14 Misconceptions Common 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 that you will lock your keys inside your car. There are many options to get back inside without calling roadside assistance. By taking precautionary measures, like always double-checking locks before locking doors and keeping spare keys in designated locations, you can avoid getting locked out of your car completely! 1. Inflatable Wedge The feeling of locking your keys in your car could be one of the most unpleasant experiences you'll ever have. It can throw your entire day into chaos and make you think about how to get home to work, or to your next event. Fortunately, there are a number of methods to gain access back to your vehicle after locking your keys in the vehicle. You can break the glass by using a wire coathanger that you have shaped into a 'hook' or making a wedge out of two or three door stoppers. If you don't have access to these materials, or if your vehicle has an automatic lock using an air pump wedge may be the best solution. An air pump wedge is a multi-purpose tool that's often used by professional locksmiths and repo experts for auto lockout services. These tools typically have an inflatable bag that slides between the door and weather stripping of the car to create an opening that can be accessed by longer-reaching tools such as rods for unlocking cars. These wedges are also designed to be durable and non-marring, which aids to avoid chipping the car's paint while providing a sturdy solution to gain access to a locked vehicle. There are many DIY air wedge kits available on the market. Some include an electric pump that can be used to manually inflate. A high-quality kit can create a gap big enough to insert tools and unlock a variety of cars using manual locks. If none of the other options work then you can always contact roadside assistance or a local lock-smith If you do not have a spare key. If you're the only option, ensure that you keep your spare key in a secure location so that you don't need to be concerned about losing it when the time comes to use it. Whatever method you select do not panic. You can return to normal by following these tips. 2. Coat Hanger Wire coat hangers are a typical household item that can be used to unlock a car. The trick is to bend your hook into a small V shape so that it can grab the lock post in your door. You then use the hook to open the lock. Similar techniques are used by police officers who have 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. Make use of the slipknot to pull open the car door slightly in the upper corner. This allows you to have enough room to insert a long rod, like hanger for clothes or a blood pressure cuff. If you don't have an artery pressure cuff, visit your local discount or drugstore; they often include one in their emergency kits. Unravel the coat hanger's end and straighten it so that you have a hook and a straight edge on both sides. If you have pliers, it could be easier to bend the hook into a V-shape. This will require you to repeat the process a few times until you reach the perfect hook shape. Once you have the right shape, slide it behind the weather stripping at the bottom of the door. Install it on the door, above the handle. Once unlock car keys inside have the hanger set on the wall, you can move it around to locate a pin or bar that controls the door lock post. Depending on your vehicle it could be either above or below the door's interior handle. Tap lightly on it to see if it is able to move it. Then try pulling it up or backwards to release the lock. You have successfully disconnected your lock if the lock post moves. Then you can simply lower the handle and you are in your car! This method works for older vehicles that have manual locks. Just be careful not to damage your window or the car frame by sliding the hook too hard. 3. Shoestring There are several tools that can be used to unlock your vehicle. You can use a long rod such as a metal or wooden strip that can fit through the gap between the door frame and the car, and then press down the unlock button located on the inside. These options aren't always available and can damage the paint of your car. Another alternative is an air wedge. It resembles an inflatable cuff you may find in the doctor's office. It can be pumped into the gap until it enough to push the unlock button. These devices are not expensive and can be used repeatedly and again to unlock your vehicle. A much more simple tool to use is a shoelace. First, unlace your shoes and then look around the middle to find where the slip knot is located. Set one end of the shoelace between the doorframe and the corner of your vehicle and then work through the crack to wrap around the knob of the lock. Pull the knob tightly and pull upwards. This method can be mastered with practice in less than 30 seconds. If this method doesn't work, you might try using the slim jim to open your car. A slim jim, which is a thin, flat tool made of metal with hooks on both ends that fit between the weatherproofing rubber on your car door and window, is the perfect solution. The hooks on a slim jim could be used to open the door of a car. However this method is dangerous because it requires inserting the tool through the window, and could damage the seal. Make a plan for the event that you forget your keys in the vehicle and have to enter it. You can prepare yourself for this eventuality by signing up to the automaker's service or app, subscribing for roadside assistance, or leaving a spare fob and key with friends or family. 4. Blood Pressure Cuff Many doctors, nurses and other staff members carry a blood-pressure cuff with them. Even if you don't, this is an inexpensive device that can help to save the day if you lock your keys in your car. Place a deflated hand into the gap between the door and the frame. Slowly increase the inflation of the wrist to make a hole. Be careful not to over-inflate or you could damage the door. You should have enough room to put in an electrical wire hanger or other long thin object that could be able to reach inside the door. If you don't own a coat hanger or wire, you could make use of a tubing piece. This is the same method that professionals use to open their cars, so you can be sure it will work! There are a myriad of ways to unlock your car, but you need be aware not to do anything that could damage your vehicle or hurt yourself. Be sure to try the simplest and least damaging method first. Your insurance company may also cover these services! If all else fails, call 911 or a towing service. They'll charge a small fee, but you'll be saving time and money in the end. The good news is that the majority of us have locked our keys in our cars at some point or another. It's a very common mistake and it usually won't cause any problems as long as you're aware of proper steps to get back inside! If you have a spare key at home in your house, make sure it's where you can find it. If not, ask a trusted friend or family member to keep an extra key for you. Also, be sure to make a habit of checking your keys before hitting the lock button. Also, never lock your car using the remote, simply to be sure. These simple tips can prevent you from being locked out of your car in the future.