How to Deal With Locked Keys in Your Vehicle
It is not unusual to lock your keys in the vehicle. This can be a stressful scenario. This is a situation you can manage.
There are ways to ensure that you don't get locked out in the future, such as keeping spare keys in a safe place and secure. You can also add roadside assistance to your vehicle, which can help with breakdowns and helps drivers get back on their feet.
Locking the Doors
When you lock your keys in your car, it could be embarrassing. If you're fortunate there's you have a family member or a friend who is in the vicinity and can open the car door without causing any damage. It is still possible to access your car with the right tools, even if you don't have a family member nearby. The type of vehicle you use and the locks installed inside will determine the ease to get back inside.
For instance, if your car has manual locks instead of sensor-operated ones, you can make use of a thin rod or wire to open the doors. You can use a wire coathanger bent into a lasso-like shape or, in newer vehicles, the rod built into your key fob. You can also find "lock picking" kits at many hardware stores that have the rod made of metal as well as instructions to help unlock your car's doors.
You must first identify the location of the "unlock" button. It could be on the key fob, or it may be located on a panel at the front of the car that's visible from the windshield. Once you know the location, use a rod or coat hanger in order to create a space between the car's door and the frame or window. Then you can open the door and press the button to unlock the door.
The other thing to check is whether your door locks come with an opening switch that you can press to open them. Some modern automobiles have these switches in the trunk, typically on the side closest to the seats. You can also try the emergency release tab that folds down the seat so that you can crawl into the trunk and take your keys.
If none of these strategies work, you need to contact a professional. You can ask a family member to help you, provided they own the same car as you do. You can also request your dealer to make a new key. You can obtain the new key for cheaper than if you hire locksmith.
Locking the Trunk
Locking your trunk of your car is a bad option unless you want to store valuables. It is ideal to ensure that thieves aren't able to access your belongings, it also prevents you from opening the trunk without using your key fob. But, you can work around this problem by placing a spare key in the rear fender or on the floor of the trunk. This method is not foolproof, and it is easy for thieves to locate however it could in preventing them from trying to open your trunk in the first place.
Modern automobiles have gone to extreme lengths to ensure that their trunks can only be opened by someone with the key fob. To safeguard your possessions, many manufacturers have locked the lever for trunk release inside the cabin or in the back seat. You can still save money if you use a Slim Jim, or call roadside assistance rather than hiring a locksmith.
You can make use of a wire hanger to try to open the trunk of your vehicle. Be careful to not damage the paintwork. It is also necessary to bend the hanger at one end to create the size of a hook. Afterwards, insert the hook into the gap between the back of the seat and the trunk. If you can feel resistance, you have located the lever or button that opens the trunk.
If you have access to the cab of your car, you may also push a button located in the cabin's front to open the trunk. This method isn't foolproof since a burglar could look at the button and see that your valuables are in the trunk.
Another method is to unlock the trunk using the latch mechanism. 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 clicking when you press them. The engine may also need to be running to trigger the latch.
Examining the Battery
If you are unable open the doors using any of the methods mentioned above, it's likely that you have a dead battery on your key fob. The majority of car fobs have an emergency key that can be used to unlock the door of the driver in the event that it is locked. This is typically a separate key that is included with the vehicle or can be found in the glove box or in the center console.
The majority of the time an obstruction in the lock's cylinder is the reason why keys don't work in the ignition. Dirt or grime or other debris can cause this issue. It hinders the pins to drop correctly when you insert your key. You can use compressed air or a flashlight to locate any obstructions inside the lock cylinder. If you're cautious you can clear this debris and ensure that your key is working in the ignition when needed.
Damage to the cylinder can cause a car to not turn on. In this case the lock cylinder is most likely damaged and requires to be replaced. This can be a costly repair however there are solutions to temporarily fix the problem.
For instance, you can use a wire hanger to remove a small piece of trim around the door handle or the panel on which the key cylinder can be situated. This method is not recommended for those who are brand new to DIY projects. It isn't easy and could cause damage to your vehicle. Also, make vehicle lock out to turn off the car completely prior to beginning any work.
The risk of locking your keys accidentally in your car can be an unpleasant situation to be in. It is important to remain calm and follow these guidelines to safely retrieve your keys without damaging your vehicle. Also, you should check your insurance policy to determine whether the replacement of keys is covered.
Calling for help
There are some things you need to do prior to calling for help if you've locked your keys in your car. First, if at home and have an extra key, ask someone bring it to you and unlock your car using that method. You will not have to pay for an emergency locksmith service. Next, call a friend or family member's phone to see if they have the key. A lot of people have an extra key in their house or at work, so they can come get you in case you are locked out of your vehicle. Thirdly, you can contact roadside assistance organizations like AAA. They have special kits to open vehicles and will be capable of opening your vehicle for a fraction of the cost a locksmith would charge. However, they'll need to know your VIN number (visible near the front windshield wiper) and proof of ownership to be able to do this.
Call 911 immediately if are in an urgent situation and have a pet or a child in your vehicle. They will dispatch police to your location to safely remove the animal or child from the vehicle. This could include using an ice-breaker to break a window or to open the car door.
Locking your car keys inside the vehicle isn't enjoyable, but it can be a minor nuisance in most cases. By following these guidelines, you avoid being stranded and prepare a plan for the next time it occurs.
Drivers can take additional steps to avoid getting stuck in their vehicle in the future. For instance, they can download the app from the manufacturer of their vehicle or keep the spare key in a convenient location outside the vehicle. Moody recommends that motorists purchase a roadside service plan that provides assistance with locking out, and then contact their car manufacturer to request an alternate key. This could save you money in the long run, since being locked out of your car is almost always covered by this kind of coverage.