How to Deal With Locked Keys in Your Vehicle

Locking keys in the car is a common event, and can leave you with an anxious feeling. But, this is a situation that can be resolved.

You can ensure that you don't get locked out again by storing spare keys in a secure and secure location. You can also add roadside assistance to your vehicle, which covers breakdowns and assists drivers in getting back on their feet.

Locking the Doors

If you lock your keys inside your car, it could be embarrassing. In the ideal scenario you've got an acquaintance or family member close by who can unlock the door for you, without causing damage to your vehicle. It is still possible to access your car with the right tools, even if you don't have a friend or family member nearby. The type of vehicle you drive and the locks you have installed inside will determine the ease to get back inside.

For example, if your vehicle has manual locks rather than sensors, you could make use of a thin rod or wire to unlock the doors. This might be a wire coat hanger that is bent into the shape of a lasso or on vehicles with more modern technology it could be a rod made of metal that is integrated into the key fob. There are many hardware stores that sell "lock picking" sets that include a metal rod and instructions to open your car's door.

First, you must determine the whereabouts of the "unlock" button. It could be near the key fob, or it could be on a panel in the front of the car that's visible from the windshield. Once you've got this information you can make use of the rod or coat hanger to create a gap between the car door and its frame or window. Then you can reach in and press the button to unlock the door.

Check if your door locks are equipped with a release button you can press to open them. Some of the more recent vehicles have them in the trunk, typically on the side closest to the seats. You can also try the emergency release tab that folds down the seat to allow you to crawl into the trunk and grab your keys.

If none of these solutions work, then you'll need to seek assistance. You could ask a friend to help you, provided they own the same vehicle as you do. You can also ask your dealer to create a brand new key for you. They can do this for much less than you'll pay an locksmith.

Locking the Trunk

Locking your trunk of your car is not a good option unless you want to hide valuables away. It is a great way to keep thieves away from your possessions, it keeps you from opening the trunk without your key fob. But, you can work around this problem by placing a spare key in the rear fender well or on the floor of the trunk. This isn't foolproof but it is simple for a thief to find however it could in preventing them from trying to open your trunk in the first place.

Modern cars have gone to great lengths to make sure that their trunks can only be opened by a person with the key fob. 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 Slim Jim Slim Jim, or call roadside assistance rather than hiring a locksmith.

You can use a wire hanger try to open the trunk of your vehicle. You should be cautious to not damage the paintwork. You will also need to bend the hanger at one end to create an elongated hook. Then, you can insert the hook into the space between the back of the seat and the trunk. If you can 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 that is located in the cabin's front to open the trunk. However, this is not a foolproof method because it is possible for thieves to look at the button and know that you have your valuables in the trunk.

The other method involves using the latch mechanism to unlock car keys inside the trunk. This is a simple way to unlock the trunk, however only if you own an automobile that isn't fully charged. You'll also need to hear your door locks clicking when you press them. It is also possible that the engine must be running in order to trigger the latch.

Examining the Battery

If you are unable to unlock the doors with any of the methods listed above, it's likely that you 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 of the driver if it is locked. It is typically an additional key that came with the car or it could be found in the center console or in the glove compartment.

The majority of the time an obstruction in the lock's cylinder is the reason why keys don't work in the ignition. Dirt or grime or other debris may cause this problem. It blocks the pins to drop correctly when you insert your key. A flashlight and compressed air are great tools to help you find any obstructions in the lock's cylinder. If you're careful you can clear this debris and ensure that your key will work in the ignition when needed.

Another reason that could cause the car key to not turn the ignition is damage to the cylinder itself. In this situation it is likely that the lock cylinder is damaged and must be replaced. This could be a costly repair, but there are ways to fix the problem temporarily.

For instance, you could make use of a wire hanger to pry away a small section of trim around the door handle or on the panel in which the key cylinder is located. But, this method is not recommended if you don't have a lot of experience with DIY projects, since it can be difficult to accomplish and could harm your vehicle. In addition, you should always be sure that the car is completely turned off before you begin any work on it.

It can be very frustrating to lock your keys accidentally in your car. It's important to remain calm and use the tips provided above in order to retrieve keys in a safe manner without causing additional damage to your vehicle. If you're able to then, you should inquire with your insurance provider to determine if the replacement of your key is covered under your policy.

Calling for help

There are some things you need to do before calling for help when you have locked the keys to your car. If you have a spare car key at home You can ask someone to bring it to unlock your vehicle. This will help you avoid needing to pay an emergency locksmith service call. You could also call an acquaintance or family member to find out if he or has the key. Many people keep a spare car key at work or at home so they can assist you when you've locked yourself in. Third, call roadside assistance companies like AAA. They have special kits to open vehicles and will be in a position to open your car for a fraction of the cost a locksmith would charge. However, they'll require your VIN number (visible on the front windshield wiper) and proof of ownership to do this.

Contact 911 immediately if you have an emergency and have a pet or child in your vehicle. They will send police to your home to remove the child or animal from the vehicle. This could include using a slim-jim to break a window or to open the car door.

Getting your car keys locked in your vehicle is not enjoyable, but it could be a minor inconvenience in the majority of cases. By following these suggestions you can avoid being stranded in the vehicle and have a plan of steps to take the next time this occurs to you.

Drivers should also take steps to avoid getting stuck in their cars in the future, such as downloading their vehicle manufacturer's app or keeping a spare key in a safe place outside the vehicle, like an electronic safe under the vehicle or on the driver's side of the trunk. In addition, Moody recommends that drivers contact their manufacturer to obtain the replacement of their key and purchase a roadside assistance program which covers lockout assistance. This can save money over time, since most roadside assistance plans cover assistance for lockouts.