Locked Keys in Car? Here's How to Open Your Car Without Damage
If you've locked your keys inside your car, don't panic. locked car keys in car can try a variety of tricks before calling a locksmith or roadside assistance.
You can, for example, use a shoelace with an elastic slip knot to raise the post lock. Or you can untwist a wire coathanger and shape it into hook. You can also make use of a door wedge or inflatable wedge.
Pump Wedge
If you've been trapped in a locked car and no DIY solutions like shoestrings, wire hangers or wedges work, it's time to call in a professional. A locksmith or repo service provider could have special lockout equipment that can help you unlock your vehicle without causing damage.
Make sure you use them correctly if they are available. Most importantly, know where to put the wedge tool. Many people put the wedge tool in the top corner of the door which is the most vulnerable. This is a bad move since you risk damaging the weather stripping and wires within the doors. Instead, place the wedge in the biggest area of the gap you can see and in the area where it has the most leverage.
The Pump Wedge is an inflatable wedge constructed of high-quality vinyl that doesn't mar the surface. It slides between the door of the vehicle and the door frame, and is filled with air to create a gap that allows you to slide in other tools, such as a long-reach tool rod for opening your car. It also has a hook at one end that you can use to grab the latch on the door handle.
A more economical version of this is a pair of wooden door stops. You can place them in the back of the car door to make the gap wide enough to allow a rod. You can also use a slim Jim which is a thin metal strip that is bent into a hook, and then used to latch onto the lock. This method requires practice however, as you should be cautious not to break the weather stripping of the door.
Another alternative is to use a shoelace however, this is only applicable to older cars without a push-button unlocking mechanism. You can tie a knot in the middle and move the lace along the door seam until you find the latch. Then, you can move the lace until it hooks the lock, tighten the slip knot, and pull it upwards. This method is more difficult than other ones and could scratch paint or damage the door trim if you're not careful.
Inflatable Wedge
If you own a wedge-shaped inflatable car door opener, you will be able to easily unlock your vehicle without the necessity of prying or slim jim tools. These wedges can be put between the frame and the window of the car. They when inflated, create a large opening to put in a device with a lengthy reach, such as a button grabber or slim jim. This method is safer than using a screwdriver and can be utilized even when you don't have access to an screwdriver.
A coat hanger that is wired into a hook is a different way to unlock a car without damaging its interior or exterior. You can use this to grab the lock button, and it could be more effective than a flat screwdriver because it is less likely to cause damage to the paint on your car. However, you should look at the other doors to ensure there is no other way to gain access to the door.
You can also use a plastic bag twisted into a noose or V-shaped shape. Be careful not to tear the bag as it could make things worse. This trick can be especially effective if you are not able to locate the lock button. This trick is not as effective as a wedge or a metal coat hanger, but it could help you in the event of a crisis.
Keep at peace and always put safety first. There are a variety of options to solve this kind of problem, and if you read this article, you will be ready for any scenario that may come your way. By following the steps we've provided to you, you'll be able to unlock your vehicle and move going without any unnecessary damage or stress. If you're able, take your keys when you leave your car.
Shoelace
Getting locked out of your car is one of those "oh crap" moments that can ruin your day. It's a great idea to have a few items that you can use to unlock your car without breaking any windows. Certain of these items are simple to locate and can save you the cost of a locksmith or having to wait for roadside assistance to arrive.
A shoelace, or even twine, can be an excellent tool for unlocking a car. It is easy to use and can be used on many different cars. This method is only applicable to vehicles with post locks. They can be placed vertically on the sill of the window and are easily accessible outside the car. Use a shoelace as well as an elongated slip knot to complete the task. Then, you can slide the shoelace into the gap between window and door frame. Once the slip knot is positioned, pull both ends of the string upwards in order to lasso the lock.
This technique is more effective when applied to older vehicles and may not work on modern models with a hooked interior lock. If you have a screwdriver on hand to use, you can use it to open the door more quickly. You can also use a pole that you can grab from a nearby item, such as the door frame, or a piece of wood, to put into the window frame. This will create space for rods to push the lock's interior button.
While the above methods are generally safe for the majority of drivers, it is best to get help when you can. This will help prevent further damage to the vehicle, and will also decrease the likelihood of an accident caused by the stress of the situation. If you don't have a phone with a mobile number or are unable to reach a helpline It is crucial to inform trusted family members and acquaintances know where your vehicle is parked. A spare set of keys should also be kept in a convenient place on your vehicle.
Wire Hanger
There is no doubt that locking your keys in your car could be a very frustrating situation. The key is to stay at peace and think through all options rationally. This will prevent you from creating a worse situation and this could happen when you panic.
One of the most effective ways to do this is to utilize a modified coat hanger to access your vehicle. You'll have to unravel the coat hanger wire to create a straight edge with a hook you can use to manipulate your lock rod. Once you are able to reach the rod that locks your door, you should be in a position to pull it upwards to open the door.
Another option that you can explore is to use a rod or even the metal of the body of your car. You should make sure that you don't harm the vehicle while doing this. It is recommended to avoid having to disassemble the car. This method works better for older cars than newer ones. However, it can be used on cars with distinctive door handles on the outside.
You can accomplish the same thing with the shoestring tied in a slip knot. This can also be done for a post lock however it is slightly more difficult to use since you will be relying on the tension of the string to grasp the lock. The most effective method to accomplish this is to thread the shoestring through a small hole you can make in the weatherstripping on the door of your vehicle. Once the string is through you can pull it tight to create a loop that will snap around the lock, allowing you to remove it. If you are lucky the lock will be placed in the correct spot.