How to Deal With Locked Keys in Your Vehicle
Locking keys in your car is a regular situation, and it can leave you with anxiety. This is a scenario that you can deal 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 assists drivers in getting back on their way.
Locking the Doors
When you lock your keys in your car, it can be embarrassing. If you're fortunate you have someone from your family or a friend is close enough to open the car door without causing any damage. If not, it will still be relatively simple to get back inside your vehicle with the right tools. The kind of vehicle you drive and the locks that are installed inside will determine how easy it is to get back inside.
For instance, if the vehicle has manual locks instead of sensor-operated locks, you can use a thin rod or wire to unlock the doors. You can use a wire coathanger bent into a lasso shape or, in newer automobiles, the rod built into your key fob. There are many hardware stores that offer "lock picking" sets that include a metal rod and instructions to unlock your car's doors.
To apply this method, you must to determine where the "unlock" switch is located. It could 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 know this information, use a rod or coat hanger to create a space between the car's door and the frame or window. Then, you can reach inside and press the button.
Another thing to look for is whether your door locks come with a release switch that you can push to open them. Certain cars, particularly ones that are more recent include this switch in the trunk. It's usually located near the passenger seat. You can also utilize the emergency release button to fold the seat down and crawl into the trunk.
If none of these solutions are working, it's time to call for help. You may want to seek the help of a family member who has the same make and model as your vehicle or ask your auto dealer to make you a new key. They can do this for less than what you'd pay a locksmith.
Locking the Trunk
Locking the trunk of your car is a bad option unless you are looking to hide valuables away. It's a great way to protect your belongings, but it also stops the trunk from being opened without a key fob. But, you can work around this issue by hiding a spare key under the rear fender well, or on the floor of the trunk. This method is not foolproof, and it is easy for thieves 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 are only able to be opened by those with a key fob. Many manufacturers have placed the lever to open the trunk either in the cabin or the back seat to safeguard your valuables. You can still save money if you make use of the Slim Jim, or call roadside assistance instead of hiring a locksmith.
You can use a wire hanger attempt to open the trunk of your vehicle. However, you need to be careful not to scratch the paint job. You'll need bend the hanger at one side, so that it has a hook. Then, place 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.
If you have access to the cab of your vehicle, you could also push a button that is located in the cabin's front to open the trunk. This method isn't 100% secure because a thief could see the button and see that your valuables are in the trunk.
Another method is to open the trunk by using the latch mechanism. This is an easy way to unlock the trunk, however only if you have an automobile that isn't fully charged. You'll also need to hear your door locks clicking when you press them. It is also possible that the engine must be running to turn on the latch.
Checking the Battery
It is possible that the battery of your key fob has died if you cannot unlock the door using any of the methods above. The majority of car fobs have an emergency key that you can use to unlock the door of the driver if locked. This is usually an additional key that was included with the vehicle or can be located in the glove box or center console.
Most often, a blockage in the lock's cylinder is the reason why a key won't work in the ignition. This could be caused by dirt, grime or any other debris that enters the lock and blocks the pins from dropping correctly when you insert the key. A flashlight and compressed air are fantastic tools to identify any obstructions within the lock's cylinder. If you are careful you can get rid of the debris and make sure your key will function when you need it.
Another issue that can cause a car key not to turn in the ignition is damage to the cylinder itself. In this situation, it is likely that the lock cylinder has been damaged and needs to be replaced. This can be an expensive repair, but there are ways to temporarily solve this problem.
For instance, you could use a wire hanger to remove a small piece of trim from the door handle or panel where the key cylinder is situated. However, this method is not recommended if you do not have much experience with DIY projects, as it can be difficult to do and may damage your vehicle. You should also make sure that you shut off the vehicle completely before beginning any work.
It can be frustrating to lock your keys accidentally in your car. It is important to remain calm and follow the steps to ensure that you can retrieve your keys without creating further damage to your car. Also, you should examine your insurance policy to determine if the replacement of keys is covered.
Calling for car opening service
There are some things you need to do before you call for help when you have locked the keys to your car. First, if you are at home and have an extra key, ask someone bring it to you and then unlock your car using that method. You don't need to pay for an emergency locksmith service. Second, try using a family member's or friend's phone to see if they have the key. Many people keep a spare car key at home or work so they can assist you in case you've locked yourself out. Thirdly, you can contact roadside assistance organizations like AAA. They have special tools to open cars and are able to open your vehicle at a less cost than a locksmith. They will need your VIN (located close to the front wiper on the windshield) and proof ownership to unlock it.
Contact 911 immediately if you are in a crisis and have a child or pet in your vehicle. They will send police to your location to remove the child or animal from the vehicle. This could involve using a small jim to open the door or breaking windows.
Locking your car keys in the vehicle is never fun, but it can be a minor nuisance in most cases. By following these guidelines, you avoid being left stranded and prepare a plan for the next time it happens.
Drivers can take other ways to avoid getting stuck in their vehicle in the future. For instance, they can download the app from their vehicle manufacturer or keep keys in a safe location outside the vehicle. Moody also recommends that motorists purchase a roadside service plan that offers assistance with locking out, and then contact their car manufacturer to get an alternate key. This will save money over time, since most roadside assistance plans offer assistance for lockouts.