How to Deal With Locked Keys in Your Vehicle

It is not unusual to lock your keys locked in car no spare (Full Post) in the vehicle. This could be a stressful scenario. But this is a situation that can be dealt with.

You can prevent being locked out again by storing spare keys in a secure and secure location. You can also add roadside assistance to your vehicle, which can help with breakdowns and assists drivers in getting back on their feet.

Locking the Doors

It's a humiliating moment when you lock your keys in your car. In the ideal situation there is an acquaintance or family member nearby who can come unlock the door for you without damaging your vehicle. If not, it will be fairly easy to get back into your vehicle with the right tools. The kind of vehicle you drive and the locks you have installed inside will determine how easy it is to get back inside.

For example, if your vehicle has manual locks instead of sensors, you could use a thin rod or wire to open the doors. It could be a coat hanger that is bent into the shape of a lasso, or, on newer vehicles it could be a rod made of metal that is integrated into the key fob. A lot of hardware stores offer "lock picking" sets with a rod of metal and instructions to unlock your car's doors.

To make use of this method, you need to determine the location where the "unlock" switch is located. It could be near the key fob, or it could be on a panel in the front of the vehicle that is visible from the windshield. Once you've figured out this information, you can use a coat hanger or rod to create a gap between the car's door and the frame or window. Then, you can reach inside and press the button.

Make sure that your door locks come with a release button you can press to unlock them. A few of the latest cars have these in the trunk, usually on the side closest to the passenger seats. You can also utilize the emergency release tab to fold down the seat and crawl into the trunk.

If none of these solutions work, you need to contact a professional. You could ask a friend to assist you, if they own the same car unlocking service as yours. Or you can ask your auto dealer to create a new key for you. You can obtain a new key for a lot cheaper than if you hire a locksmith.

Locking the Trunk

It's not a great idea to secure the trunk of your vehicle unless you intend to hide valuables. It's a great way to ensure that thieves aren't able to access your possessions, but it also blocks the trunk from being opened by a key fob. You can solve this problem by concealing a spare car keys under the rear bumper well or in the trunk. This isn't foolproof and can be easily spotted by a thief, but it can help to deter thieves from opening your trunk.

Modern automobiles have made extreme measures to ensure that only the key fob will be able to open the trunk. To safeguard your belongings, a lot of manufacturers have locked the trunk release lever inside the cabin or in the back seat. You can still save money if you use a Slim Jim, or call roadside assistance rather than hiring a locksmith.

You can try opening your trunk using a wire hanger. Be careful to avoid damaging the paintwork. You'll have bend the hanger at one side, so that it forms a hook. Then, insert the hook between the trunk and the seat's back. If you are able to feel resistance, you have located the lever or button that opens the trunk.

You can also open the trunk if you have access to the front cabin. This is done by pressing a button inside the cabin. This method isn't foolproof since a burglar could look at the button and be aware that your valuables are in the trunk.

Another method is to unlock keys in car the trunk with the latch mechanism. This is a simple method to accomplish this however it is only effective when your car isn't fully charged and you hear the door locks clicking when you press them. The engine may also need to be running to trigger the latch.

Checking the Battery

It is possible that the battery in your key fob has gone out of service if you can't unlock the door by using any of the methods listed above. The good news is that the majority of key fobs come with an emergency key that can be used to unlock door car the door of the driver if it is locked. It is usually an additional key that was included with the vehicle or could be found in the glove box or center console.

The most common reason why the car key won't turn on is due to an obstruction in the lock cylinder. This can be caused by dirt, grime or any other debris that gets inside the lock and prevents the pins from dropping correctly when you insert the key. A flashlight and compressed air are fantastic tools to identify any obstructions within the lock cylinder. If you're careful you can get rid of the obstructions and ensure your key is working in the ignition when required.

Damage to the cylinder could cause a car to not turn on. In this case the lock cylinder is likely damaged and needs to be replaced. This can be a costly repair, however there are methods to temporarily fix this problem.

For instance, you could make use of a wire hanger to pry away a small section of trim from the door handle or on the panel where the key cylinder is situated. But, this method is not recommended if don't have a lot of experience in DIY projects, as it is difficult to do 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 very frustrating to accidentally lock your keys in your car. You should remain calm and follow the above steps to safely retrieve your keys without creating further damage to your car. If you're able to, you should also consult your insurance company to see if key replacement is covered under your policy.

Need Help?

There are a few things you need to do prior to calling for help when you have locked your keys locked in vehicle inside your car. First, if at home and have an extra key, have someone bring it to you and unlock your car using that method. You will not have to pay for an emergency locksmith service. Second, try the number of a family member or friend's phone to determine whether they have the keys. Many people keep spare keys to their cars at work or at home to help in case you've locked yourself out. Third, contact roadside assistance services like AAA. They have special tools to open vehicles and can unlock your car at a cheaper cost than a locksmith. They will require your VIN (located near the front windshield wiper) and proof of ownership to open it.

Call 911 immediately if you are in an urgent situation and have a child or pet in your vehicle. They will send police to your location and employ special tools or methods to take the animal or child out of the car. This could mean using a slim jim to open the door or breaking a window.

It's not enjoyable to lock your keys inside your car, but in most instances, it's just an inconvenience of a minor nature. These tips can help you avoid being stranded and prepare a plan for the next time it occurs.

Drivers can also take measures to avoid being stuck in their vehicles in the future, such as downloading their vehicle manufacturer's app or keeping keys in a secure location outside the vehicle, such as a magnetic safe beneath the vehicle or on the driver's side of the trunk. Moody recommends that motorists purchase a roadside service plan that includes assistance for locking out and contacting the manufacturer of their vehicle to obtain an alternative key. This can save you money in the long term, because being locked out of your vehicle is almost always covered by this kind of coverage.