How to Deal With Locked Keys in Your Vehicle
It is not uncommon to lock your keys inside the vehicle. This can be a stressful situation. But this is a situation which can be handled.
There are ways to prevent getting 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 covers breakdowns and can help you get back on the road.
Locking the Doors
If you lock your keys inside your car, it could be embarrassing. If you're lucky you have a family member or friend is in the vicinity and can open the car door without causing any damage. It is still possible to get inside your car with the right tools, even if do not have a friend or family member in the vicinity. It is all dependent on the kind of vehicle you drive and the type of lock that are installed in it.
If the locks on your car are mechanical and not controlled by sensors, you can unlock the doors using a thin wire or rod. You can use a coathanger wire bent into a lasso shape or, in newer vehicles, the rod is integrated into the key fob. Many hardware stores offer "lock picking" sets with a rod of metal and instructions to unlock your car's doors.
First, you must determine the whereabouts of the "unlock" button. It is usually located near the key fob or on a panel that is visible through the windscreen. Once you have this information then you can use the rod or coat hanger to create an opening between the car's door and its frame or window. Then, you can reach inside and press the button.
The other thing to check is whether your door locks come with release switches that you can push to open them. Certain cars, especially those that are more recent include this switch in the trunk. It is usually near the seat of the driver. You can also use the emergency release button to fold the seat down and crawl into the trunk.
If none of these solutions work, then you'll need to seek help. You could ask a friend to help you, if they own the same vehicle as you do. You can also ask your auto dealer to make a new key for you. You can get a new key for much less than hiring locksmith.
Locking the Trunk
It's not a good idea to lock the trunk of your car unless you intend to keep valuables out of sight. It is a good way to ensure that thieves aren't able to access your belongings, but it also blocks the trunk from being opened by a key fob. However, you can overcome this problem by hiding a spare key under the rear fender or on the floor of the trunk. G28 isn't foolproof, and it is easy for thieves to find however it could keep them from trying to open your trunk in the first place.
Modern cars have gone to great efforts to ensure that only the key fob can unlock the trunk. Many manufacturers have put the lever to open the trunk either in the cabin or the back seat to safeguard your valuables. You can still save money if use a Slim Jim, or call roadside assistance rather than hiring a locksmith.
You can make use of a wire hanger to try and open the trunk of your vehicle. However, you need to be cautious not to damage the paint. You'll have bend the hanger at one end, so that it has a hook. Then, you can insert the hook into the space between the back of the seat and the trunk. You'll know if you've used the correct button or lever when you feel resistance.
You can also access the trunk if you have access to your car's front cabin. This is done by pressing a button located inside the cabin. This method is not foolproof because a thief could see the button and be aware that your valuables are in the trunk.
The other method involves using the latch mechanism to unlock the trunk. This is an easy way to unlock the trunk, but only if you own a vehicle that isn't fully charged. You will also need to hear the door locks clicking when you press them. It is also possible that the engine needs to be running in order to trigger the latch.
Checking the Battery
If you are unable to open the doors with any of the methods described above, it's possible that you have a dead battery on your key fob. The good news is that most automobile fobs have 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 located in the glove box or in the center console.
The most frequent reason the car key won't turn on is because there is an obstruction in the lock's the cylinder. Dirt, grime, or other debris can cause this issue. It prevents the pins from dropping correctly when you insert your key. A flashlight and compressed air are both excellent tools to find any obstructions in the lock cylinder. If you're cautious you can get rid of the obstructions and ensure your key is working in the ignition when required.
Damage to the cylinder could also cause a car not turn on. In this situation it is likely the lock cylinder has been damaged and requires replacement. This can be an expensive repair however, there are solutions to solve the issue temporarily.
For example, you can use a wire hanger take off a small portion of trim around the door handle or panel in which the key cylinder is located. However, this method is not recommended if don't have a lot of experience in DIY projects as it is difficult to accomplish and could cause damage to your vehicle. It is also important to shut off your car completely prior to beginning any work.
Accidentally locking your keys in your car is an unpleasant situation to find yourself in. It's crucial to remain calm and use the suggestions above in order to retrieve keys safely and without causing additional damage to your vehicle. You should also check your insurance policy to determine if the replacement of keys is covered.
Help is needed.
There are a few things you need to do before calling for help if you've locked the keys to your car. First, if at home and have an extra key, have someone bring it to you and then unlock your vehicle that way. You will not have to pay for an emergency locksmith service. You could also call your family member or a friend to see if she has the key. A lot of people have keys in their house or at work, so they can come get you when you're locked out of your vehicle. Thirdly, call roadside assistance providers like AAA. They have special kits to unlock vehicles and are in a position to open your car at a lower cost than the locksmith would charge. They will require your VIN (located close to the front wiper on the windshield) and proof of ownership to open it.
If the emergency is urgent and you have pets or children in your vehicle, dial 911 immediately. They will send police to your location and employ specialized equipment or methods to 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 in the vehicle is never enjoyable, but it can be a minor inconvenience in the majority of cases. By following these suggestions to avoid getting trapped in your vehicle and have a plan of actions for the next time it occurs to you.
Drivers can also take other ways to avoid getting stuck in their car in the future. For example, they can download the app of the manufacturer of their vehicle or keep a spare key in a convenient location outside the vehicle. In addition, Moody recommends that drivers contact their car manufacturer to request a replacement key and to buy a roadside assistance plan that covers lockout assistance. This will save money over time, since the majority of roadside assistance plans provide lockout assistance.