How to Deal With Locked Keys in Your Vehicle
Locking keys in the car is a frequent occurrence, and it can cause a panicked feeling. But this is a situation which can be handled.
There are ways to ensure that you don't get locked out in the future, including storing spare keys somewhere safe and secure. You can also add roadside service to your vehicle. This helps with breakdowns and assists you in getting back on the road.
Locking the Doors
It's an embarrassing moment when you lock your keys inside your car. In the ideal scenario 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 can still be relatively simple to get back inside your vehicle using the appropriate tools. The type of vehicle you use and the locks installed inside will determine
how to open locked car door without key easy it is to get back inside.
For instance, if your vehicle has manual locks rather than sensor-operated ones, you can make use of a rod or wire to open the doors. You can use a wire coathanger bent into a lasso shape or, in more modern automobiles, the rod that is built into your key fob. You can also find "lock picking" kits at a variety of hardware stores. They have the metal rod and instructions to help you unlock your car's door.
To make use of this method, you must be aware of the location where the "unlock" switch is located. It may be near the key fob, or it may be on a panel in the front of the vehicle that is visible through the windshield. Once you have this information then you can utilize the rod or coat hanger to create an opening between the car door and its frame or window. Then you can open the door and press the button to unlock the door.
Another thing to consider is whether your door locks come with release switches that you can push to unlock them. Some of the more recent automobiles have these switches in the trunk, typically on the side closest to the seats. You can also use the emergency release tab to fold the seat down and crawl into the trunk.
If none of these solutions are working, it's time to call for help. You could ask a friend to help you, if they own the same car as you do. Or you can ask your dealer to make a new key. They can do this for much less than the cost of a locksmith.
Locking the Trunk
Locking the trunk of your car is not a good option unless you want to store valuables. It is a good way to ensure that thieves aren't able to access your belongings, but it also blocks the trunk from being opened without a key fob. But, you can work around this issue by placing a spare key in the rear fender well or on the floor of the trunk. This isn't foolproof and is easy to find by thieves, however it could deter them from trying to open your trunk.
Modern automobiles have gone to extreme lengths to ensure that their trunks are only able to be opened by those with a key fob. To safeguard your belongings, many manufacturers have
locked out car service the lever for trunk release inside the cabin or in the back seat. The good news is that you can still save money by using Slim Jim Slim Jim or calling roadside assistance instead of hiring a locksmith.
You can open your trunk with a wire hanger. You must be careful to avoid damaging the paintwork. You'll have bend the hanger at one side, so that it has a hook. Then, insert the hook between the trunk and the seat's back. You'll know you've got the right button or lever when you feel a sting.
You can also open the trunk if you have access to the front cabin. This can be done by pressing a button located inside the cabin. This method isn't foolproof because a burglar can see the button and realize that your valuables are in the trunk.
The other method involves using the latch mechanism to unlock the trunk. This is an easy method to accomplish this however it is only effective if your car is not fully charged and you hear the
door locks clicking when you press them. It is also possible that the engine must be running in order to activate the latch.
Examining the Battery
If you're unable to unlock the doors with any of the methods described above, it's possible that you have a dead battery in your key fob. The good news is that most automobile fobs have an emergency key that can be used to unlock the driver's door if it is locked. This is often a separate key that came with the vehicle or it could be located in the center console or glove compartment.
Most often, a blockage in the lock's cylinder is the reason why a key won't work in the ignition. This could be due to dirt, grime or other debris that gets into the lock and prevents pins from falling correctly when you insert the key. You can use compressed air or flashlights to identify any obstructions in the lock cylinder. If you are careful you can get rid of the debris and make sure your key will work when you require it.
Damage to the cylinder could also cause a car not start. In this situation it is likely the lock cylinder is damaged and must be replaced. This could be a costly repair but fortunately, there are ways to fix the issue temporarily.
For example, you can use a wire hanger to pry away a small section of trim on the door handle or on the panel on which the key cylinder can be situated. However, this method is not recommended if do not have much experience in DIY projects as it is difficult to complete and could damage your vehicle. Additionally, you must ensure that your car is completely shut off before beginning any work on it.
It can be very frustrating to lock your keys accidentally in your car. Be calm and follow the tips to ensure that you can retrieve your keys without creating further damage to your car. It is also advisable to check your insurance policy to see whether the replacement of your keys is covered.
Calling for help
There are some things you need to do before calling for help if you've locked your keys inside your car. If you have a spare car key home and you need someone to bring it, ask them to bring it in to unlock your car. This will save you from having to pay a locksmith for an emergency service call. You can also contact a family member or friend to find out if he or has the key. A lot of people have a spare key in their home or at work, which means they can come get you if you lock yourself out of your vehicle. Third, call roadside assistance services like AAA. They have specially designed kits to open vehicles and are capable of opening your vehicle for a fraction of the cost a locksmith would charge. However, they will need to know your VIN number (visible near the front windshield wiper) and proof of ownership to do this.
If the situation is urgent and you have a small child or pet in your car, call 911 immediately. The police will be sent to your home to remove the animal or child from the vehicle. This could include using a jim that is slim to open the door, or breaking a window.
It's not enjoyable to lock your keys in your
car door opener service, but in many instances, it's only a minor inconvenience. By following these guidelines, you avoid being stuck and prepare a plan for the next time this occurs.
Drivers can also take measures to avoid being stuck in their vehicles in the future, for instance, downloading the app of their car manufacturer or keeping a spare key in a safe location outside the vehicle, such as a magnetic safe underneath the vehicle or on the driver's side of the trunk. Moody recommends that motorists purchase a roadside service plan that offers assistance with locking out, and then contact their car manufacturer to get an alternative key. This can save money over time, as most roadside assistance plans cover assistance for lockouts.