10 Misconceptions That Your Boss May Have About Locked Keys In Car
Locked Keys in Car? Here's How to Get Back Inside Without Calling Roadside Assistance
It's more likely than you think you will keep your keys locked inside your car. There are many ways to get back inside without calling for assistance on the road.
By taking precautionary measures, like always double-checking locks before locking doors and keeping spare keys in designated locations you can ensure that you don't get locked out of your car completely!
1. Inflatable Wedge
The feeling of locking your keys in the car can be one of the worst things you can experience. It can throw your entire day into a tizzy and leave you wondering if you'll get home or to work, or to your next appointment.
There are many methods to get back into your car after losing your keys. Utilizing a coat hanger that you've shaped into a hook, or creating wedges from two or three door stops can allow you to break through the glass to open your door. If you don't own these items or your car has an auto lock or air pump, then an air pump wedge might be the best choice.
Air pump wedges are a versatile tool that locksmiths and repo experts for auto lockouts. These tools typically have an inflatable bag that is slipped between the door and weather stripping of the car to create a gap that can be accessed with more extended tools, like car unlocking rods. These wedges also feature an extremely durable design that is non-marring to avoid chipping the paint on the exterior of a car.
For those who are DIY-ers There are a variety of air wedge kits that are available on the market, with some which come with a hand pump for manual inflation. A high-quality kit will be able form an opening large enough to insert tools and open many vehicles with manual locks.
If you do not have an air wedge or other option, there is always the option of calling for roadside assistance or a locksmith in your area, especially if there is nothing else that works. If this is the only option available you should keep a spare key in a secure location to ensure you don't lose it when you need it. Regardless of the method you choose, be patient and remember it's fine to panic when you lock your keys in your car; your life can still go with the same ease if you follow these simple guidelines.
2. Coat Hanger
Wire coat hangers are a common household item that can be used to unlock a car. The trick is to bend the hook into a tiny "V" shape that can hold the lock post inside your door and manipulate it to pop the lock open. This is the same method police officers employ with a slim jim. However, using a coat hanger requires less finagling.
Attach a slipknot in the middle of a long, stiff string or paracord. Apply the slipknot to the top edge of the car door to pull it open. This allows you to have enough room to put in a long rod like hanger for clothes or a blood pressure cuff. If you don't have an cuff for blood pressure or a blood pressure cuff, ask your local pharmacy for one. They often include them in their emergency kits.
Unravel your coat hanger's end and straighten it so that you have a hook and a straight edge on both sides. If you have pliers, it could be easier to bend the hook into a V shape. This will require repeating the process a few times until you get the ideal hook shape. Once you have the perfect shape, slide it in behind the weather stripping on the bottom of the door. Then insert it into the door just above the handle.
Once you have the hanger positioned, move it back and forth to locate a pin or a bar that is responsible for the door lock post. Depending on the type of vehicle you drive, it could be above or below the door handle on your interior. When you find it, tap it lightly to see if it moves. Then try pulling it up or backwards to release the lock.
You have successfully disconnected your lock if the lock post jiggles. You can then pull the handle back and you're in your vehicle! This method works for older vehicles that have manual locks. Be careful not to damage your window or car frame by sliding the hook too far.
3. Shoestring
There are many tools to gain access to your locked car quickly. You can use an extended rod, such as a metal or wooden strip that can be inserted into the gap between the door frame and the car, and then press down the unlock button on the inside. However, these options are not always easy to find and may scratch the paint of your vehicle. An air wedge is a different alternative. It's shaped like an inflatable cuff could be found in an office of a doctor. It can be pumped into the gap until it sufficient to push the unlock button. These devices are relatively inexpensive and can be used over and over in order to unlock your car.
A shoelace is a more simple tool. First, take off the shoes and look around the middle to find the location where the slip knot is situated. Set one end of the shoelace between the corner and the doorframe of your vehicle and then work it through the crack until it forms a loop around the lock's knob. Pull tight and up. After a few times, this technique can be mastered in less than 30 seconds.
If this method doesn't work, you could try a slim Jim to open the door of your vehicle. A slim jim is a flat thin metal tool that has hooks on both ends and fits into the space between the weatherproofing rubber on your car door and the window. The hooks on a slim jim can be used to open the car's door. However, this method is risky since it requires inserting the tool through the window, and could cause damage to the seal.
Plan ahead in case you forget your keys in the vehicle and have to get it. There are several ways you can prepare for this problem before it happens by signing to an automaker's app or service, subscribing to roadside assistance, or even leaving a spare key and fob with your family or friends.
4. Blood Pressure Cuff
Many nurses, doctors and other professionals carry a blood-pressure cuff with them. This is a small device that can be used to open your car after locking the keys inside.
Place a deflated cuff in the gap where the door joins the frame. Slowly inflate it to make an opening. Do not over-inflate it, or you could damage the door. You should now have enough space to place a coat hanger made of wire or another long, thin object that could reach the unlock button within the door.
If
get my keys out of my car don't have a hanger for your coat you can try a piece of tubing or wire. This is the same trick that professionals use to open their vehicles and you can be sure it will work!
There are a variety of methods to open a locked vehicle but you should be cautious not to harm your vehicle or yourself. Always use the easiest and least damaging techniques first. Don't forget that your insurance might cover services to assist you in this type of situation! If all else fails contact 911 or contact a towing company. They'll charge a modest fee, but you'll be saving time and money in the long run. It's a good thing that we've all locked our keys in our cars at some moment in time. It's a very common mistake and typically will not ruin your day so long as you're aware of the best ways to get back inside! If you have an extra key in your home, ensure you know where it is. Request a family member or friend who you trust to keep keys for you in case you don't have one. To be safe, always make sure you have the keys before pressing the lock. These easy tips will help prevent you from being locked out of your car in the future!