How to Deal With Locked Keys in Your Vehicle

It is not unusual to lock your keys inside the vehicle. This can be a stressful situation. This is an issue you can handle.

You can ensure that you don't get locked out again by storing spare left keys inside car in a safe and secure location. You can also include a roadside service to your vehicle. This covers breakdowns and can help you get back on the road.

Locking the Doors

If you lock your keys in your car, it could be embarrassing. If you're lucky, you have a family member or a friend who is in the vicinity and can open the car door without causing any damage. It is still possible to get inside your car using the right tools, even if don't have a family member in the vicinity. The type of vehicle you use and the locks installed in it will determine how easy it is to get back inside.

If the locks on your car are manual and not sensor-operated you can open the doors by using an incredibly thin rod or wire. You can use a wire coathanger bent into a lasso-like shape or, in newer vehicles, the metal rod is integrated into the key fob. A lot of hardware stores sell "lock picking" sets which include a rod made of metal and instructions to unlock your car's doors.

You must first identify the whereabouts of the "unlock" button. It may be near the key fob, or it could be on a panel in the front of the car that's visible from the windshield. Once you have this information, you can utilize the rod or coat hanger to create a gap between the car's door and its frame or window. Then you can enter the gap and press the button to unlock the door.

Another thing to look for is whether your door locks come with release switches that you can push to open them. Some of the more recent vehicles have them in the trunk, usually on the side closest to the passenger seats. You can also use the emergency release button to fold down the seat and crawl into the trunk.

If none of these solutions work, then you'll need to seek help. You might consider enlisting the assistance of a friend who owns the same make and model as your vehicle or ask your car dealer to cut you a new one. They can do this for less than what you'd pay a locksmith.

Locking the Trunk

It is not a good idea to secure the trunk of your vehicle unless you want to conceal valuables. While it's a great way to ensure that thieves aren't able to access your possessions, it keeps you from opening the trunk without your key fob. However, you can overcome this issue by concealing a spare key under the rear fender well, or on the floor of the trunk. This method isn't 100% secure, and it is easy for a thief to find however it could deter them from attempting to open your trunk in the first place.

Modern cars have gone to great lengths to make sure that their trunks can only be opened by those who has a key fob. Many manufacturers have put the trunk release lever in the cabin or the back seat to safeguard your valuables. 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 to open the trunk of your vehicle. However, you need to be careful not to damage the paint job. You'll need to bend the hanger on one end so that it has hooks. Then, insert the hook between the trunk and the back of the seat. If you are able to feel resistance, you have located the lever or button that opens the trunk.

You can also open the trunk if have access to your car lock out's front cabin. This is done by pressing a button located in the cabin. This method isn't foolproof because a thief could see the button and see that your valuables are inside the trunk.

Another method is to open the trunk using the latch mechanism. This is an easy way to do it however it only works in the event that your car is not fully charged and you can hear the door locks clicking when you press them. The engine might also have to be running to trigger the latch.

Checking the Battery

If you are unable to open the doors by using any of the methods described above, it's likely that you have a dead battery inside your key fob. The good news is that most automobile fobs have an emergency key that can be used to unlock the door for the driver when it is locked. This is often an additional key that came with the car or can be located in the center console or the glove compartment.

Most often, a blockage in the lock's cylinder is the reason why a key won't work in the ignition. This can be caused by dirt, grime, or other debris that enters the lock and prevents pins from falling correctly when you insert the key. You can use compressed air or a flashlight to locate any obstructions within the lock cylinder. If you're vigilant you can clear the debris and ensure that your key will work in the ignition whenever needed.

Damage to the cylinder may also cause a car to not start. In this instance the lock cylinder is likely damaged and needs to be replaced. This can be an expensive repair however there are options to solve the issue temporarily.

For instance, you can employ a wire hook to pry off a tiny portion of the door handle where the key cylinder is. This method is not recommended for those who are new to DIY projects. It can be difficult and could damage your vehicle. You should also make sure that you shut off the vehicle completely before you begin any work.

It can be very frustrating to lock your keys locked in Vehicle accidentally in your car. It is important to remain calm and use the tips provided above to help you retrieve keys in a safe manner without causing additional damage to your vehicle. It is also advisable to look over your insurance policy to determine whether the replacement of your keys is covered.

Need 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 an extra car key at home You can ask someone to bring it in to unlock your vehicle. This will avoid the expense of hiring a locksmith for an emergency service call. You can also try calling your family member or a friend to find out if he or has the key. Many people keep spare keys to their cars at work or at home so they can assist you if you've locked yourself out. Third, contact roadside assistance companies such as AAA. They have special tools to open cars and can unlock your car at a less cost than a locksmith. They will require your VIN (located near the front wiper on the windshield) and proof of ownership to open it.

Call 911 immediately if are in a crisis and have a pet or child in your vehicle. The police will be sent to your location to remove the child or animal from the vehicle. This could mean using a jim that is slim to open the door or breaking the window.

Locking your car keys in the vehicle is never enjoyable, but it can be a minor nuisance in most cases. By following these suggestions you can avoid being stranded in the vehicle and plan a course of actions for the next time this happens to you.

Drivers should also take steps to avoid getting stuck in their cars in the future, like downloading their vehicle manufacturer's app or keeping a spare key unlock service in a safe place outside the vehicle, like a magnetic safe beneath the vehicle or on the driver's side of the trunk. Additionally, Moody recommends that drivers contact their manufacturer to obtain the replacement of their key and purchase a roadside assistance plan which covers lockout car assistance. This could save you money in the long run, as getting locked out of your vehicle is usually covered by this type of insurance.