How to Deal With Locked Keys in Your Vehicle
It is not uncommon to lock your keys inside the vehicle. This could be a stressful situation. This is an issue you can manage.
There are ways to avoid getting locked out in the future, including having spare keys stored somewhere safe and secure. You can also add a roadside service to your vehicle. This will cover breakdowns and can help you get back on the road.
Locking the Doors
It's a humiliating moment when you lock your keys in your car. If you're lucky you have someone from your family or a friend is close enough to open the car door without causing damage. If not, it could still be relatively simple to gain access back to your vehicle with the right tools. It all depends on the type of vehicle you drive and the type of lock installed in it.
If your car's locks are not operated by sensors you can open the doors by using a thin wire or rod. It could be a wire coat hanger that you bend into the shape of a lasso or on vehicles with more modern technology the rod of a metal is built into your key fob. There are also "lock picking" kits at a variety of hardware stores, which include the rod made of metal as well as instructions to help unlock the door of your car.
First, you must determine the whereabouts of the "unlock" button. You can find it on the key fob or on a wall visible through the windscreen. Once you have this information you can utilize the rod or coat hanger to create an opening between the car's door and its frame or window. You can then enter the gap and press the button to unlock the door.
Another thing to consider is whether your door locks include release switches that you can push to unlock them. Some modern cars have these in the trunk, generally on the side closest to the passenger seats. You can also try the emergency release tab that folds the seat down so you can crawl into the trunk to take your keys.
If none of these solutions work, it's time to call for help. You can ask a family member to assist you, if they own the same car as you do. You can also ask your dealer to make a new key for you. You can obtain the new key for cheaper than if you hire a locksmith.
Locking the Trunk
The trunk of your car is not a good idea unless you need to hide valuables away. While it's an excellent way to keep thieves out of your stuff, it also hinders opening the trunk without your key fob. It is possible to solve this issue by concealing a spare car keys under the rear bumper well or in the trunk. This method is not foolproof, and it is easy for a thief to find but it can deter them from attempting to open your trunk in the first place.
Modern cars have made great lengths to ensure that only the key fob can unlock the trunk. To protect your possessions, many manufacturers have locked the trunk release lever in the cabin or the back seat. You can still save money by choosing to make use of the Slim Jim, or call roadside assistance rather than hiring a locksmith.
You can use a wire hanger attempt to open the trunk of your car. But, you must be careful not to damage the paint. You will also need to bend the hanger on one side so that it has the size of a hook. After that, slide the hook into the space between the back of the seat and the trunk. You'll know you've got the right button or lever when you feel a sting.
If you have access to the cab of your vehicle, you could also use a push button that is located in the cabin's front to open the trunk. However, this isn't a foolproof method because it is possible for a burglar to look at the button and know that you have your valuables in the trunk.
The other method involves using the latch mechanism to unlock the trunk. This is an easy method to accomplish this however it is only effective when your car isn't fully charged and you can hear the door locks click when you press them. It is also possible that the engine has to be running to trigger the latch.
Checking the Battery
It is possible that your key fob battery has died if you cannot open the door by using any of the methods listed above. 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. It is usually a separate key that was included with the vehicle or could be located in the glove box or the center console.
The majority of the time an obstruction in the lock's cylinder is the reason why keys don't work in the ignition. This can be caused by dirt, grime or other debris that enters the lock and blocks the pins from dropping properly when you insert the key. A flashlight and compressed air are both excellent tools to find any obstructions in the lock cylinder. If you're careful you can get rid of the debris and ensure that your key is working in the ignition when required.
Damage to the cylinder can also cause a car to not turn on. In i lock my keys in the car , the lock cylinder could be damaged and must be replaced. This could be a costly fix, however there are methods to temporarily fix the problem.
You can, for example employ wire hooks to cut off a small portion of the door handle where the key cylinder is. However, this technique is not recommended if don't have much experience with DIY projects as it can be difficult to accomplish and could damage your vehicle. In addition, you should always ensure that the car is completely shut off before attempting any work on it.
It can be very frustrating to lock your keys accidentally in your car. It is important to remain calm and use the tips provided above in order to retrieve keys in a safe manner without causing additional damage to your vehicle. If you are able, you should also inquire with your insurance provider to determine if the replacement of your key is covered under your policy.
Need help?
There are a few things you need to do before calling for help when you have locked your keys in your car. First, if you're at home and have a spare key, have someone bring it to you and unlock your vehicle that way. This will avoid needing to pay a locksmith for an emergency service call. The second option is to call the number of a family member or friend's phone to see if they have the key. Many people will keep keys in their house or at work, and they will assist you if you lock yourself out of your vehicle. Third, contact roadside assistance companies like AAA. They have specially designed kits to unlock vehicles and are capable of opening your vehicle at a lower cost than locksmiths would cost. However, they will need to know your VIN number (visible in front of the windshield wiper) and proof of ownership to perform this.
Call 911 immediately if you are in a crisis and have a child or pet in your vehicle. They will dispatch police to your location and employ special tools or methods to remove the animal or child out of the vehicle. This could include using a slim jim to open the door or breaking a window.
It's not enjoyable to lock your keys in your car, but in most instances, it's just an inconvenience of a minor nature. Following these tips will help you avoid being stuck and prepare a plan for the next time this occurs.
Drivers can take additional ways to avoid getting stuck in their vehicle in the future. For instance, they can download the app from the car manufacturer or keep a spare key in a safe location outside the vehicle. Moody also suggests that drivers purchase a roadside assistance plan that offers assistance with locking out, and then contact the manufacturer of their vehicle to obtain a replacement key. This could save money over time, as most roadside assistance plans cover assistance with lockouts.