How to Deal With Locked Keys in Your Vehicle
It is not unusual to lock your keys inside the vehicle. This can be a stressful situation. This is a situation that you can deal with.
There are ways to prevent getting locked out in the future, including having spare keys stored somewhere safe and secure. You can also include a roadside service to your vehicle. This helps with breakdowns and can help you get back on the road.
Locking the Doors
It's a humiliating moment when you lock your keys in your car. If you're lucky there's you have a family member or a friend who is in the vicinity and can open the car door without damaging it. If not, it can still be relatively simple to get back inside your vehicle with the right tools. It is all dependent on the kind of car you drive and the type of lock installed in it.
If the locks on your car 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 you bend into the shape of a lasso, or, on newer vehicles the rod of a metal is built into your key fob. A lot of hardware stores sell "lock picking" sets that include a metal rod and instructions to open your car's door.
You must first identify the location of the "unlock" button. It may be near the key fob, or it could be on a wall in the front of the vehicle that is visible from the windshield. Once you've figured out this information, use a coat hanger or rod in order to create a space between the door of the car and the frame or window. Then you can enter the gap and press the button to unlock the door.
Check to see if your door locks are equipped with a release button you can press to open them. A few of the latest automobiles have these switches in the trunk, generally on the side closest to the passenger seats. You can also try the emergency release tab, which folds the seat down so you can climb into the trunk and grab your keys.
If none of these methods are working, it's time to seek help. You could ask a friend to assist you, if they own the same car as you do. Or you can ask your dealer to make a new key. You can obtain the new key for much less than if you hired a locksmith.
Locking the Trunk
Locking your trunk of your car is not a good option unless you want to keep valuables safe. It is a good way to ensure that thieves aren't able to access your possessions, but it also stops the trunk from being opened by a key fob. It is possible to solve this issue by hiding a spare car key under the rear bumper well or inside the trunk. This method is not foolproof and is easily discovered by thieves, but it could stop thieves from attempting to open your trunk.
Modern cars have gone to extreme lengths to ensure that their trunks are only able to be opened by someone with a key fob. Many manufacturers have placed the lever to open the trunk either in the cabin or on the back seat to safeguard your valuables. You can still save money by choosing to make use of the Slim Jim, or call roadside assistance instead of hiring locksmith.
You can use a wire hanger to try to open the trunk of your vehicle. But, you must be cautious not to damage the paint job. You'll need to bend the hanger on one end to form hooks. Then, you can place the hook between the trunk and the back of the seat. If you are able to feel resistance, you have found the lever or button that opens the trunk.
You can also open the trunk if you have access to your car's front cabin. This is done by pressing a button in the cabin. However, this is not a 100% secure method since it is possible for thieves to see the button and realize that you have valuables in the trunk.
The other method involves using the latch mechanism to open the trunk. This is an easy way to unlock the trunk, however only if you own an automobile that isn't fully charged. You will also need to hear your door locks clicking when you press them. It is also possible that the engine must be running in order to trigger the latch.
Checking the Battery
If you are unable unlock the doors with any of the methods listed above, it's likely that you have a dead battery on your key fob. Most car fobs come with an emergency key that you can use to unlock the driver door if locked. It is usually a separate key that is included with the vehicle or can be located in the glove box or center console.
Most often an obstruction in the lock's cylinder can be the reason why a key won't work in the ignition. Dirt, grime, or other debris may cause this issue. It hinders the pins from dropping properly when you insert your key. You can use compressed air or a flashlight to find any obstructions in the lock cylinder. If you're cautious you can get rid of the obstructions and ensure that your key will work when you require it.
Damage to the cylinder may cause a car to not turn on. In this scenario, the lock cylinder could be damaged and needs to be replaced. This could be a costly repair however, there are solutions to solve the issue temporarily.
For instance, you could use a wire hanger take off a small portion of trim from the door handle or the panel where the key cylinder is located. This is not a good idea for those who are new to DIY projects. It can be difficult and could damage your vehicle. Additionally, you must always be sure that the car is completely shut off before you begin any work on it.
The risk of locking your keys accidentally in your car is a frustrating situation to be in. It's crucial to remain calm and follow the advice above in order to retrieve them safely without causing any additional damage to your vehicle. If you can do so, you should also consult your insurance company to determine if a key replacement is covered under your policy.
Help is needed.
There are a few things you need to do prior to calling for help if you've locked your keys in your car. If you have a spare car key home You can ask someone to bring it to unlock your car. This will help you avoid the expense of hiring an emergency locksmith service call. The second option is to call using a family member's or friend's phone to determine whether they have the key. Many people keep keys in their home or at work, so they can help you out in case you are locked out of your car. Third, contact roadside assistance providers such as AAA. They have specially designed kits to open vehicles and are capable of opening your vehicle for a fraction of the cost locksmiths would cost. However, car key lockout service will need to know your VIN number (visible on the front windshield wiper) and proof of ownership to do this.
If the emergency is urgent and you have an infant or pet in your car, call 911 immediately. They will send police to your location to safely remove the animal or child from the vehicle. This could include using a slim jim to open the door, or breaking windows.
It's not enjoyable to lock your keys inside your car, but in most instances, it's only an inconvenience of a minor nature. These tips can help you avoid being stuck and plan a strategy for the next time this happens.
Drivers can take additional ways to avoid getting stuck in their vehicle in the future. For instance they can download the app from their vehicle manufacturer or keep the spare key in a convenient location outside the vehicle. Additionally, Moody recommends that drivers contact their car manufacturer for an alternative key and to buy a roadside assistance plan that provides lockout assistance. This could save you money in the long run, because getting locked out of your car is almost always covered by this type of insurance.