Five Killer Quora Answers To Locked Keys In Car
Locked Keys in Car? Here's How to Get Back Inside Without Calling Roadside Assistance
It's more likely than you think you'll keep your keys locked inside your car. There are several ways to get inside your car without calling roadside assistance.
You can avoid being locked out of your car by taking preventative measures like double-checking the doors prior to locking them and storing spare keys in designated locations.
1. Inflatable Wedge
It can be a very frustrating feeling to realize that you have locked your keys inside your car. It can throw your entire day into chaos and make you wonder how you will get home or work, or to your next meeting.
Fortunately, there are several options for getting back into your vehicle when you've locked your keys in the car. You could break the glass using a coathanger made of wire that you've turned into a 'hook', or creating a wedge using three or two door stoppers. If you don't own these items or if your vehicle has an auto lock, then an air pump wedge could be the best choice.
An air pump wedge is a multi-purpose tool that's often used by professional locksmiths and repo professionals for auto lockout services. These tools usually feature an inflatable bag that is slipped between the door and weather stripping of the car to create gaps that can be accessed by longer-reaching tools such as rods for unlocking cars. These wedges are also made of an extremely durable design that is non-marring to prevent chipping of the paint on a car.
For DIYers there are numerous air wedge kits that are available on the market, including a few which come with a hand pump to allow manual inflation. A top-quality kit will be able to create an opening between the door and the jamb sufficient to allow for the installation of access tools and open most vehicles with manual locks.
For those who do not have an air wedge or other alternative, there's always the option of calling for roadside assistance or a local locksmith, especially if there is nothing else that works. If this is the only option, make sure that you keep a spare key in a secure location so that you don't need to worry about losing it when the time comes to make use of it. Whatever method you select do not panic. You can still return to normal by following these guidelines.
2. Coat Hanger
Wire coat hangers are a standard household item that can be used to unlock a car. The trick is to bend the hook into a small "V" shape that will hold the lock post inside your door and manipulate it to push the lock open. The same technique is used by police officers using the slim Jim, but coat hangers require less effort.
Attach a slipknot in the middle of a long piece string or paracord that is stiff. Use the slipknot to push open the door of your car towards the top corner. This will give you enough space to insert a long rod for example, a clotheshanger or blood pressure cuff. If you don't have a blood pressure cuff, visit your local discount or drugstore and they usually have one in their emergency kits.
Unravel the end of your coat hanger and straighten it to ensure that you have a hook and an even edge on both sides. It might be easier to bend hooks into a V-shape, especially if you have pliers. You will need to do this several times to achieve the ideal hook shape. Once you have the perfect shape, slide it behind the weather stripping at the bottom of the door. Then insert it into the door just above the handle.
Once you have the hanger positioned on the wall, you can move it forward and back to find a pin or bar that controls the door lock post. Depending on your vehicle, you may find it either above or below the door handle on your interior. Tap it lightly to see if you are able to move it. You can also pull it up or backwards to disengage the lock.
If the lock's post shakes then you have successfully disconnected the lock. Then, you can lower the handle and you're in your vehicle! This method works for older vehicles with manual locks. Just be careful not to scratch your window or the car frame by sliding the hook in too hard.
3. Shoestring
There are several tools that can be used to unlock your vehicle. You can use a lengthy metal or wood strip that can fit through the gap between your car and the door frame to press the unlock button from the inside. These options aren't always available and can damage the paint of your car. A wedge made of air is another option. It resembles the cuff that you utilize at a doctor's appointment and can be pumped into to create a gap enough to press the unlock button inside. These devices are quite affordable and can be used repeatedly when needed to unlock your car.
A shoelace is a more simple tool. To find the slip knot, you must first unlace your shoe and look around the middle. Then, you can place the shoelace's end between the corner of your car's door and the doorframe, and work it down through the crack until it loops around the knob on the lock. Pull it tight and upwards. After a few times, this technique can be mastered in less than 30 seconds.
If this method doesn't work, you can try using a slim Jim to open your vehicle. A slim jim, a thin, flat metal tool with hooks at both ends that sits between the weatherproofing rubber on your car's door and window, is the perfect solution. The hooks on a slim jim may be used to open the door of a car. However this is a risky method since it requires inserting the tool through the window and could damage the seal.
Plan ahead in case you lose your keys inside your vehicle and require to access it. There are G28 Car Keys can prepare for this situation before it occurs, such as signing to an automaker's app or service, registering for roadside assistance, or leaving keys and fobs with friends or family members.
4. Blood Pressure Cuff
Many nurses, doctors and other professionals carry a blood-pressure cuff with them. Even if not, this is a low-cost device that could to save the day if you lock your keys in your car.
Place a deflated cuff in the space where the door meets the frame. Slowly inflate it to make an opening. Don't over-inflate the cuff or you may harm the door. There should be enough space to place a wire coat hanger or any other long, thin object that could reach the unlock button on the door.
If you don't own a coat hanger or wire, you could use a piece of tubing. This is the same trick used by professionals to open their cars, so you can be sure that it will work!
There are a myriad of ways to gain entry into a locked vehicle, but you have be cautious not to do anything that could cause damage to your vehicle or yourself. Remember to always take the simplest and least damaging method first. Your auto insurance could also cover these types of services! If nothing else works then you can dial 911 or use an auto towing service. There will be an amount that is small, but you'll save time and money in the end. It's a good thing that we've all locked our keys in our vehicles at some time or another. It's a common mistake and usually will not ruin your day so long as you're aware of right tips to get back inside! If you have an extra key at your home, make sure you know where it is. If not, ask a trusted friend or relative to store an extra key for you. To ensure your security, make sure you have the keys before pressing the lock. These simple steps can help ensure that you are not locked out of your vehicle in the future.