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. But, this is a situation which can be handled.

You can ensure that you don't get locked out by keeping spare keys locked in vehicle (cool training) in a safe and secure place. You can also include roadside assistance in your vehicle, which covers breakdowns and assists drivers in getting back on their feet.

Locking the Doors

It's a humiliating moment when you lock your keys inside your car. In the ideal situation you've got someone from your family or a friend nearby who can open the door for you without causing damage to your vehicle. If not, it will still be relatively easy to get back into your vehicle with the right tools. It is all dependent on the kind of vehicle you own and the kind of locks fitted to it.

If the locks on your car are not operated by sensors you can open the doors by using a thin wire or rod. You can use a wire coathanger bent into a lasso shape or, in newer automobiles, the rod built into your key fob. There are many hardware stores that offer "lock picking" sets with a rod of metal and instructions to open your car's door.

You must first identify the position of the "unlock" button. It is usually located on the key fob or on a piece of paper that is visible through the windshield. Once you've figured out this information, use a rod or coat hanger in order to create a space between the car's door and the window or frame. You can then reach inside and press the button.

Check if your door locks come with a release button you can press to unlock them. Some modern cars have these in the trunk, usually on the side closest to the passenger seats. You can also utilize the emergency release button to fold down the seat and crawl into the trunk.

If none of these strategies are working, it's time to call for 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 auto dealer to cut you a new one. You can purchase an additional key for much cheaper than if you hire a locksmith.

Locking the Trunk

It's not a great idea to secure the trunk of your car unless you want to keep valuables out of sight. While it's a great way to keep thieves out of your stuff, it also prevents you from opening the trunk without your key fob. But, you can work around this issue by concealing a spare key under the rear fender or on the floor of the trunk. This method isn't 100% secure, and it is easy for thieves to find but it can deter them from attempting to open your trunk in the first place.

Modern cars have gone to great lengths to ensure that only the key fob is able to unlock the trunk. Many manufacturers have placed the trunk release lever in the cabin or the back seat to protect your valuables. You can still save money if use a Slim Jim, or call roadside assistance rather than hiring locksmith.

You can open your trunk by using a wire hanger. Be careful to avoid damaging the paintwork. You'll need to bend the hanger on one side, to form hooks. After that, slide the hook into the gap 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 the car, you can also use a push button that is located in the cabin's front to open the trunk. This method isn't 100% secure because a thief could see the button and realize that your valuables are inside the trunk.

The other method involves using the latch mechanism to unlock the trunk. This is an easy way to unlock the trunk, but only if you own an automobile that isn't fully charged. You will also need to hear the door locks click when you press them. The engine might also have to be running to activate the latch.

Examining the Battery

It is possible that the battery of your key fob is dead if you are unable to unlock the door using any of the methods listed above. Most car fobs come with an emergency key that can be used to unlock the driver's door in the event that it is locked. This is usually a separate key that was included with the vehicle or could be located in the glove box or the center console.

The most common reason why a car key doesn't turn on is because of an obstruction in the lock the cylinder. Dirt or grime or other debris could cause this issue. It prevents the pins from dropping properly when you insert your key. A flashlight and compressed air are both excellent tools to locate any obstructions in the lock cylinder. If you're careful you can get rid of this debris and ensure that your key will work in the ignition when required.

Damage to the cylinder can cause a car to not turn on. In this situation, it is likely that the lock cylinder is damaged and requires replacement. This could be a costly repair however there are options to solve the issue temporarily.

For instance, you can employ wire hooks to cut off a small section on the door handle in which the key cylinder is located. However, this method is not recommended if you do not have much experience working on DIY projects as it can be difficult to accomplish and could cause damage to your vehicle. Additionally, you should always ensure that the vehicle is turned off completely before attempting any work on it.

It can be frustrating to lose your keys in your car. It is important to remain calm and use the tips provided above to help you retrieve them safely without causing any additional damage to your vehicle. It is also advisable to check your insurance policy to determine if the replacement of keys is covered.

Calling for Help

Before you call for assistance when you lock your keys inside your vehicle, there are a few steps you can do. If you have a spare car key home and you need someone to bring it, ask them to bring it to unlock your vehicle. You won't have to pay for an emergency locksmith service. Next, call a friend or family member's phone to determine whether they have the keys. Many people keep a spare car key at work or at home, so they can assist you if you've locked yourself out. Third, contact roadside assistance companies like AAA. They have special kits to unlock vehicles and are in a position to open your car at a lower cost than locksmiths would charge. But, they'll require your VIN number (visible in front of the windshield wiper) and proof of ownership to do this.

Call 911 immediately if have an emergency and have a pet or a child in your vehicle. The police will be sent to your location to safely remove the child or animal from the vehicle. This could mean using a jim that is slim to open the door or breaking the window.

Getting your car keys locked out of car locked out of your car in the vehicle is never enjoyable, but it can be a minor nuisance in the majority of instances. If you follow these guidelines you can avoid being trapped in your vehicle and have a plan of actions for the next time this happens to you.

Drivers can also take other steps to avoid getting stuck in their car in the future. For example they can download the mobile app of the manufacturer of their vehicle or keep a spare key in a safe location outside the vehicle. Moody also suggests that drivers purchase a roadside assistance plan that provides 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 cover assistance with automotive lockouts.