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How to Deal With Locked Keys in Your Vehicle
It is not unusual to lock your keys inside the vehicle. This could be a stressful experience. But, this is a situation that can be resolved.
You can avoid being locked out by keeping spare keys in a safe and secure place. You can also add roadside service to your vehicle. This helps with breakdowns and helps you get back on the road.
Locking the Doors
It's a humiliating moment when you lock your keys in your car. In the best-case scenario, you have someone from your family or a friend close by who can unlock the door for you without causing damage to your car. It is still possible to get inside your car using the right tools, even if you do not have a friend or family member in the vicinity. The type of vehicle you use and the locks that are installed in it will determine the ease to get back inside.
If your car's locks are manual and not sensor-operated you can open the doors with the help of a rod or wire. You can use a coathanger made of wire bent into a lasso-like shape or, in more modern vehicles, the metal rod that is 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 make use of this method, you have to determine where the "unlock" switch is located. It is usually located near the key fob or on a piece of paper that is visible through the windscreen. Once you have the location, use a rod or coat hanger to create a gap between the door of the car and the window frame or frame. You can then enter the gap and press the button to unlock the door.
Another thing to look for is whether your door locks come with an opening switch that you can push to unlock them. Some cars, especially those with more recent models are equipped with this feature in the trunk. It is usually on the side nearest the passenger seat. You can also use the emergency release tab to fold down the seat and crawl into the trunk.
If none of these strategies work, it's time to call for help. You could ask a friend to help you, if they have the same car as you do. Or you can request your dealer to make a new key for you. You can obtain the new key for much less than hiring a locksmith.
Locking the Trunk
It's not a great idea to secure the trunk of your vehicle unless you intend to conceal valuables. It is ideal to keep thieves out of your stuff, it also keeps you from opening the trunk without using your key fob. However, you can get around this issue by placing a spare key in the rear fender or on the floor of the trunk. This method isn't 100% secure, and it is easy for a thief to find however it could deter them from attempting to open your trunk in the first place.
Modern cars have gone to extreme lengths to ensure that their trunks are only able to be opened by those with the key fob. A lot of manufacturers have put the lever for opening the trunk in the cabin or the back seat to protect your valuables. The good news is that you can still save money by using a Slim Jim or calling roadside assistance instead of hiring a locksmith.
You can use a wire hanger attempt to open the trunk of your vehicle. However, you should be careful not to scratch the paint. You'll also have to bend the hanger on one side so that it is able to form an elongated hook. Then, you can insert the hook into the gap between the back of the seat and the trunk. You'll know if you've used the correct button or lever if you feel a sting.
If you have access to the cab of your car, you may also push a 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 thief to look at the button and know that you have valuables in the trunk.
The other option is to use the latch mechanism to open the trunk. This is a simple way to unlock the trunk, but only if you have an automobile that isn't fully charged. You'll also need to hear the door locks clicking when you press them. It is also possible that the engine has to be running in order to turn on the latch.
Checking locked keys in car service
If you are unable open the doors using any of the methods mentioned above, it's likely that you have a dead battery inside your key fob. The majority of car fobs have an emergency key that can be used to unlock the driver's door when it is locked. It is typically an additional key that comes with the car or it could be found in the center console or glove compartment.
The most frequent reason a car key won't turn on is because of an obstruction in the lock the cylinder. This could be due to dirt, grime or other debris that gets inside the lock and prevents pins from falling correctly when you insert the key. A flashlight and compressed air are both 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 require it.
Damage to the cylinder may cause a car to not start. In this case, it is likely that the lock cylinder is damaged and needs to be replaced. This can be a costly fix, but fortunately there are methods to fix the issue temporarily.
You can, for example using a wire hook to pry off a small section on the door handle where the key cylinder is. This method is not recommended for those who are brand new to DIY projects. It isn't easy and could cause damage to your vehicle. Additionally, you must always be sure that the car is completely turned off before beginning any work on it.
It can be very frustrating to lose your keys in your car. You should remain calm and follow these tips to retrieve your keys safely without creating further damage to your car. It is also advisable to examine your insurance policy to determine whether the replacement of keys is covered.
Need Help?
Before calling for help when you have locked your keys in your vehicle, there are a few steps you can do. First, if you are at home and have a spare key, have someone bring it to you, and then open your car using that method. This will avoid having to pay a locksmith for an emergency service call. Next, call a friend or family member's phone to see whether they have the key. Many people keep a spare car key at work or at home, to help in case you've locked yourself out. Third, contact roadside assistance providers like AAA. They have special tools to open vehicles and can open yours at a much less cost than locksmiths. They will require your VIN (located close to the front windshield wiper) and proof ownership to unlock it.
If the situation is urgent and you have pets or children inside your vehicle, call 911 immediately. They will dispatch police to your home to remove the child or animal from the vehicle. This could involve using a small jim to open the door or breaking a window.
Locking your car keys in the vehicle is never enjoyable, but it could be a minor issue in the majority of instances. By following these tips you can avoid being stranded in the vehicle and prepare a plan of action for the next time it happens to you.
Drivers can take additional ways to avoid getting stuck in their car in the future. For instance they can download the app of the manufacturer of their vehicle or keep keys in a convenient location outside the vehicle. In addition, Moody recommends that drivers contact their manufacturer to obtain an alternative key and to purchase a roadside assistance program which covers lockout assistance. This can save money over time as most roadside assistance plans offer assistance for lockouts.
