How to Deal With Locked Keys in Your Vehicle
Locking keys inside the car is a common occurrence, and it can leave you with an anxious feeling. This is a situation 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 add roadside service to your vehicle. This helps with breakdowns and can help you get back on the road.
Locking the Doors
It can be an embarrassing moment when you lock your keys in your car. If you're lucky, someone from your family or a friend is close enough to open the car door without causing any damage. It is still possible to get inside your vehicle with the proper tools, even if you do not have a friend or family member in the vicinity. It is all dependent on the kind of vehicle you drive and the type of locks that are installed in it.
If your car's locks are mechanical and not controlled by sensors you can open the doors with an incredibly thin rod or wire. This might be a wire coat hanger that can be bent 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 many hardware stores that sell "lock picking" sets with a rod of metal and instructions to unlock your car's doors.
To apply this method, you must to determine the location where the "unlock" switch is located. It could be near the key fob, or it may be located on a panel at the front of the vehicle that is visible through the windshield. Once you have the location, use an iron rod or coat hanger in order to create a gap between the car's door and the frame or window. You can then reach inside and press the button.
Another thing to consider is whether your door locks include an opening switch that you can press to open them. Some cars, especially those that are more recent, have this in the trunk. It is usually on the side closest to the passenger seat. You can also utilize the emergency release tab to fold down the seat and crawl into the trunk.
If none of these solutions are working, it's time to seek help. You might want to enlist the help of a friend who has the same make and model of car as you do or ask your car dealer to make you a new key. They are able to do this for 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. It's a good idea to keep thieves away from your belongings, however it also blocks the trunk from being opened without your key fob. However, you can overcome this problem by concealing a spare key under the rear fender well, or on the floor of the trunk. This method is not foolproof and is easy to find by a thief, but it can deter thieves from attempting to open your trunk.
Modern automobiles have gone to great lengths to make sure that their trunks can only be opened by someone with a key fob. In order to protect your possessions, many manufacturers have locked the trunk release lever inside the cabin or in the back seat. The good news is that you can still save money by using the Slim Jim or calling roadside assistance instead of hiring locksmith.
You can use a wire hanger try and open the trunk of your car. You should be cautious to avoid damaging the paintwork. You'll also have to bend the hanger on one side so that it is able to form a small hook. Afterwards, insert the hook into the space between the back of the seat and the trunk. You'll know if you've used the right lever or button if you feel resistance.
You can also open the trunk if have access to your car's front cabin. This is done by pressing a button located inside the cabin. This method is not foolproof because a burglar can see the button and see that your valuables are inside the trunk.
Another method is to unlock the trunk with the latch mechanism. This is an easy way to unlock the trunk, but only if you own an automobile that isn't fully charged. You'll also need to 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're unable to unlock the doors with any of the methods mentioned above, it's possible that you simply have a dead battery inside your key fob. The good news is that most key fobs come with an emergency key that can be used to open the door for the driver when it is locked. It is usually an additional key that was included in the car or can be found in the glove box or the center console.
The most frequent reason a car key doesn't engage in the ignition is because of an obstruction in the lock the cylinder. Dirt or grime, as well as other debris could cause this problem. It blocks the pins to drop correctly when you insert your key. A flashlight and compressed air are both great tools to help you locate any obstructions in the lock cylinder. If you are careful, you can remove the debris and make sure your key will function when you require it.
Another reason that could cause the car key to not turn in the ignition is damage to the cylinder itself. In this instance it is likely the lock cylinder is damaged and must be replaced. This can be an expensive repair however there are options to fix the problem temporarily.
For instance, you can use a wire hanger take off a small portion of trim around the door handle or the panel on which the key cylinder can be situated. However, this method is not recommended if you don't have a lot of experience working on DIY projects as it can be difficult to complete and could harm your vehicle. Also, make sure to shut off your car completely before beginning any work.
Accidentally locking your keys in your vehicle is a frustrating situation to find yourself in. Be calm and follow the tips to ensure that you can retrieve your keys without damaging your vehicle. Also, you should look over your insurance policy to determine whether the replacement of your keys is covered.
Calling for Help
Before calling for help in the event that you have locked your keys in your vehicle There are a few steps you can do. First, if at home and have a spare key, have someone bring it to you and then unlock your car that way. This will help you avoid the expense of hiring a locksmith for an emergency service call. Second, try a friend or family member's phone to find out whether they have the keys. Many people keep spare keys to their cars at work or at home to help in case you've locked yourself out. Third, call roadside assistance organizations like AAA. They have tools specifically designed to open vehicles and can open your vehicle at a less cost than a locksmith. They will need your VIN (located close to the front windshield wiper) and proof of ownership to unlock it.
If the situation is urgent and you have a small child or pet inside your vehicle, call 911 immediately. They will dispatch police to your location to remove the child or animal from the vehicle. This could mean using a jim that is slim to open the door, or breaking windows.
It's never enjoyable to lock your keys inside your vehicle, but in the majority of instances, it's only a minor inconvenience. If you follow these guidelines, you can avoid being trapped in your vehicle and have a plan of steps to take the next time this happens to you.
Drivers can take additional steps to avoid being stuck in their car in the future. For instance they can download the mobile app of the manufacturer of their vehicle or keep keys in a safe location outside the vehicle. Moody recommends that motorists purchase a roadside assistance plan that offers assistance for locking out and contacting their car manufacturer to request a replacement key. This could save money over time, as the majority of roadside assistance plans provide lockout assistance.