Locked Keys in Car? Here's How to Open Your Car Without Damage
If you've locked your keys inside your car, don't be afraid. There are a variety of techniques you can try prior to calling a locksmith or a roadside assistance service.
You can, for example using a shoelace that has an elastic slip knot to lift the post lock. You can also untwist a wire coathanger and then 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 car that is locked and none of the DIY options such as wire hangers, shoestrings or wedges are working for you then it's time to call in an expert. A locksmith or a repo service provider may have specialized tools for unlocking that can help you open your car without damaging it.
If they do, make sure you use them correctly. Know where to place the wedge tool. Many people put the wedge in the upper corner of the door, where it is most vulnerable to damage. This is a bad move since you risk damaging the weather stripping and wires within the doors. Instead, put the wedge in the largest portion of the gap that you can see and where it has the most leverage.
The Pump Wedge is a high-quality inflatable wedge that is constructed from heavy duty, non-marring vinyl. It is able to slide between the door of your vehicle and the door frame. It is filled with air to create a gap that allows you to slide in other tools such as a long-reach car opening tool rod. It also has a hook at one end that you can bend to grab the latch inside the door handle.
A less costly alternative is to use a pair of wooden door stops. They can be used to pry open the gap between the back of the door. You can also make use of a slim-Jim which is a thin metal strip that is bent into a hook and used to latch onto the lock. This method isn't without practice, however, since you must be careful not to damage the weather stripping on the door.
A shoelace is a different option, but it works only with older cars that do not have a push button for the unlock mechanism. You can tie knots in the middle and then move the lace along the door seam until you locate the latch. Then move the lace upwards and down until it hooks onto the lock. Tighten the slip knot and then pull it upwards. This method is more difficult and can scratch the paint on the door or scratch the trim if not done with care.
Inflatable Wedge
If you have a wedge-shaped inflatable car door opener, you'll be able to easily unlock your vehicle without the necessity of prying or slim jim tools. These wedges can be put between the window and frame of the car. They will when they are inflated, they create a large space to place a tool with a long reach, like a button grabper or slim jim. This method is far safer than using a tool to pry and can be utilized even if you don't have access a screwdriver.
A wire coat hanger shaped into a hook is another way to unlock a car without damaging its interior or exterior. It can be used to grab the lock button, and it could work better than a flat screwdriver as it is less likely to cause damage to the paint of your car. However, you should still inspect all the doors to make sure there is no other method to gain access.
You can also make use of a plastic bag that has been twisted into a noose or V-shaped shape. Be careful not to tear the bag, as it could make things worse. This trick is especially useful when you are unable to locate the lock button. It might not be as reliable as using an iron wedge or coat hanger but it could be helpful when you are in an uneasy situation.
The best tip we can offer you regarding getting locked out of your vehicle is to stay calm and prioritize safety. There are car keys locked in car to solve this problem. If you read this article, you will be prepared for any scenario that could arise. You can unlock your vehicle by following our steps. This will avoid unnecessary stress and damage. If you are able, bring your keys along when you leave your car.
Shoelace
It's one of the "oh crap!" moments that can make a day miserable. It's a great idea to have a few tools that you can use to open your car without breaking any windows. Certain of these items are easy to locate and can help you avoid the expense of hiring a locksmith or having to wait for roadside assistance to arrive.
A shoelace, or even twine, is an excellent tool to unlock a car. It is simple to use and can be used on many different cars. The key to this method is a car with post locks. They are stacked vertically on the window sill and are easily accessible from outside of the car. Use a shoelace and 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 put in place, pull the two ends of the string up to lasso it.
This method is more efficient when used on older vehicles, and might not work with newer models with a hooked interior lock. A screwdriver, should it be available, can help open the door in a more aggressive way. Another option is to grab an object from a nearby object, like a doorframe or a piece of wood, and place it into the window frame to create space for the rod that you will use to push the lock's interior button.
Although the methods above might be safe for a lot of drivers, it is advisable to call for assistance if you are able to. This can help avoid further damage to your car and reduce the risk of a crash due to stress. If you don't have a cell phone or aren't able for assistance It is important to inform trusted friends and family members know the location of your car at all times. Also having a spare set of keys can be kept in an easily accessible spot on the vehicle, so you can access them when required.
Wire Hanger
It is a frustrating situation to put your keys in your car. But, the most important thing is to stay calm and think about what options you have to retrieve them. This will prevent you from creating a worse situation and this can happen in the event of panic.
You can also use a modified wire hanger to get into your car. You'll have to unravel the coat hanger to ensure that it has a straight end and a hook, which you can use to manipulate the lock rod within your door. When you are able to reach the lock rod, you should be able to pull it upwards to open the door.
Another option that you can try is using a rod or even a piece of metal from the body of your vehicle. It is important that you make sure you don't cause any damage to the vehicle in the process and it is ideal to do it without having to take the car apart. You should also try to be as patient as you can since this method will likely be more effective for older vehicles than it does on modern ones, however it can still be utilized if you have a model that has a unique exterior door handle design.
You can accomplish the same trick with the shoestring tied in with a slip knot. This will work on the postlock, but it is more difficult to maneuver because you'll be relying on the tension of the string to nab it. It is possible to do this by threading a shoestring into the tiny hole in the weatherstripping on your vehicle's doors. After the shoestring has passed through the weatherstripping, pull the string tightly to form an elongated loop that will snap around the lock. If you're lucky, the lock will be at the right spot.