How to Deal With Locked Keys in Your Vehicle
It is not uncommon to lock your keys in the vehicle. This could be a stressful experience. This is a situation you can handle.
There are ways to prevent getting locked out in the future, such as storing spare keys somewhere safe and secure. You can also add roadside assistance to your vehicle, which will cover breakdowns and assists drivers in getting back on track.
Locking the Doors
It can be an embarrassing moment when you lock your keys in your car. In the ideal scenario there is someone from your family or a friend close by who can unlock the door for you without damaging your vehicle. If not, it could still be relatively simple to gain access back to your vehicle using the appropriate tools. It is all dependent on the kind of vehicle you own and the kind of locks installed in it.
If the locks on your car are not operated by sensors you can open the doors by using an incredibly thin rod or wire. You can use a coathanger made of wire bent into a lasso shape or, for newer automobiles, the rod built into your key fob. There are many hardware stores that sell "lock picking" sets which include a rod made of metal and instructions for unlocking your car's doors.
To make lockout car of this method, you must to identify where the "unlock" switch is located. You can find it near the key fob or on a piece of paper that is visible through the windshield. Once you've got this information you can utilize the rod or coat hanger to create a gap between the door and its frame or window. You can then open the door and press the button to unlock the door.
Another thing to look for is whether your door locks come with a release switch that you can push to open them. Certain cars, particularly ones that are more recent include this switch in the trunk. It is usually located near the passenger seat. You can also use the emergency release button to fold the seat down and crawl into the trunk.
If none of these solutions work, you'll have to seek assistance. You can ask a friend to help you, if they have the same car as you do. You could also request your dealer to create a new key for you. They can do this for much less than what you'd pay for a locksmith.
Locking the Trunk
It's not a good idea to secure the trunk of your vehicle unless you want to hide valuables. It's a great way to ensure that thieves aren't able to access your belongings, however it also stops the trunk from being opened without a key fob. You can fix this issue by concealing a spare car keys under the rear bumper or in the trunk. This isn't foolproof and can be easily spotted by thieves, however it can help to stop thieves from opening your trunk.
Modern cars have gone to great lengths to make sure that their trunks can only be opened by a person who has a key fob. Many 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 if you make use of a Slim Jim, or call roadside assistance rather than hiring locksmith.
You can try opening your trunk using a wire hanger. But, you must be careful not to damage the paint. You'll need to bend the hanger on one side, so that it forms a hook. Then, insert the hook between the trunk and the back of the seat. You'll know you've got the right button or lever when you feel a sting.
If you have access to the cab of the car, you may also push a button that is located in the cabin's front to open the trunk. This method is not foolproof because a burglar can see the button and see that your valuables are in the trunk.
Another method is to open the trunk by using the latch mechanism. 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 click when you press them. It is also possible that the engine needs to be running in order to trigger the latch.
Examining the Battery
If you are unable to unlock the doors using any of the methods listed above, it is possible that you have a dead battery on your key fob. The good thing is that many car fobs have a built-in emergency key that can be used to unlock the driver's door if it is locked. This is often an additional key that comes with the vehicle or it could be found in the center console or glove compartment.
Most often there is a blockage in the lock's cylinder can be the reason why keys don't work in the ignition. This could be caused by dirt, grime or other debris that gets inside the lock and prevents pins from dropping properly when you insert the key. You can use compressed air or flashlights to identify any obstructions within the lock cylinder. If you are careful, you can remove the obstructions and ensure that your key will function when you require it.
Another reason that could cause a car key to not turn on is damage to the cylinder itself. In this instance the lock cylinder is most likely damaged and must be replaced. This could be a costly repair however there are options to fix the problem temporarily.
For example, you can use a wire hanger take off a small portion of trim from the door handle or the panel in which the key cylinder is situated. However, this method is not recommended if you don't have much experience in DIY projects, since it is difficult to complete and could harm your vehicle. Additionally, you should ensure that your vehicle is turned off completely before you begin any work on it.
The risk of locking your keys accidentally in your car can be a frustrating situation to be in. Be calm and follow the guidelines to retrieve your keys safely without causing further damage to your car. You should also check your insurance policy to determine whether the replacement of your keys is covered.
Calling for Help
Before you call for assistance if you have locked your keys in your vehicle There are a few steps you can do. If you have a spare car key at home You can ask someone 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 will keep a spare key in their home or at work, so they can come get you in case you are locked out of your vehicle. Thirdly, call roadside assistance companies such as AAA. They have kits specifically designed to open vehicles and will be capable of opening your vehicle for a fraction of the cost the locksmith would charge. However, they'll require your VIN number (visible near the front windshield wiper) and evidence of ownership to be able to do this.
If the emergency is urgent and you have pets or children in your car, call 911 immediately. They will dispatch police to your location and employ special tools or methods to safely remove the animal or child out of the vehicle. This could include using a small jim to open the door, or breaking a window.
It's never enjoyable to lock your keys inside your vehicle, but in the majority of instances, it's just a minor inconvenience. Following these tips will help you avoid being stuck and make a plan for the next time this happens.
Drivers should also take steps to avoid being stuck in their cars in the future, like downloading their vehicle manufacturer's app or keeping keys in a safe location outside the vehicle, such as a magnetic safe underneath the vehicle or on the driver's side of the trunk. In addition, Moody recommends that drivers contact their car manufacturer for the replacement of their key and buy a roadside assistance plan that provides lockout assistance. This can save money over time, since the majority of roadside assistance plans provide lockout assistance.