How to Deal With Locked Keys in Your Vehicle

Locking keys in your car is a regular event, and can cause an anxious feeling. This is an issue that you can deal with.

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

Locking the Doors

When you lock your keys inside your car, it can be embarrassing. If you're fortunate there's someone from your family or a friend is close enough to open the car door without causing damage. If not, it will be fairly easy to gain access back to your vehicle using the appropriate tools. The type of vehicle you use and the locks you have installed inside will determine how to open locked car Door without key easy it is to get back inside.

If the locks on your car are mechanical and not controlled by sensors, you can unlock the doors using an incredibly thin rod or wire. You can use a coathanger wire bent into a lasso-like shape or, for newer vehicles, the metal rod is integrated into the key fob. You can also find "lock picking" kits at a variety of hardware stores that have the metal rod and instructions to help you unlock the door of your car.

You must first identify the location of the "unlock" button. It can be found near the key fob or on a piece of paper that is visible through the windshield. Once you've got this information, you can use the rod or coat hanger to create a gap between the car's door and its frame or window. Then, you can go inside and press the button.

Check to see if your door locks come with a release lever that you can press to unlock them. Certain cars, particularly those that are more recent include this switch in the trunk. It's usually located near the passenger seat. You can also try using the emergency release tab that folds the seat down so that you can crawl into the trunk to grab your keys.

If none of these strategies work, you need to contact a professional. You might consider enlisting the help of a family member who has the same make and model as your vehicle or ask your car dealer to make you a new key. They can do this for less than what you'd pay an locksmith.

Locking the Trunk

It's not a great idea to lock the trunk of your vehicle unless you want to conceal valuables. It's a great way to protect your possessions, but it also stops the trunk from being opened by a key fob. You can fix this issue by placing a spare car key under the rear bumper well or inside the trunk. This method is not foolproof and can be easily spotted by a thief, but it can deter thieves from attempting to open your trunk.

Modern cars have gone to extreme lengths to ensure that their trunks can only be opened by someone who has a key fob. To safeguard your belongings, a lot of manufacturers have locked the lever for trunk release inside the cabin or in the back seat. The good news is that you can save money by using the Slim Jim or calling roadside assistance instead of hiring locksmith.

You can use a wire hanger to try and open the trunk of your vehicle. You should be cautious to avoid damaging the paintwork. You will also need to bend the hanger on one side to create a small hook. Then, you can insert the hook into the space between the back of the seat and the trunk. You'll know if you've used the correct lever or button if you feel resistance.

If you have access to the cab of the vehicle, you could also use a push button that is located in the front cabin to open the trunk. But, this isn't a foolproof method because it is possible for a thief to see the button and realize that you have valuables in the trunk.

Another method is to unlock the trunk with the latch mechanism. This is a simple method however it is only effective if your car is not fully charged and you hear the door locks clicking when you press them. The engine may also need to be running to trigger the latch.

Checking the Battery

If you are unable to unlock the doors with any of the methods mentioned above, it is possible that you simply have a dead battery in your key fob. The majority of car key fobs come with an emergency key that can be used to unlock the door of the driver in the event that it is locked. It is typically a separate key that came with the car or can be located in the center console or the glove compartment.

The most frequent reason a car key doesn't turn in the ignition is because of an obstruction in the lock cylinder. Dirt or grime or other debris could cause this issue. It blocks the pins to drop correctly when you insert your key. A flashlight and compressed air are great tools to help you identify any obstructions within the lock out assistance cylinder. If you're careful, you can remove this debris and ensure that your key works in the ignition whenever needed.

Another issue that can cause the car key to not turn the ignition is damage to the cylinder itself. In this situation it is likely that the automotive lock cylinder is damaged and needs to be replaced. This could be a costly repair, but fortunately there are methods to fix the issue temporarily.

You can, for example employ wire hooks to cut off a small section on the door handle where the key cylinder is. This is not a good idea for those who are brand new to DIY projects. It isn't easy and may cause damage to your vehicle. Additionally, you must always be sure that the car is completely turned off before you begin any work on it.

It can be a hassle to accidentally lock your keys in your car. Be calm and follow the above tips to safely retrieve your keys without creating further damage to your vehicle. If you're able to, you should also check with your insurance provider to determine if a key replacement is covered under your policy.

Help is needed.

Before calling for help when you lock your keys in your vehicle There are a few things you can do. First, if at home and have an extra key, ask someone bring it to you and unlock your car using that method. You won't have to pay for an emergency locksmith service. You can also contact an acquaintance or family member to find out if he or she has the key. Many people keep spare keys to their cars at work or at home so they can assist you when you've locked yourself in. Thirdly, call roadside assistance services like AAA. They have special kits to unlock vehicles and will be capable of opening your vehicle at a lower cost than a locksmith would cost. They will require your VIN (located close to the front wiper on the windshield) and proof of ownership to open it.

If the situation is urgent and have a small child or pet in your vehicle, dial 911 immediately. They will send police to your location and employ specialized tools or methods to safely remove the animal or child out of the car. This could include using the slim-jim to break a window, or even open the door to the car.

It's never fun to lock your keys inside your car, but in most cases it's an inconvenience that isn't too significant. By following these guidelines, you avoid being left stranded and prepare a plan for the next time this happens.

Drivers can take other steps to avoid getting stuck in their car in the future. For instance they can download the app from the manufacturer of their vehicle or keep a spare key in an accessible place outside the vehicle. Moody recommends that drivers purchase a roadside assistance plan that includes lockout assistance and contact their car manufacturer to request a replacement key. This will save you money in the long term, as getting locked out of your vehicle is almost always covered by this kind of insurance.