12 Statistics About Keys Locked In Vehicle To Bring You Up To Speed The Cooler Water Cooler
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 situation. This is a scenario you can handle.
There are ways to avoid 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 covers breakdowns and helps drivers get back on their feet.
Locking the Doors
When you lock your keys inside your car, it can be embarrassing. If you're fortunate, you have a family member or a friend who is close enough to open the car door without causing any damage. It is still possible to get inside your vehicle with the proper tools, even if don't have a family member nearby. It all depends on the type of vehicle you own and the type of locks installed in it.
For instance, if the car has manual locks instead of sensor-operated locks, you can use a thin rod or wire to unlock the doors. You can use a coathanger made of wire bent into a lasso-like shape or, in more modern automobiles, the rod that is built into your key fob. There are also "lock picking" kits at a variety of hardware stores, which include the rod of steel as well as instructions to help unlock your car's door.
You must first identify the whereabouts of the "unlock" button. It could be near the key fob, or it could be on a wall in the front of the car that's visible from the windshield. Once you have this information, you can use the rod or coat hanger to create an opening between the door and its frame or window. You can then reach in and press the button to unlock the door.
Check to see if your door locks come with a release button that you can press to open them. Certain cars, particularly ones that are more recent are equipped with this feature in the trunk. It's usually located on the side nearest the passenger seat. You can also use the emergency release button to fold down the seat and crawl into the trunk.
If none of these solutions work, it's time to call for help. You might consider enlisting the assistance of a friend who owns the same model and model as your car, or ask your auto dealer to cut you a new one. You can purchase an additional key for less than hiring a locksmith.
Locking the Trunk
It's not a good idea to lock the trunk of your car unless you are trying to hide valuables. While it is ideal to keep thieves out of your stuff, it also hinders opening the trunk without using your key fob. But, you can work around this issue by concealing a spare key under the rear fender or on the floor of the trunk. This isn't foolproof but it is simple for thieves to find, but it may help in preventing them from trying to open your trunk in the first place.
car opening service have gone to great lengths to make sure that trunks can only be opened by a person with a 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 by choosing to use a Slim Jim, or call roadside assistance instead of hiring locksmith.
You can make use of a wire hanger to attempt to open the trunk of your car. But, you must be cautious not to damage the paint job. You'll need to bend the hanger on one end to form hooks. Then, you can insert the hook into the space between the back of the seat and the trunk. If you are able to 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 100% secure because a thief could see the button and be aware that your valuables are inside the trunk.
The other method involves unlocking the trunk with the latch mechanism. This is an easy way to do it however it only works when your car isn't fully charged and you hear the door locks clicking when you press them. It is also possible that the engine needs to be running to activate the latch.
Examining the Battery
If you are unable open the doors by using any of the methods mentioned above, it is possible that you simply have a dead battery on your key fob. The good thing is that many key fobs come with an emergency key that can be used to open the driver's door if it is locked. This is typically a separate key that was included with the vehicle or could be found in the glove box or the center console.
The most frequent reason the car key won't engage in the ignition is because there is an obstruction in the lock's cylinder. This could be due to dirt, grime or any other debris that gets into the lock and prevents the pins from dropping properly when you insert the key. You can use compressed air and a flashlight to locate any obstructions within the lock cylinder. If you're cautious you can get rid of this debris and ensure that your key is working in the ignition when needed.
Another reason that could cause a car key to not turn on is damage to the cylinder itself. In this scenario the lock cylinder could be damaged and needs to be replaced. This could be a costly repair, but fortunately there are methods to fix the issue temporarily.
For example, you can make use of a wire hanger to take off a small portion of trim on the door handle or panel in which the key cylinder is situated. However, this technique is not recommended if don't have a lot of experience working on DIY projects, since it is difficult to accomplish and could damage your vehicle. Also, make sure to shut off your car completely prior to beginning any work.
Locking your keys accidentally in your car is an embarrassing situation to find yourself in. It's important to remain calm and use the suggestions above in order to retrieve them safely without causing any additional damage to your vehicle. If you are able do so, you should also inquire with your insurance provider to determine if a key replacement is covered under your policy.
Help is needed.
There are some things you need to do prior to calling for help if you've locked the keys to your car. If you have an extra car key at home and you need someone to bring it, ask them to bring it in to unlock your vehicle. This will save you from having to pay an emergency locksmith service call. The second option is to call the number of a family member or friend's phone to see if they have the key. Many people will keep a spare key in their house or at work, which means they can assist you if you lock yourself out of your car. Third, contact roadside assistance companies like AAA. They have kits specifically designed to unlock vehicles and will be in a position to open your car for a fraction of the cost locksmiths would charge. They will need your VIN (located near the front wiper on the windshield) and proof of ownership to unlock it.
Contact 911 immediately if you are in a crisis and have a child or pet in your vehicle. They will dispatch police to your location and use specialized tools or methods to safely remove the animal or child out of the vehicle. This could involve using a small jim to open the door or breaking windows.
Getting your car keys locked inside the vehicle isn't enjoyable, but it could be a minor nuisance in most cases. By following these guidelines, you avoid being stuck and make a plan for the next time this occurs.
Drivers should also take steps to avoid getting stuck in their vehicles in the future, for instance, downloading the app of their car manufacturer or keeping an extra key in a safe location outside the vehicle, such as an electronic safe under the vehicle or on the driver's side of the trunk. In addition, Moody recommends that drivers contact their car manufacturer for an alternative key and to buy a roadside assistance plan which covers lockout assistance. This will save you money in the long term, as being locked out of your vehicle is almost always covered by this type of coverage.