How to Get Back in Your Car If You Locked Car Keys in Car
The odds are high that you will lock your keys to your car inside your car at some moment. The good news is that there are many ways to get back into your car without breaking anything.
One method is to make use of a coat hanger or another long, thin object to secure the key fob. This method works well in older cars with a traditional door lock.
Use a Pump Wedge
The first time you lock your keys inside your car, it's an anxious moment. If you're prepared it may be a lot easier than you imagined to get your keys back into your car without damaging the lock. Here are a few suggestions to try before calling a roadside assistance.
You can make use of a simple tool, such as an air pump wedge, to open your car door. This tool is a plastic bag which is filled with air to create a gap between the weather stripping and the door. The opening is large enough to fit a the tool for unlocking cars. It also allows you to reach manual locks in the majority of cars.
It is possible to make use of a wire hanger but it will require more effort. To get it to work you'll need pliers to unwind the hanger so that it has one straight side and a hooked end. The hook will fit into the control arm of the lock rod inside the door, and the straight side will press on the handle to lift it up. Then, lower the door and the lock will be removed.
This method is suitable for cars with post locks that are positioned on the window sill. This method isn't compatible with locks that are mounted to the side of the vehicle, but can be used as a last resort in the event that other methods are unsuccessful.
A slim Jim is a tiny metal bar that can be used to unlock vehicles. Slim Jims can be found in most hardware stores. You may need to ask for help finding them. Install remote programming between the door and the weather stripping. Then you can use the hook-like part of the Slim Jim to grab the inside of the locking mechanism.
If all else fails, it may be necessary to call a professional for help with your locked car. The good news is that most locksmith services have an mobile service, which means they'll be able to reach out to you at your place. These services can often be more affordable than a roadside assistance service and will also have the tools needed to resolve your problem.
Use a wire hanger
The car door lock can be tricky to open without the appropriate tools. The good news is that a handful of household items can help you find your keys. One method that is popular is to use a coat hanger made of wire, which you can modify by straightening it out and adding an end hook. This hook can be easily moved between places to open the lock. A paper clip or a similar thin rod of metal could work to unlock the car door. Make sure the item you select is rigid enough to keep its shape under pressure.
If you don't have a coat hanger made of wire lying around, any long piece of twine or wire could be a good substitute. It's important to choose the length of wire or twine that is long enough to reach the space above the weather strip on the door. You can either make a slipknot and insert the end into the space in which the handle is attached to the vehicle. Or, if you know your car's locking mechanism, put the hook in the space in which the bar that opens the lock is located.
This MacGyver method may not work for all vehicles but it's worth a try. It may be necessary to move the stick into and out of the locking mechanism, however, this is much better than trying to forcefully pull it out and risk damage to the ignition.
If you've tried all other methods but are still in a position to open your car it is crucial to remember that professionals are able to open your car quickly and securely. A lot of roadside assistance providers provide this service for a nominal fee or for free when you're a member. You can also call the local police. They are often able to unlock vehicles or offer window replacement services, depending on their resources and whether the situation is life-threatening. Certain police departments have specialized equipment, like a slim Jim that is able to remove a lock pin.
Make use of a Slim Jim
The Slim Jim is a tool employed by professional locksmiths to open vehicles. It is a wedge which allows easy access to the rod of the car lock mechanism. This tool is made of rubber and not wood because it can leave splinters or pieces of wood inside the door. Using Slim Jim Slim Jim can also cause damage to the door of your car It is therefore recommended not to use one without the assistance of an expert.
Using a Slim Jim can seem like an overwhelming task, but it is actually quite simple. First, you have to locate something in your home that is long and thin. You could use a ruler made of metal, but you could also make use of a hanger. You'll need 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 the help of a knife. Then, take the hook from the stick's end and mold it so that it will fit around the lock rod.
Insert the metal piece into the space between the window and the door frame. Move it slowly across the rod and be aware of whether you feel any resistance. If you feel resistance, it is a sign that you have reached the internal locking mechanism or latch inside the vehicle door frame.
After a few moments you will see that the lock is shifting. You can then pull the lock up and use the key to unlock the front door. Be careful not to catch rods that lock your door in your fingers as you pull up in case you are not trained, as some users have been known to detach them from the lock cylinder. If you are unable to unlock your car's door think about calling an experienced locksmith because they are trained to do this with minimal risk of damage to the car. They can also help you locate your spare keys in case you've locked them in the car.
Use Adhesive Tape
The most frequent item to be misplaced is keys to cars. For those who lose them, it can trigger anxiety as they rush their bags and pockets for keys. Others may have to shell out a significant amount of money to replace a lost key. Whatever the reason the situation, losing your car keys can be a major issue however, there are a variety of ways that you can get your keys back quickly and inexpensively.
One method that is popular is using adhesive tape. It is a simple and fast way to remove the car key without needing to smash your window or call an locksmith. However, it is important to use the right solvent for automotive use. This will ensure the solvent is safe to be used on the bodywork of your car. Let the adhesive tape rest for the amount of time suggested by the product prior to applying the solvent. Employ work gloves to lift up the adhesive tape. The car key will be exposed beneath.
Another method to unlock your car is to make use of a tool that will help you decode the code your vehicle uses to communicate with the key fob. These tools can be found at a variety of hardware stores. A typical tool will listen to the signal transmitted from your key fob and then decode it to find out what it means. It will also record details like the error correction bits at the end the signal transmission.
Many cars are now equipped with keyless entry systems that let you to start and open your vehicle without having to insert the ignition key. These systems communicate using radio frequency with your key fob and keyless entry module. This technology has drastically decreased the number of cars stolen. This does not mean you should not be vigilant about preventing car theft.
It is always a good idea to have a spare set of keys in the event that you lose yours. This is because, unlike older type of keys can be easily replaced, if you have an alternative made for the newer models, modern car keys are much more secure and can be difficult to replace. They have a transponder that makes them impossible to duplicate.