How to Get Back in Your Car If You Locked Car Keys in Car
It is very likely that you will lose your car keys at some time. The good news is that there are many ways to gain access back into your car without causing any damage.
You can make use of a coathanger or any other thin and long objects to hang the key fob. This is a great option for older vehicles that have a traditional door lock.
Use a Pump Wedge
When you lock your keys inside your car for the first time, it can be an overwhelming experience. But if you're prepared, it's likely to be much more simple than you imagine to get back in your car without breaking the lock or damaging the lock. Here are a few suggestions to consider before calling a roadside assistance service.
A simple tool like an air pump wedge can be used to open your car door open. It is a plastic bag that is inflated to create a gap between the weather stripping and the door. This opening is large and wide enough to accommodate a car-unlocking tool. It also permits you to reach the manual lock mechanisms in most cars.
It is possible to make use of a wire hanger but it will require more effort. To make this work you'll require pliers so that it has an upright side and a hook end. The hook will fit into the control arm of the rod that is inside the door and the straight side will push on the handle to lift it up. Then, pull down the door and the lock will come off.
This method is best suited for cars with post locks that are positioned on the window sill. It won't work on locks that are fixed to the sides of the vehicle, but it could be useful as a last resort in cases where other methods don't work.
Another alternative is to use another option is to use a Slim Jim, which is thin metal strip that's used to unlock vehicles. Slim Jims can be found in the majority of hardware stores. You may have to ask for assistance in to locate them. Insert the Slim Jim into the gap between the door and weather stripping, and then use its hook-like ends to secure the inside of the lock mechanism.
If nothing else works, it may be necessary to call a professional for assistance with your vehicle locked. The good thing is that a majority of locksmiths offer a mobile service, so they'll be able to come out to you in your area. These services are typically more affordable than roadside assistance and will provide the tools necessary to solve your problem.
Use a wire hanger
It can be a challenge to open the car lock if you don't have the right tools. You can get your keys back by using common household items. You can make use of a wire hanger has been straightened, and then add a hook at the end. The hook can be moved easily between places to unlock the lock. A paper clip or similar thin metal rod could work to unlock the car door. Make sure the item you choose is sturdy enough to hold its shape even under pressure.
If you don't have a coat hanger made of wire in your closet, any piece of twine or wire could be a good substitute. The trick is to locate a length that can extend to the top of the door, past the weather strip. You can then make a slipknot and insert the end into the space where the handle of the door is attached to the vehicle. Or, if you are aware of your vehicle's locking mechanism, put the hook inside the area in which the bar that opens the lock is.
Although this MacGyver-inspired technique may not work on all vehicles, it is worth a shot. You may have to wiggle the stick inside and out of the locking mechanism but this is more effective than trying to force it out, which could result in damage to the ignition.
If you've tried every other methods but are still unable to open your vehicle, it is important to keep in mind that professionals can unlock your vehicle quickly and securely. Many roadside assistance providers offer this service at a minimal fee or at no cost for members. You can also call the local police department. Depending on their resources, and whether or it is a risky situation the police can unlock vehicles or fix windows. Certain police departments have specialized equipment, for instance the slim Jim, which can disengage the lock pin.
Slim Jim
The Slim Jim is a tool employed by professional locksmiths to unlock vehicles. It is a wedge that allows easy access to the rod of the car lock mechanism. The tool is made of rubber and not wood because the latter can leave splinters or pieces of wood inside the door. Using the Slim Jim can also cause damage to the car door and therefore it is recommended to avoid using one without the assistance of a professional.
Making use of the Slim Jim can seem like a complex process, but it is actually quite simple. First, locate something long and thin that you can find around your home. A ruler made of metal is ideal however, you can also make use of wire hangers. The next step is to straighten the piece of steel so that it has a hook at one end. You can do this by cutting a small notch at the end of the stick using a knife. Then, remove the hook from the stick's end and mold it so that it fits around the rod that locks.
Once you have this piece of metal, you should place it in the space between your window and the door frame. Move locked out of car service along the rod and observe whether or not you feel any resistance. If you feel resistance it means you've reached the locking device or latch within the door frame of your vehicle.
After a short time after a few minutes, you will notice that the lock begins to move. When the lock is moving, you can pull it up and utilize your key to open the door. You should be careful not to get your finger on the rods that lock your door as you pull it up. Untrained people can remove the rods from the lock's and cylinder. If you're unable to open the door of your car, consider calling a professional locksmith for help because they are trained to do this with minimal risk of harm to your car. They can also help you find your spare keys when you've locked them in the car.
Use Adhesive Tape
Car keys are one of the most frequently misplaced items. Some people can be in a state of panic when they lose their keys, rummaging frantically through their pockets and bags. For others, it could result in a costly visit to the auto shop to have keys replaced. The loss of a car key can be a major inconvenience. However, there are several inexpensive and fast methods to retrieve your keys.
Adhesive tape is a popular method. This is a quick and simple method to get rid of your car keys without locksmiths or breaking your window. It is important to use a solvent designed for automotive use. This will ensure that the solvent is safe for the bodywork of your vehicle. Let the adhesive tape sit for the amount of time suggested by the product before applying the solvent. After that, put on gloves to lift the adhesive tape. The car key will be exposed beneath.
You can unlock your car using tools to decipher the code used by your car to connect to the key fob. These tools can be found at most hardware stores. A common tool will detect the signal transmitted by your key fob and then decode it to determine what it means. It will also keep a few bits of information, such as the error correction bits at the end of the signal transmission.
A large number of cars today come equipped with a keyless entry system that lets you start and open your vehicle without having insert the key into the ignition. These systems use a radio frequency to communicate with the key fob as well as the keyless entry module that is in your car. This kind of technology has helped dramatically reduce the number of stolen cars. However, this doesn't mean that you should stop being cautious about preventing theft from your car.
If you lose your car keys, it's always advisable to keep a spare on hand. It is because modern keys are more secure and difficult to replace. They feature a transponder that makes them difficult to duplicate.