How to Deal With Locked Keys in Your Vehicle

Locking keys in your car is a regular event, and can cause a panicked feeling. This is a scenario you can handle.

There are ways to ensure that you don't get 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 will cover breakdowns and helps you get back on the road.

Locking the Doors

It's an embarrassing moment when you lock your keys in your car. In the ideal scenario, you have someone from your family or a friend nearby who can open the door for you without damaging your car. If not, it could still be relatively simple to get back into your vehicle using the appropriate tools. It depends on the type of vehicle you drive and the kind of locks that are installed in it.

For example, if your car has manual locks rather than sensor-operated ones, trunk you can make use of a thin rod or wire to open the doors. It could be a wire coat hanger that you bend into the shape of a lasso, or on vehicles with more modern technology the rod of a metal is built into your key fob. A lot of hardware stores sell "lock picking" sets which include a rod made of metal and instructions to open your car's door.

To apply this method, you must to identify the location where the "unlock keys in car" switch is located. It could be near the key fob, or it could be on a wall in the front of the car that's visible through the windshield. Once you have this information then you can make use of the rod or coat hanger to create an opening between the car's door and its frame or window. You can then reach in and press the button to unlock the door.

Another thing to look for is whether your door locks come with release switches that you can press to open them. Some of the more recent cars have these in the trunk, typically on the side closest to the seats. You could also try the emergency release tab that folds the seat down so you can crawl into the trunk and take your keys.

If none of these methods work, you need to call for help. You might consider enlisting the assistance of a friend who owns the same model and model as your vehicle or ask your auto dealer to cut you a new key. They are able to do this for less than what you'd pay a locksmith.

Locking the Trunk

The trunk of your car is not a good idea unless you need to hide valuables away. While it's a great way to ensure that thieves aren't able to access your belongings, it also hinders opening the trunk without your key fob. However, you can get around this issue by placing a spare key in the rear fender well or on the floor of the trunk. This method is not foolproof but it is simple for a thief to find, but it may help in preventing them from trying to open your trunk in the first place.

Modern automobiles have gone to great lengths to make sure that their trunks can only be opened by someone with a key fob. 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 a locksmith.

You can use a wire hanger to attempt to open the trunk of your car. But, you must be careful not to scratch the paint job. You will need to bend the hanger on one side, so that it has a hook. Afterwards, insert the hook into the space between the back of the seat and the trunk. 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 car, you can also push a button that is located in the front cabin to open the trunk. But, this isn't a 100% secure method since it is possible for a burglar to see the button and know that you have valuables in the trunk.

The other method involves using the latch mechanism to open the trunk. This is a simple way to unlock the trunk, however only if you have an automobile that isn't fully charged. You will also need to hear your door locks clicking when you press them. The engine may also need to be running in order to activate the latch.

Checking the Battery

If you are unable open the doors using any of the methods listed above, it's possible that you simply have a dead battery on your key fob. The majority of car key fobs come with an emergency key that you can use to unlock the driver door when it is locked. It is usually a separate key that was included with the vehicle or could be found in the glove box or center console.

Usually there is a blockage in the lock's cylinder can be the reason why a key won't work in the ignition. This can be caused by dirt, grime or other debris that enters the lock and prevents the pins from dropping correctly when you insert the key. A flashlight and compressed air are great tools to help you identify any obstructions within the lock's cylinder. If you're careful you can clear the debris and ensure that your key is working in the ignition when needed.

Damage to the cylinder could also cause a car not turn on. In this situation it is likely the lock cylinder is damaged and needs to be replaced. This could be a costly repair but fortunately, trunk there are ways to temporarily fix this problem.

For instance, you can employ a wire hook to pry off a small section on the door handle in which the key cylinder is located. This method is not recommended for those who are new to DIY projects. It can be difficult and could cause damage to your vehicle. Additionally, you should always be sure that the vehicle is turned off completely before beginning any work on it.

It can be frustrating to lock your keys accidentally in your car. It's important to be calm and follow the advice above to get them back them safely without causing any additional damage to your vehicle. Also, you should look over your insurance policy to see if the replacement of your keys is covered.

Calling for Help

There are a few things you need to do before calling for help when you have locked the keys to your car. If you have a spare car key at home and you need someone to bring it, ask them to bring it to unlock your vehicle. This will save you from having to pay an emergency locksmith service call. You could also call a family member or friend to find out if he or she has the key. Many people will keep keys in their house or at work, and they will help you out when you're locked out of your car. Third, contact roadside assistance companies like AAA. They have kits specifically designed to open vehicles and will be in a position to open your car for a fraction of the cost locksmiths would charge. 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 have an infant or pet inside your vehicle, call 911 immediately. Police will be dispatched to your location and utilize specialized tools or methods to get the animal or child out of the car. This could include using the slim-jim to break a window or open the door to the car.

It's not fun to lock your keys in your car, but in most instances, it's only an inconvenience of a minor nature. Following these tips will help you avoid being stuck and make a plan for the next time this occurs.

Drivers can also take steps to prevent being stuck in their vehicles in the future, for instance, downloading their vehicle manufacturer's app or keeping keys in a safe place outside the vehicle, such as a magnetic safe underneath the vehicle or on the driver's side of the trunk. Moody also recommends that motorists purchase a roadside assistance plan that includes assistance with locking out, and then contact the manufacturer of their vehicle to obtain an alternative key. This can save you money in the long term, because getting locked out of your car is usually covered by this kind of insurance.