How to Deal With Locked Keys in Your Vehicle
Locking keys inside the car is a common situation, and it can cause an anxious feeling. But this is a scenario that can be resolved.
There are ways to prevent getting locked out in the future, which includes keeping spare keys in a safe place and secure. You can also add roadside assistance to your vehicle, which can help with breakdowns and helps drivers get back on their way.
Locking the Doors
It's an embarrassing moment when you lock your keys in your car. In the ideal situation you've got someone from your family or a friend close by who can unlock the door for you without causing damage to your vehicle. It is possible to gain access to your vehicle with the proper tools, even if you don't have a friend or family member in the vicinity. The type of vehicle you drive and the locks installed inside will determine how easy it will be to get back inside.
For instance, if the car has manual locks rather than sensor-operated ones, you can use a thin rod or wire to unlock the doors. It could be a wire coat hanger that you bend into the shape of a lasso, or for vehicles that are more recent, a metal rod that's built into your key fob. Many hardware stores offer "lock picking" sets which include a rod made of metal and instructions to open your car's door.
You must first identify the location of the "unlock" button. You can find it near the key fob or on a wall that is visible through the windscreen. Once you've figured out the location, use an iron rod or coat hanger in order to create a space between the car's door and the window frame or frame. Then, you can reach inside and press the button.
Check if your door locks come with a release button you can press to unlock them. Certain cars, especially those that are more recent are equipped with this feature in the trunk. It's usually located on the side nearest the seat of the driver. You can also use the emergency release tab to fold down the seat and crawl into the trunk.
If none of these solutions work, you'll need to seek help. You may want to seek the assistance of a friend who has the same make and model as your car or ask your auto dealer to cut you a new key. They can do this for much less than you'll pay an locksmith.
Locking the Trunk
It is not a good idea to secure the trunk of your vehicle unless you want to hide valuables. While it's a great way to ensure that thieves aren't able to access your stuff, it also hinders opening the trunk without your key fob. You can solve this problem by concealing a spare car keys under the rear bumper well or in the trunk. This method is not foolproof and can be easily spotted by thieves, however it can help to keep thieves from attempting to open your trunk.
Modern automobiles have made extreme measures to ensure that only the key fob will be able to open the trunk. Many manufacturers have placed the lever for opening the trunk in the cabin or the back seat to protect your valuables. You can still save money by choosing to employ the Slim Jim, or call roadside assistance instead of hiring locksmith.
You can make use of a wire hanger to attempt to open the trunk of your car. But, car keys locked in car must be careful not to scratch the paint job. It is also necessary to bend the hanger on one side to create an elongated hook. Then, insert the hook between the trunk and the back of the seat. 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 vehicle, you could also push a button located in the cabin's front to open the trunk. This method is not foolproof because a burglar can see the button and see that your valuables are inside the trunk.
The other option is to use the latch mechanism to open the trunk. This is a simple method, but it only works when your car isn't fully charged and you can hear the door locks click when you press them. The engine might also have to be running to activate the latch.
Checking the Battery
It is possible that the battery in your key fob has gone out of service if you can't unlock the door by any of the methods above. The majority of car fobs have an emergency key that you can use to unlock the driver door in the event that it is locked. It is usually an additional key that was included with the vehicle or could be found in the glove box or center console.
Most often, a blockage in the lock cylinder is the reason why a key won't work in the ignition. Dirt or grime or other debris can cause this issue. It prevents the pins to drop correctly when you insert your key. You can use compressed air and flashlights to identify any obstructions inside the lock's cylinder. If you're cautious you can clear the obstructions and ensure your key works in the ignition whenever needed.
Damage to the cylinder can also cause a car not turn on. In this instance, the lock cylinder is most likely damaged and must be replaced. This could be a costly repair, but fortunately, there are ways to fix the issue temporarily.
For instance, you can employ wire hooks to cut off a small section on the door handle where the key cylinder resides. However, this technique is not recommended if don't have much experience with DIY projects as it is difficult to accomplish and could cause damage to your vehicle. You should also make sure to turn off the car completely prior to beginning any work.
It can be frustrating to lock your keys accidentally in your car. Be calm and follow the above tips to safely retrieve your keys without damaging your vehicle. You should also look over your insurance policy to see if the replacement of your keys is covered.
Need Help?
There are some things you need to do before calling for help if you've locked your keys inside your car. If you have an extra car key at home, ask someone to bring it in to unlock your vehicle. This will save you from the expense of hiring a locksmith for an emergency service call. You can also try calling a family member or friend to see if he or she has the key. Many people keep a spare car key at work or at home, so they can assist you when you've locked yourself in. Third, call roadside assistance organizations like AAA. They have specialized tools to open vehicles and can unlock your car at a less cost than locksmiths. However, they'll need to know your VIN number (visible in front of the windshield wiper) and proof of ownership in order to perform this.
If the emergency is urgent and you have an infant or pet in your vehicle, dial 911 immediately. The police will be sent to your location to safely remove the animal or child from the vehicle. This could include using a slim-jim to break a window or open the car door.
It's not enjoyable to lock your keys in your car, but in many cases it's a minor inconvenience. By following these suggestions, you can avoid being stranded in the vehicle and plan a course of action for the next time it happens to you.
Drivers can also take measures to prevent being stuck in their vehicles in the future, for instance, downloading their vehicle manufacturer's app or keeping an extra key in a safe place outside the vehicle, for example an electronic safe under the vehicle or on the driver's side of the trunk. Moody also recommends that drivers purchase a roadside service plan that includes assistance for locking out and contacting their car manufacturer to request a replacement key. This will save money over time, since most roadside assistance plans offer lockout assistance.