How to Deal With Locked Keys in Your Vehicle
Locking keys in the car is a frequent occurrence, and it can leave you with anxiety. But this is a scenario that can be dealt with.
There are ways to prevent getting locked out in the future, including keeping spare keys in a safe place and secure. You can also include roadside assistance in your vehicle, which will cover breakdowns and helps drivers get back on track.
Locking the Doors
When you lock your keys inside your car, it could be embarrassing. In the ideal situation there is someone from your family or a friend nearby who can come unlock the door for you without causing damage to your vehicle. It is possible to gain access to your car using the right tools, even if you do not have a friend or family member in the vicinity. It depends on the type of vehicle you own and the type of locks that are installed in it.
For instance, if the vehicle has manual locks instead of sensor-operated locks, you can use a thin rod or wire to open the doors. You can use a coathanger made of wire bent into a lasso-like shape or, in newer vehicles, the metal rod built into your key fob. There are also “lock picking” kits at many hardware stores, which include the rod of steel and instructions to help you unlock the door of your car.
To apply this method, you need be aware of where the “unlock” switch is located. It could be on the key fob, or it may be on a wall in the front of the vehicle that is visible from the windshield. Once you’ve got 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 in and press the button to unlock the door.
Another thing to consider is whether your door locks have an opening switch that you can press to open them. Certain cars, especially those with more recent models include this switch in the trunk. It is usually on the side closest to the seat of the driver. You can also try using the emergency release tab that folds the seat down so you can crawl into the trunk and grab your keys.
If none of these strategies work, you need to seek help. You might want to enlist the help of a friend who has the same make and model as your vehicle or ask your auto dealer to cut you a new key. They are able to do this for less than the cost of for a locksmith.
Locking the Trunk
It’s not a great idea to secure the trunk of your car door open unless you want to hide valuables. While it is ideal to keep thieves away from your belongings, it also prevents you from opening the trunk without your key fob. You can solve this problem by concealing a spare car keys under the rear bumper or inside the trunk. This method isn’t 100% secure but it is simple for thieves to locate but it can deter them from attempting to open your trunk in the first place.
Modern cars have gone to great efforts to ensure that only the key fob can unlock the trunk. A lot of manufacturers have put the lever for opening the trunk in the cabin or the back seat to safeguard your valuables. You can still save money by choosing to employ Slim Jim Slim Jim, or call roadside assistance rather than hiring a locksmith.
You can try to open your trunk with a wire hanger. However, you need to be careful not to scratch the paint. You’ll also have to bend the hanger at one end so that it is able to form an elongated hook. Then, you can insert the hook into the space between the back of the seat and the trunk. If you can feel resistance, you have located the lever or button that opens the trunk.
If you have access to the cab of the car, you may also use a push button that is located in the front cabin to open the trunk. This method is not foolproof since a burglar could look at the button and be aware that your valuables are inside the trunk.
The other option is to use the latch mechanism to open the trunk. This is a straightforward 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. It is also possible that the engine must be running in order to turn on the latch.
Checking the Battery
If you are unable to unlock the doors using any of the methods listed above, it is possible that you simply have a dead battery inside your key fob. The good thing is that many automobile fobs have an emergency key that can be used to unlock the door of the driver if it is locked. This is usually an additional key that came with the car or it could be found in the center console or the glove compartment.
Usually there is a blockage in the lock cylinder is the reason a key won’t work in the ignition. Dirt or grime or other debris can 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 locate any obstructions in the lock cylinder. If you’re cautious you can clear the debris and ensure that your key will work in the ignition when required.
Another reason that may cause a car key to not turn in the ignition is damage to the cylinder itself. In this case it is likely the lock cylinder has been damaged and requires replacement. This can be a costly repair however there are methods to fix the issue temporarily.
For example, you can use a wire hanger pry away a small section of trim around the door handle or the panel where the key cylinder is located. But, this method is not recommended if you don’t have a lot of experience working on DIY projects, since it can be difficult to complete and could damage your vehicle. Additionally, you should ensure that your car is completely shut off before attempting any work on it.
Locking your keys accidentally in your car can be an embarrassing situation to be in. It is important to remain calm and follow the above tips to retrieve your keys safely without causing further damage to your vehicle. It is also advisable to look over your insurance policy to see if the replacement of your keys is covered.
Calling for Help
There are some things you need to do before you call for help if you’ve locked your keys in your car. If you have a spare car key home and you need someone to bring it, ask them to bring it to unlock your vehicle. This will save you from the expense of hiring a locksmith for an emergency service call. The second option is to call the number of a family member or friend’s phone to find out if they have the key. A lot of people have an extra key in their home or at work, and they will help you out when you’re locked out of your vehicle. Thirdly, call roadside assistance companies like AAA. They have tools specifically designed to open cars and can unlock your car at a cheaper cost than locksmiths. They will require your VIN (located close to the front windshield wiper) and proof of ownership to unlock it.
If the situation is urgent and have a small child or pet in your car lockout service, call 911 immediately. They will dispatch police to your home to remove the child or animal from the vehicle. This could involve using a slim jim to open the door, or breaking a window.
It’s not fun to i lock my keys in my car your keys in your car, but in most instances, it’s only an inconvenience of a minor nature. Following these tips will help you avoid being stuck and make a plan for the next time this occurs.
Drivers can take additional steps to avoid getting stuck in their vehicle lock out service in the future. For example you can download the mobile app of the car manufacturer or keep keys in an accessible place outside the vehicle. In addition, Moody recommends that drivers contact their car manufacturer to request a replacement key and to purchase a roadside assistance program that covers lockout assistance. This will save you money in the long term, since being locked out of your car is usually covered by this type of insurance.
