How to Deal With Locked Keys in Your Vehicle

Locking keys in the car is a regular situation, and it can leave you with an anxious feeling. This is a scenario that you can deal with.

There are ways to prevent getting locked out in the future, which includes having spare keys stored somewhere safe and secure. You can also include roadside assistance in your vehicle, which will cover breakdowns and assists drivers in getting back on their feet.

Locking the Doors

When you lock out assistance your keys in your car, it can be embarrassing. If you're lucky you have a family member or friend is in the vicinity and can open the car door without damaging it. It is still possible to access your vehicle with the proper tools, even if you do not have a friend or family member in the vicinity. The kind of vehicle you drive and the locks you have installed in it will determine how easy it is to get back inside.

For instance, if the vehicle has manual locks rather than sensors, you could make use of a thin rod or wire to open the doors. You can use a wire coathanger bent into a lasso-like shape or, for newer vehicles, the rod built into your key fob. You can also find "lock picking" kits at a variety of hardware stores that have the metal rod and instructions to help you unlock your car's doors.

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 the location, use an iron rod or coat hanger to create a gap between the door of the car and the window or frame. You can then reach inside and press the button.

Check if your door locks are equipped with a release lever that you can press to unlock them. A few of the latest cars have these in the trunk, generally on the side closest to the seats. You can also use the emergency release tab to fold down the seat and crawl into the trunk.

If none of these methods are working, it's time to call for help. You can ask a family member to help you, if they own the same vehicle as you do. Or you can ask your dealer to make a new key for you. You can purchase an additional key for less than hiring a locksmith.

Locking the Trunk

It's not a great idea to secure the trunk of your vehicle unless you intend to conceal valuables. While it is ideal to ensure that thieves aren't able to access your stuff, it also prevents you from opening the trunk without using your key fob. You can fix this issue 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 attempting to open your trunk.

Modern cars have made great efforts to ensure that only the key fob can unlock the trunk. Many manufacturers have placed the trunk release lever 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 instead of hiring a locksmith.

You can use a wire hanger try to open the trunk of your car. You should be cautious to not damage the paintwork. It is also necessary to bend the hanger at one end to create a small hook. Then, place the hook between the trunk and the back of the seat. You will know you have the correct lever or button if you feel resistance.

You can also open the trunk if have access to your car's front cabin. This is done by pressing a button located inside the cabin. This method isn't 100% secure because a burglar can see the button and see that your valuables are in the trunk.

The other method involves unlocking the trunk by using the latch mechanism. This is a straightforward method, but it only works in the event that your car is not fully charged and you can hear the door locks click when you press them. It is also possible that the engine must be running in order to trigger the latch.

Checking the Battery

If you are unable to unlock the doors using any of the methods described above, it's likely that you have a dead battery inside your key fob. Most car fobs come with an emergency key that you can use to unlock the driver door if locked. It is typically a separate key that came with the car, or it can be found in the center console or in the glove compartment.

The most common reason why a car key doesn't turn in the ignition is because of an obstruction in the lock's the cylinder. Dirt or grime or other debris could cause this issue. It hinders the pins from dropping properly when you insert your key. A flashlight and compressed air are both excellent tools to identify any obstructions within the lock's cylinder. If you're cautious you can clear the debris and ensure that your key is working in the ignition when needed.

Damage to the cylinder can also cause a car not start. In this instance it is likely the lock cylinder is damaged and needs to be replaced. This could be a costly fix, however there are solutions to fix the issue temporarily.

You can, for example using a wire hook to pry off a small portion of the door handle where the key cylinder is. This method is not recommended for those who are new to DIY projects. It isn't easy and could cause damage to your vehicle. It is also important to turn off the car completely before you begin any work.

It can be frustrating to accidentally lock your keys in your car lock out. You should remain calm and follow these steps to ensure that you can retrieve your keys without creating further damage to your vehicle. It is also advisable to examine your insurance policy to determine if the replacement of keys is covered.

Need help?

There are a few things you need to do before you call for help if you've locked the keys to your car. If you have an extra car key at home, ask someone to bring it to unlock your vehicle. You don't need to pay for an emergency locksmith service. Second, try a friend or family member's phone to find out whether they have the keys. Many people have spare car keys at work or at home to help when you've locked yourself in. Third, contact roadside assistance services like AAA. They have special tools to open cars and are able to open yours at a much lower 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 have an emergency and have a child or pet in your vehicle. They will send police to your location and use specialized equipment or methods to take the animal or child out of the vehicle. This could include using the slim-jim to break a window or open the car door.

Finding your car keys locked in your vehicle is not fun, but it can be a minor inconvenience in most cases. By following these guidelines, you avoid being stuck and prepare a plan for the next time it happens.

Drivers can also take steps to avoid being stuck in their vehicles in the future, for instance, downloading the app of their car manufacturer or keeping an extra key in a secure location outside the vehicle, such as an electronic safe under the vehicle or on the driver's side of the trunk. Moody also recommends that motorists purchase a roadside assistance plan that offers assistance for locking out and contacting their car manufacturer to get a replacement key. 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.