How to Deal With Locked Keys in Your Vehicle
It is not unusual to lock your keys in the vehicle. This could be a stressful scenario. But this is a situation which can be handled.
There are ways to ensure that you don't get locked out in the future, which includes having spare keys stored somewhere safe and secure. You can also add roadside service to your vehicle. This will cover breakdowns and assists you in getting back on the road.
Locking the Doors
If you lock your keys in your car, it can be embarrassing. In the ideal situation you've got an acquaintance or family member nearby who can come unlock the door for you without causing damage to your car. It is still possible to access your vehicle with the proper tools, even if don't have a family member nearby. The type of vehicle you drive and the locks installed inside will determine the ease to get back inside.
For instance, if your car has manual locks instead of sensors, you could make use of a rod or wire to unlock the doors. It could be a wire coat hanger that can be bent into the shape of a lasso, or on vehicles with more modern technology it could be a rod made of metal that 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 have be aware of the location where the "unlock" switch is located. It could be on 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 utilize the rod or coat hanger to create an opening between the door and its frame or window. Then, you can reach inside and press the button.
Another thing to consider is whether your door locks come with an opening switch that you can push to unlock them. Certain cars, especially those that are more recent are equipped with this feature in the trunk. It's usually located on the side closest to the passenger seat. You can also try using the emergency release tab which folds down the seat to allow you to crawl into the trunk and take your keys.
If none of these solutions work, then you'll need to seek assistance. You may want to seek the assistance of a friend who has the same make and model as your vehicle or ask your auto dealer to cut you a new key. They can do this for much less than the cost of an locksmith.
Locking the Trunk
The trunk of your car is not a good idea unless you need to hide valuables away. It is ideal to keep thieves away from your belongings, it also keeps you from opening the trunk without your key fob. It is possible to solve this issue by placing a spare car key under the rear bumper or in the trunk. This method is not foolproof and is easy to find by a thief, but it can help to stop them from trying to open your trunk.
Modern cars have gone to great lengths to make sure that their trunks can only be opened by someone with the key fob. A lot of manufacturers have put the lever to open the trunk either in the cabin or the back seat to safeguard your valuables. The good news is that you can still save money by using a Slim Jim or calling roadside assistance instead of hiring locksmith.
You can open your trunk by using a wire hanger. You must be careful to avoid damaging the paintwork. It is also necessary to bend the hanger on one side so that it has an elongated hook. Then, insert the hook between the trunk and the seat's back. If unlock cars service 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 the front cabin. This can be done by pressing a button located in the cabin. However, this isn't an absolute security measure since it is possible for thieves to see the button and know that you have your valuables in the trunk.
The other method involves using the latch mechanism to unlock the trunk. This is an easy way to unlock the trunk, however only if you own a vehicle that isn't fully charged. You'll also need to hear the door locks click when you press them. The engine might also have to be running in order to activate the latch.
Examining the Battery
It is possible that your key fob battery is dead if you are unable to open the door using any of the methods listed above. Most car fobs come with an emergency key that you can use to unlock the driver's door in the event that it is locked. This is typically a separate key that was included with the vehicle or can 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. This could be caused by dirt, grime or other debris that enters the lock and prevents the pins from dropping properly when you insert the key. A flashlight and compressed air are both fantastic tools to locate any obstructions in the lock's cylinder. If you're careful you can clear the debris and ensure your key will work when you require it.
Another reason that may cause the car key to not turn the ignition is damage to the cylinder itself. In this case, the lock cylinder is most likely damaged and requires to be replaced. This could be a costly fix, however, there are ways to temporarily fix this problem.
You can, for example using a wire hook to pry off a small portion of the door handle where the key cylinder is. This method is not recommended for those who are brand new to DIY projects. It can be difficult and could cause damage to your vehicle. Additionally, you should ensure that your car is completely shut off before you begin any work on it.
It can be a hassle to lose your keys in your car. You should remain calm and follow the above guidelines to safely retrieve your keys without damaging your car. Also, you should look over your insurance policy to determine whether the replacement of keys is covered.
Need Help?
There are a few things you should do prior to calling for help if you've locked your keys in your car. If you have a spare car key at home, ask someone to bring it to unlock your vehicle. This will avoid needing to pay a locksmith for an emergency service call. Next, call using a family member's or friend's phone to determine if they have the key. A lot of people have an extra key in their house or at work, so they can assist you when you're locked out of your vehicle. Thirdly, you can contact roadside assistance providers such as AAA. They have kits specifically designed to open vehicles and are in a position to open your car for a fraction of the cost a locksmith would cost. However, they'll require your VIN number (visible in front of the windshield wiper) and proof of ownership to be able to do this.
If the situation is urgent and have a small child or pet in your car, call 911 immediately. They will send police to your home to remove the animal or child from the vehicle. This could include using a small jim to open the door or breaking a window.
Locking your car keys inside the vehicle isn't fun, but it can be a minor inconvenience in the majority of instances. By following these suggestions you can avoid being stranded in the vehicle and prepare a plan of actions for the next time it occurs to you.
Drivers should also take steps to avoid being stuck in their cars in the future, like downloading the app of their car manufacturer or keeping an extra key in a secure location outside the vehicle, like a magnetic safe beneath the vehicle or on the driver's side of the trunk. Moody also recommends that drivers purchase a roadside assistance plan that offers lockout assistance and contact their car manufacturer to get a replacement key. This could save money over time as most roadside assistance plans offer assistance for lockouts.