How to Deal With Locked Keys in Your Vehicle

Locking keys in your car is a frequent occurrence, and it can leave you with anxiety. But, this is a situation that can be dealt with.

There are ways to prevent getting locked out of my vehicle out in the future, including storing spare keys locked in vehicle somewhere safe and secure. You can also add roadside service to your vehicle. This will cover breakdowns and helps you get back on the road.

Locking the Doors

It's a humiliating 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 causing damage to your car. It is still possible to get inside your vehicle with the proper tools, even if don't have a friend or family member in the vicinity. It all depends on the type of vehicle you drive and the kind of locks fitted to it.

For instance, if your vehicle has manual locks instead of sensor-operated locks, you can use a thin rod or wire to open the doors. This might be a wire coat hanger that you bend into the shape of a lasso, or, on newer vehicles, a metal rod that's built into your key fob. A lot of hardware stores sell "i lock my keys in my car picking" sets which include a rod made of metal and instructions to open your car's door.

To make use of this method, you have to determine where the "unlock" switch is located. It is usually located near the key fob or on a panel that is visible through the windshield. Once you have this information you can use the rod or coat hanger to create a gap between the door and its frame or window. You can then reach inside and press the button.

The other thing to check is whether your door locks have release switches that you can press to open them. Some modern automobiles have these switches in the trunk, usually on the side closest to the passenger seats. You can also try using the emergency release tab which folds down the seat so you can crawl into the trunk and take your keys.

If none of these solutions work, you'll need to seek help. You can ask a family member to help you, provided they own the same vehicle as yours. You can also ask your auto dealer to create a brand new key. You can get an additional key for less than if you hired locksmith.

Locking the Trunk

It is not a good idea to secure the trunk of your vehicle unless you are trying to keep valuables out of sight. It's a good idea to protect your belongings, however it also prevents the trunk from being opened without a key fob. It is possible to solve this issue by placing a spare car key under the rear bumper or in the trunk. This method is not foolproof and is easily discovered by thieves, but it can help to deter thieves from opening your trunk.

Modern cars have made extreme measures to ensure that only the key fob can open the trunk. In order to protect your belongings, many manufacturers have locked the trunk release lever inside the cabin or in the back seat. You can still save money if use the Slim Jim, or call roadside assistance instead of hiring a locksmith.

You can use a wire hanger to try to open the trunk of your vehicle. Be careful to avoid damaging the paintwork. It is also necessary to bend the hanger on one side to create a small hook. Then, you can place the hook between the trunk and the seat's back. If you can feel resistance, you have located the lever or button that opens the trunk.

You can also open the trunk if have access to the front cabin. This is done by pressing a button located inside the cabin. However, this isn't a foolproof method because it is possible for thieves to spot the button and realize that you have valuables in the trunk.

Another method is to unlock the trunk with the latch mechanism. This is a simple way to do it however it only works if your car is not fully charged and you hear the door locks clicking when you press them. The engine might also have to be running to trigger the latch.

Examining the Battery

If you are unable open a car the doors with any of the methods listed above, it's possible that you simply have a dead battery inside your key fob. The good news is that most key fobs come with an emergency key that can be used to open the door for the driver when it is locked. This is usually a separate key that is included in the car or can be located in the glove compartment or in the center console.

The most frequent reason a car key doesn't turn in the ignition is because there is an obstruction in the lock cylinder. This could be due to dirt, grime or any other debris that gets inside the lock and prevents the pins from falling correctly when you insert the key. You can use compressed air or a flashlight to find any obstructions within the lock cylinder. If you are careful you can get rid of the debris and make sure your key will function when you need it.

Another issue that can cause a car key to not turn on is damage to the cylinder itself. In this scenario the lock cylinder is most likely damaged and needs to be replaced. This could be a costly fix, however there are solutions to fix the issue temporarily.

For instance, you can use a wire hanger to remove a small piece of trim from the door handle or the panel where the key cylinder is situated. This is not a good idea for those who are new to DIY projects. It isn't easy and may cause damage to your vehicle. It is also important to turn off the car completely prior to beginning any work.

It can be frustrating to accidentally lock your keys in your car. It is important to remain calm and follow the above guidelines to safely retrieve your keys without creating further damage to your vehicle. If you are able, you should also check with your insurance provider to see if key replacement is covered under your policy.

Calling for help

Before calling for help in the event that you lock your keys in your vehicle, there are a few things you can do. First, if you're at home and have an extra key, have someone bring it to you, and then open your vehicle that way. This will avoid needing to pay an emergency locksmith service call. Next, call the number of a family member or friend's phone to determine whether they have the keys locked in car no spare. A lot of people have a spare key in their home or at work, so they can assist you if you lock yourself out of your car. Third, contact roadside assistance providers such as AAA. They have tools specifically designed to open cars and can open your vehicle unlocking at a lower cost than a locksmith. They will require your VIN (located close to the front wiper on the windshield) and proof of ownership to unlock it.

If the situation is urgent and you have a small child or pet inside your vehicle, call 911 immediately. The police will be sent to your location to safely remove the animal or child from the vehicle. This could involve using a jim that is slim to open the door, or breaking windows.

Finding your car keys locked in the vehicle is never enjoyable, but it could be a minor issue in the majority of cases. If you follow these guidelines you can avoid being stuck in your car and prepare a plan of actions for the next time it happens to you.

Drivers can take other ways to avoid getting stuck in their car in the future. For instance, they can download the app of their vehicle manufacturer or keep keys in a safe location outside the vehicle. Moody also suggests that drivers purchase a roadside service plan that provides lockout assistance and contact the manufacturer of their vehicle to obtain an alternative key. This could save you money in the long run, as getting locked out of your car is usually covered by this kind of coverage.