Locked Keys in Car? Here's How to Open Your Car Without Damage
If you've locked your keys in your car, don't panic. You can try a variety of techniques before calling a roadside assistance or locksmith service.
You can, for example, use a shoelace with an elastic slip knot to lift a post lock. You can also untwist a coathanger wire and shape it into hook. You can also use an inflatable wedge or a door wedge.
Pump Wedge
If you've found yourself in a car that is locked and none of the DIY options like wire hangers, shoestrings or wedges work for you It's time to contact a professional. A locksmith or repo service provider could have special lockout equipment that can allow you to unlock your car without damaging it.
If they do, be sure you are using them correctly. Most importantly, know where to put the wedge tool. Many people make the mistake of placing the wedge on the top corner of the door, where it is most prone to being damaged. This is a bad move, as you may damage the weather stripping and wires within the doors. Put the wedge in the area where you can see the biggest gap and where the highest leverage is.
The Pump Wedge is a high-quality inflatable wedge that is constructed from heavy duty, non-marring vinyl material. It is able to slide between the door of the vehicle and the door frame. It is then inflated to create a separation that will allow you to insert other tools such as a long-reach tool rod for opening your car. It has a hook at one end that you can shape in order to grab the latch on the door handle.
This can be accomplished with a pair wooden door stops. They can be used to break the gap in the back of the door. You can also make use of a slim Jim, a thin metal strip which is bent into a hook, and then used to latch onto the lock. This method is not for the faint-hearted as you have to be sure not to scratch the weather stripping on your door.
A shoelace is a good alternative, but it's only on older vehicles that don't have a push button for the unlock mechanism. You can tie a knot in the middle and move the lace up and down the door seam until you find the latch. Then, move the lace until it is in contact with the lock, then tighten the slip knot, and pull it upwards. This method is more difficult than the other and could scratch paint or damage the door trim if you're not vigilant.
Inflatable Wedge
If you own an inflatable wedge-shaped car door opener, you'll be able to quickly unlock your car without the necessity of prying or slim jim tools. These wedges for cars can be inserted between the window and the frame of the vehicle, and when they're inflated, they create a space sufficient to accommodate a long-reach tool such as slim jims or a button grabber. This method is far safer than using a screwdriver and can be used even when you don't have access an screwdriver.
Another option for unlocking a car without damaging the interior or exterior is to use a wire coat hanger that has been shaped into a hook shape. It can be used to grab the lock button, and it may be more effective than a flat screwdriver since it is less likely to cause damage to the paint on your car. However, you should still check all of the doors to make sure there isn't another way to gain entry.
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 technique is especially efficient if you're struggling to locate the lock button. It may not be as reliable as using an iron wedge or coat hanger but it could help when you're in an awkward situation.
The best advice we can give you on getting locked out of your vehicle is to remain calm and prioritize safety. Luckily, there are several options to solve this kind of issue, and if you study this article, you will be ready for any scenario that may come your way. By following the steps we've given you will be able to unlock your car and get moving with your day without causing unnecessary stress or damage. If you're able, take your keys along when you leave your car.
Shoelace
It's one of the "oh crap!" moments that can ruin a day. In the event of an emergency it's best to keep a few things in your possession that can help you unlock your vehicle without damaging the windows. Certain of these items are easily accessible and can help you save money on a locksmith, or the time it takes to get roadside assistance .
A shoelace, or even twine, is a great tool for unlocking a car. It is simple to use and can be used on numerous cars. The most important thing to consider is a car equipped with post locks. These stack vertically on the window sill and are easily accessible from outside of the vehicle. To complete the task, use a shoelace to make a slip knot and move it into the crack between the window frame and the door. Once the slip knot is placed and secured, pull both ends the string upwards to loosen the lock.
This method is more efficient when used on older vehicles and may not work with newer models that have an interior hook lock. A screwdriver, if available could help open the door in a slightly more aggressive way. Another option is to grab a pole from a nearby object like a doorframe, or a piece of wood, and stick it inside the window frame to make an opening for the rod you'll use to push the interior lock button.
While the above methods are generally safe for the majority of drivers, it's advisable to seek help if possible. This will help prevent further damage to the vehicle and decrease the chance of a crash due to stress. If you don't have a cell phone or aren't able to call for help, remember that it's important to let trusted friends and family members know where your car is at all times. Additionally an extra set of keys can be stored in an easily accessible location in the vehicle so that you can get them back if needed.
Wire Hanger
It can be a stressful experience to lock your keys in your car. The trick is to remain calm and think about your options carefully. You can avoid making the situation worse if you do not get caught up in panic.
You can use a modified wire hanger to get into your car. You will need to uncoil the coat hanger until it has a straight edge and a hook that you can use to move the lock rod within your door. When you have reached the rod of your lock, you should be in a position to pull it upwards, which will open the door.
Another option to explore is using a rod or even the metal of your car's body. You should ensure that you don't damage the vehicle in this process. It is recommended to avoid having to take apart the car. Also, try to be as patient as you can as this method is more likely to be more effective for older cars than on modern ones, however it can still be used if you have a model with a unique outer door handle style.
You can also use a shoestring and a slip knot to accomplish a similar trick. This will also work on a post lock, but it will be a bit more difficult to use since you will depend on the tension of the string to grab the lock. You can accomplish this by threading a shoestring through the small hole in the weatherstripping of the doors of your vehicle. Once the string has been threaded, you can pull it tightly to create a loop which should snap around the lock, allowing you to take it off. This method can be extremely efficient if you're lucky enough to locate the lock in the correct spot.