How to Deal With Locked Keys in Your Vehicle
It is not unusual to lock your keys inside the vehicle. This could be a stressful scenario. This is a situation you can handle.
You can ensure that you don't get locked out by keeping spare keys in a safe and secure place. You can also add roadside service to your vehicle. This covers breakdowns and assists you in getting back on the road.
Locking the Doors
It's a humiliating moment when you lock your keys inside your car. If you're fortunate, you have a family member or a friend who is close enough to open the car door without damaging it. It is still possible to get inside your car using the right tools, even if don't have a family member nearby. The type of vehicle you drive and the locks you have installed inside will determine how easy it is to get back inside.
If the locks on your car are mechanical and not controlled by sensors it is possible to unlock the doors using an incredibly thin rod or wire. You can use a coathanger made of wire bent into a lasso shape or, for newer vehicles, the rod that is built into your key fob. Many hardware stores offer "lock picking" sets that include a metal rod and instructions for unlocking your car's doors.
First, you must determine the whereabouts of the "unlock" button. locked out of car service could be on the key fob, or it could be on a wall in the front of the car that's visible from 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 door and its frame or window. Then, you can reach inside and press the button.
Make sure that your door locks are equipped with a release button you can press to unlock them. Certain cars, particularly ones that are more recent are equipped with this feature in the trunk. It's usually located on the side closest to the seat of the driver. You can also try using the emergency release tab that folds the seat down to allow you to climb into the trunk and take your keys.
If none of these methods work, you need to contact a professional. You can ask a family member to help you, provided they have the same car as you do. You could also ask your auto dealer to make a new key. You can obtain a new key for much less than hiring locksmith.
Locking the Trunk
Locking your trunk of your car is a bad idea unless you need to hide valuables away. While it is an excellent way to keep thieves out of your stuff, it also prevents you from opening the trunk without your key fob. You can fix this issue by hiding a spare car key under the rear bumper or in the trunk. This method isn't 100% secure and is easy to find by a thief, but it could stop them from trying to open your trunk.
Modern cars have gone to extreme lengths to ensure that trunks can only be opened by someone with a key fob. A lot of manufacturers have put the lever to open the trunk either in the cabin or on the back seat to protect your valuables. You can still save money by choosing to use Slim Jim Slim Jim, or call roadside assistance rather than hiring a locksmith.
You can use a wire hanger try to open the trunk of your vehicle. Be careful to not damage the paintwork. You will need bend the hanger at one end, so that it has hooks. After that, slide the hook into the gap between the back of the seat and the trunk. You'll know you've got the correct button or lever when you feel resistance.
If you have access to the cab of the car, you may also use a push button that is located in the front cabin to open the trunk. This method isn't 100% secure because a burglar can see the button and be aware that your valuables are inside the trunk.
Another method is to use the latch mechanism to unlock the trunk. This is an easy way to unlock the trunk, but only if you have an automobile that isn't fully charged. It is also necessary to hear the door locks clicking when you press them. The engine may also need to be running to trigger the latch.
Examining the Battery
It is possible that the battery in your key fob has gone out of service if you can't open the door using any of the methods listed above. The good news is that the majority of car fobs have a built-in emergency key that can be used to unlock the driver's door if it is locked. It is typically a separate key that came with the car or can be located in the center console or the glove compartment.
The majority of the time an obstruction in the lock cylinder is the reason a key won't work in the ignition. Dirt, grime, or other debris can cause this problem. It blocks the pins to drop correctly when you insert your key. You can use compressed air or flashlights to identify 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 whenever needed.
Damage to the cylinder can also cause a car not start. In this instance it is likely that the lock cylinder is damaged and must be replaced. This could be a costly repair however, there are solutions to temporarily solve this problem.
For instance, you can, use a wire hook to pry off a tiny portion of the door handle where the key cylinder resides. However, this technique is not recommended if do not have much experience in DIY projects, since 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 a hassle to lose your keys in your car. You should remain calm and follow the guidelines to safely retrieve your keys without creating further damage to your car. Also, you should check your insurance policy to see whether the replacement of keys is covered.
Help is needed.
Before you call for help when you lock your keys inside your vehicle, there are a few things you can do. First, if you are at home and have an extra key, have someone bring it to you and unlock your vehicle that way. You don't need to pay for an emergency locksmith service. You could also call a family member or friend to see if she has the key. A lot of people have keys in their home or at work, and they will come get you if you lock yourself out of your vehicle. Thirdly, you can contact roadside assistance providers such as AAA. They have specialized tools to open vehicles and can unlock your car at a lower cost than a locksmith. They will require your VIN (located near the front wiper on the windshield) and proof ownership to open it.
If the situation is urgent and have an infant or pet in your vehicle, dial 911 immediately. They will send police to your location and utilize specific tools or methods to take the animal or child out of the car. This could include using a slim-jim to break a window or to open the door of the car.
It's not fun to lock your keys inside your car, but in most instances, it's only an inconvenience of a minor nature. If you follow these guidelines to avoid getting trapped in your vehicle and plan a course of actions for the next time it occurs to you.
Drivers can take additional steps to avoid getting stuck in their vehicle in the future. For instance, they can download the app of the manufacturer of their vehicle or keep a spare key in a convenient location outside the vehicle. In addition, Moody recommends that drivers contact their car manufacturer for the replacement of their key and purchase a roadside assistance program which covers lockout assistance. This can save money over time as the majority of roadside assistance plans provide assistance with lockouts.