables. While it's an excellent way to keep thieves away from your stuff, it also hinders opening the trunk without your key fob. However, you can overcome this problem by concealing a spare key under the rear fender well, or on the floor of the trunk. This isn't foolproof and is easy to find by thieves, but it can stop them from trying to open your trunk.

Modern cars have gone to great lengths to make sure that trunks can only be opened by a person with a key fob. To safeguard your possessions, many manufacturers have locked the trunk release lever in the cabin or the back seat. You can still save money if make use of Slim Jim Slim Jim, or call roadside assistance rather than hiring locksmith.

You can use a wire hanger try to open the trunk of your car. However, you should be cautious not to damage the paint job. You will also need to bend the hanger at one end so that it has a small hook. Then, you can insert the hook into the space between the back of the seat and the trunk. If you are able to feel resistance, you have located the lever or button that opens the trunk.

If you have access to the cab of the car, you can also use a push button located in the cabin's front to open the trunk. But, this isn't a foolproof method because it is possible for thieves to look at the button and realize that you have valuables in the trunk.

The other method involves unlocking the trunk with the latch mechanism. This is an easy way to unlock the trunk, however only if you have a car that is not fully charged. It is also necessary to hear the door locks click when you press them. The engine may also need to be running to activate the latch.

Examining the Battery

If you're unable to unlock the doors with any of the methods listed above, it's likely that you have a dead battery in your key fob. The good news is that most automobile fobs have an emergency key that can be used to open the door for the driver when it is locked. It is typically an additional key that comes with the vehicle, or it can be located in the center console or glove compartment.

Usually, a blockage in the lock cylinder is the reason why a key won't work in the ignition. Dirt or grime or other debris can cause this issue. It hinders the pins to drop correctly when you insert your key. You can use compressed air and opening car a flashlight to locate any obstructions inside the lock cylinder. If you are careful you can get rid of the debris and ensure your key will function when you require it.

Another reason that may cause a car key to not turn in the ignition is damage to the cylinder itself. In this instance, the lock cylinder is most likely damaged and requires to be replaced. This can be a costly repair but fortunately there are methods to temporarily fix this problem.

For example, you can use a wire hanger to pry away a small section of trim from the door handle or on the panel in which the key cylinder is located. But, this method is not recommended if you don't have a lot of experience working on DIY projects, as it can be difficult to complete and could damage your vehicle. In addition, you should always ensure that the car is completely shut off before beginning any work on it.

Accidentally locking your keys in your car can be an embarrassing situation to find yourself in. It is important to remain calm and follow these steps to safely retrieve your keys without creating further damage to your vehicle. It is also advisable to examine your insurance policy to determine if the replacement of your keys is covered.

Calling for help

There are a few things you need to do before calling for help if you've locked the keys to your car. If you have a spare car key home and you need someone to bring it, ask them to bring it to unlock your car. This will avoid having to pay an emergency locksmith service call. You can also contact your family member or a friend to find out if he or she has the key. A lot of people have an extra key in their home or at work, so they can come get you in case you are locked out of your vehicle. Third, contact roadside assistance services such as AAA. They have kits specifically designed to open vehicles and will be able to open yours for lockout car service much less than the locksmith would cost. However, they will require your VIN number (visible on the front windshield wiper) and proof of ownership to do this.

If the situation is urgent and have a small child or pet in your vehicle, dial 911 immediately. The police will be sent to your location to safely remove the animal or child from the vehicle. This could mean using a small jim to open the door or breaking the window.

Getting your car keys locked inside the vehicle isn't enjoyable, but it can be a minor issue in most cases. Following these tips will help you avoid being stranded and prepare a plan for the next time this happens.

Drivers can take other steps to avoid getting stuck in their vehicle in the future. For example, they can download the app from their vehicle manufacturer or keep keys in a safe location outside the vehicle. Moody also recommends that drivers purchase a roadside service plan that includes assistance for locking out and contacting the manufacturer of their vehicle to obtain a replacement key. This could save you money in the long term, because being locked out of your vehicle is usually covered by this kind of insurance.