How to Deal With Locked Keys in Your Vehicle

It is not uncommon to lock your keys inside the vehicle. This can be a stressful scenario. However this is a situation that can be resolved.

You can avoid being locked out again by storing spare keys in a safe and secure place. You can also add roadside assistance to your vehicle, which will cover breakdowns and helps drivers get back on their way.

Locking the Doors

When you lock your keys inside your car, it could be embarrassing. If you're lucky there's someone from your family or a friend is in the vicinity and can open the car door without damaging it. If not, it could still be relatively simple to get back into your vehicle using the proper tools. The type of vehicle you drive and the locks you have installed in it will determine how to open lock without key easy it will be to get back inside.

If your car's locks are manual and not sensor-operated you can open the doors by using a thin wire or rod. It could be a wire coat hanger that is bent into the shape of a lasso or for vehicles that are more recent the rod of a metal is embedded into your key fob. Many hardware stores sell "lock picking" sets that include a metal rod and instructions to open your car's door.

To apply this method, you must to identify the location where the "unlock" switch is located. It may be near the key fob, or it could be on a wall in the front of the vehicle that is visible through the windshield. Once you have this information you can use the rod or coat hanger to create a gap 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 button you can press to unlock them. Some modern cars have these in the trunk, typically on the side closest to the passenger seats. You can also try the emergency release tab which folds the seat down so that you can crawl into the trunk and take your keys.

If none of these solutions work, then you'll need to seek out help. You might want to enlist the assistance of a friend who owns the same make and model of car as you do or ask your car dealer to cut you a new one. You can purchase an additional key for a lot less than if you hired locksmith.

Locking the Trunk

It is not a good idea to lock the trunk of your vehicle unless you want to hide valuables. While it is ideal to ensure that thieves aren't able to access your stuff, it also hinders opening car door the trunk without using your key fob. It is possible to solve this issue by concealing a spare car keys under the rear bumper well or inside the trunk. This isn't foolproof but it is simple for a thief to find, but it may help deter them from attempting to open your trunk in the first place.

Modern cars have made extreme measures to ensure that only the key fob is able to open the trunk. In order to protect your possessions, many manufacturers have locked the trunk release lever inside the cabin or in the back seat. You can still save money if you use the Slim Jim, or call roadside assistance rather than hiring a locksmith.

You can try to open your trunk with a wire hanger. You must be careful to avoid damaging the paintwork. You'll have to bend the hanger on one end so that it forms a hook. Afterwards, insert the hook into the gap 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 vehicle, you could also push a button that is located in the front cabin to open the trunk. However, this is not a foolproof method because it is possible for thieves to see the button and be aware that you have valuables in the trunk.

Another method is to unlock the trunk using the latch mechanism. This is a straightforward method to accomplish this however it only works if your car is not fully charged and you hear the door locks click when you press them. It is also possible that the engine has to be running in order to trigger the latch.

Examining the Battery

If you are unable open the doors by using any of the methods described above, it is likely that you have a dead battery on your key fob. The majority of car fobs have an emergency key that you can use to unlock the door of the driver when it is locked. It is usually an additional key that was included with the vehicle or could be located in the glove compartment or in the center console.

Most often there is a blockage in the lock's cylinder is the reason why keys don't work in the ignition. Dirt or grime, as well as other debris may cause this problem. It prevents the pins to drop correctly when you insert your key. You can use compressed air and a flashlight to locate any obstructions within the lock cylinder. If you're vigilant you can clear this debris and ensure that your key works in the ignition whenever needed.

Another issue that can cause a car key not to turn in the ignition is damage to the cylinder itself. In this case 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 the problem.

You can, for example, use a wire hook to pull off a small section on the door handle where the key cylinder resides. However, this technique is not recommended if don't have a lot of experience in DIY projects, as it is difficult to do and may damage your vehicle. Additionally, you should ensure that your car is completely shut off before you begin any work on it.

It can be a hassle to accidentally lock your keys in your car. It's important to be calm and follow the tips provided above in order to retrieve keys safely and without causing additional damage to your vehicle. If you're able to then, you should consult your insurance company to determine if the replacement of your key is covered under your policy.

Need help?

Before you call for assistance in the event that you have locked your keys in your vehicle There are a few things you can do. First, if you're at home and have an extra key, have someone bring it to you and then unlock your vehicle that way. This will help you avoid the expense of hiring an emergency locksmith service call. Second, try the number of a family member or friend's phone to see whether they have the keys. Many people keep an extra key in their home or at work, so they can help you out if you lock yourself out of your vehicle. Thirdly, call roadside assistance providers such as AAA. They have kits specifically designed to unlock vehicles and are capable of opening your vehicle for much less than a locksmith would cost. They will need your VIN (located close to the front windshield wiper) and proof ownership to open it.

If the emergency is urgent and you have an infant or pet inside your vehicle, call 911 immediately. They will dispatch police to your location to remove the animal or child from the vehicle. This could involve using a small jim to open the door, or breaking windows.

It's not fun to lock your keys inside your vehicle, but in the majority of cases it's a minor inconvenience. By following these suggestions to avoid getting stranded in the vehicle and prepare a plan of action for the next time this happens to you.

Drivers can also take steps to avoid being stuck in their vehicles in the future, such as downloading the app of their car manufacturer or keeping a spare key in a safe location outside the vehicle, like a magnetic safe underneath the vehicle or on the driver's side of the trunk. In addition, Moody recommends that drivers contact their car manufacturer to request a replacement key and to buy a roadside assistance plan that provides lockout assistance. This will save money over time, since most roadside assistance plans cover lockout assistance.