How to Deal With Locked Keys in Your Vehicle

Locking keys in the car is a regular event, and can leave you with an anxious feeling. This is a situation that you can deal with.

You can ensure that you don't get locked out again by storing spare keys in a secure and secure location. You can also include roadside assistance in your vehicle, which will cover breakdowns and assists drivers in getting back on track.

Locking the Doors

If you lock your keys in your car, it can be embarrassing. In the ideal situation, you have a friend or family member nearby who can come unlock the door for you without damaging your vehicle. It is still possible to access your car with the right tools, even if don't have a family member nearby. The type of vehicle you use and the locks you have installed in it will determine how easy it is to get back inside.

If the locks on your car are mechanical and not controlled by sensors, you can open the doors with an incredibly thin rod or wire. You can use a coathanger made of wire bent into a lasso shape or, for newer vehicles, the metal rod that is built into your key fob. There are many hardware stores that offer "lock picking" sets which include a rod made of metal and instructions to open your car's door.

To apply this method, you have to identify where the "unlock" switch is located. It could be on the key fob, or it could be on a wall in the front of the car that's visible through the windshield. Once you've figured out this information, use a coat hanger or rod to create a space between the door of the car and the 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 have release switches that you can press to open them. Some of the more recent vehicles have them in the trunk, usually on the side closest to the seats. You can also utilize the emergency release button to fold the seat down and crawl into the trunk.

If none of these solutions work, then you'll need to seek assistance. You might consider enlisting the help of a friend who owns the same make and model as your vehicle or ask your car dealer to make you a new key. You can obtain the new key for much less than hiring locksmith.

Locking the Trunk

It's not a great idea to lock the trunk of your car unless you are trying to hide valuables. While it's ideal to ensure that thieves aren't able to access your stuff, it also keeps you from opening the trunk without using 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 isn't foolproof and is easily discovered by thieves, but it can keep them from trying to open your trunk.

Modern cars have made extreme measures to ensure that only the key fob will be able to open the trunk. To safeguard your belongings, a lot of manufacturers have locked the trunk release lever in the cabin or 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 opening your trunk with a wire hanger. However, you need to be cautious not to damage the paint. It is also necessary to bend the hanger at one end so that it has the size of a hook. Afterwards, insert the hook into the gap between the back of the seat and the trunk. You'll know you've got the right button or lever if you feel a sting.

If you have access to the cab of your car, you may also push a button located in the front cabin to open the trunk. This method is not foolproof because a thief could see the button and be aware that your valuables are in the trunk.

The other option is to use the latch mechanism to unlock the trunk. This is an easy method, but it only works in the event that your car is not fully charged and you can hear the door locks click when you press them. The engine may also need to be running in order to activate the latch.

Examining the Battery

It is possible that the battery in your key fob is dead if you are unable to open a car door the door by using any of the methods listed above. 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 myself out. It is typically an additional key that came with the vehicle, or it can be found in the center console or in the glove compartment.

Usually an obstruction in the lock's cylinder can be the reason why a key won't work in the ignition. This could be due to dirt, grime, or other debris that gets inside the lock and prevents the pins from falling correctly when you insert the key. A flashlight and compressed air are both excellent tools to locate any obstructions in the lock cylinder. If you're cautious you can get rid of the debris and make sure your key will function when you need it.

Damage to the cylinder may also cause a car not turn on. In this instance it is likely that the lock cylinder has been damaged and must be replaced. This could be a costly repair, but fortunately, there are ways to temporarily fix this problem.

For instance, you could make use of a wire hanger to pry away a small section of trim around the door handle or panel on which the key cylinder can be situated. This is not a good idea for those who are brand new to DIY projects. It can be difficult and could damage your vehicle. It is also important to shut off your car completely prior to beginning any work.

It can be frustrating to lock your keys accidentally in your car. You should remain calm and follow these tips to safely retrieve your keys without damaging your vehicle. You should also look over your insurance policy to see whether the replacement of keys is covered.

Calling for Help

There are a few things you need to do prior to calling for help when you have locked your keys in your car. If you have an extra car key at home, ask someone to bring it to unlock your vehicle. You will not have to pay for an emergency locksmith service. You can also contact an acquaintance or family member to see if he or she has the key. Many people keep a spare car key at work or at home, so they can help you in case you've locked yourself out. Thirdly, call roadside assistance companies such as AAA. They have specially designed kits to unlock vehicles and will be in a position to open your car for a fraction of the cost the locksmith would cost. However, they will require your VIN number (visible on the front windshield wiper) and proof of ownership to be able to do this.

If the situation is urgent and have a small child or pet in your car, call 911 immediately. Police will be dispatched to your location and use special tools or methods to take the animal or child out of the car. This could mean using a small jim to open the door or breaking the window.

Getting your car keys locked in the vehicle is never enjoyable, but it could be a minor inconvenience in most cases. If you follow these guidelines, you can avoid being stuck in your car and have a plan of steps to take the next time it happens to you.

Drivers can also take other steps to avoid being stuck in their vehicle in the future. For example, they can download the app of the car manufacturer or keep keys in a safe location outside the vehicle. Moody also recommends that drivers purchase a roadside service plan that offers lockout assistance and contact their car manufacturer to request an alternate key. This can save you money in the long term, because getting locked out of your car is almost always covered by this kind of coverage.