Locked Keys in Car? Here's How to Open Your Car Without Damage
Don't panic if your car has locked your keys in your car. You can try several techniques before calling a locksmith or roadside assistance.
You can, for example, use a shoelace with an elastic slip knot to lift the post lock. You can also untwist a wire coathanger and then shape it into a hook. You can also make use of an inflatable wedge or a door wedge.
Pump Wedge
Contact a professional if are stuck in your car and DIY techniques such as shoestrings or wedges or wire hooks don't work. A locksmith or repo service provider may have special lockout equipment that can help you unlock your vehicle without causing damage.
Use them correctly when they are available. Be aware of where to insert the wedge tool. Many people put the wedge in the top corner of the door, where it is most vulnerable to damage. This is a bad idea because you're likely to damage the weather stripping or wires within the door. Instead, place the wedge in the largest area of the gap is visible and where it will have maximum leverage.
The Pump Wedge is a high-quality inflatable wedge that is made of heavy duty non-marring vinyl. It slides between the vehicle door and the door frame, and is then inflated to create a gap which allows you to insert other tools such as an extended reach tool rod for opening the car. It comes with a hook at the other end that you can shape in order to grab the latch on the door handle.
This can be accomplished with the help of a pair of wooden door stops. You can place them in the rear of the door to pry the gap wide enough for a rod. car key cutting could also use a slim Jim, a thin metal strip that is bent into a hook, and then used to latch onto the lock. This method is not for the faint-hearted, as you need to be cautious not to scratch the weather stripping on your door.
A shoelace is another good alternative, but it's only on older vehicles that don't have a button for unlocking. You can tie knots in the middle and then move the lace upwards and downwards along the door seam until you spot the latch. Then, you can move the lace until it catches the lock, then tighten the slip knot and pull upward. This method is more difficult and can scratch the paint on the door or scratch the trim if not careful.
Inflatable Wedge
If you own a wedge-shaped inflatable car door opener, you'll be able to quickly unlock your car without the need for prying or slim jim tools. These wedges for car doors can be placed between the window and the frame of the vehicle and when inflated, they create a space that is large enough to insert an extended-reach tool like slim jims or a button grabber. This method is safer than using tools for prying and is suitable when you do not have a screwdriver.
A wire coat hanger shaped into a hook is a different way to unlock the car without damaging the exterior or interior. This can be used to grasp the lock button, and it could be more effective than a flat screwdriver as it is less likely to cause damage to the paint of your car. However, you should check the other doors to ensure there's no other means to gain access to the door.
You can also try a plastic bag that has been bent into a noose-like or v-shaped shape, but you'll need to be careful not to tear it because it could make your situation more difficult. This technique is especially helpful in the event that you cannot locate the lock button. This trick is not as efficient as a wedge or metal coat hanger, but it can aid you in a pinch.
The best advice we can offer you regarding getting locked out of your vehicle is to be in a calm state and put safety first. There are a variety of solutions to this kind of issue, and if you read this article, you can be prepared for any situation that comes your way. You can unlock your vehicle by following our steps. This will avoid unnecessary stress and damage. Of course, if you're able to, make certain to have your keys with you when leaving your vehicle.
Shoelace
It's one of the "oh crap!" moments that can cause a lot of trouble. It's best to have a few tools that you can use to open your car without breaking any windows. Certain of these items are readily available and will save you money on a locksmith or the time it takes to call roadside assistance.
A shoelace, or even twine, can be an excellent tool for unlocking a car. It is easy to use and is compatible with various vehicles. The key to this method is a car equipped with post locks. They stack vertically on the window sill and are easily accessible from the outside the car. To get the job done make use of a shoelace create a slip knot, then wiggle it into the crack between the window frame and the door. Once the slip knot has been put in place, pull the two ends of the string up to lasso it.
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 you can use it to open the door more aggressively. You can also use a pole that you can take from a nearby item, such as an old doorframe, or even a piece of wood, to attach to the window frame. This will allow space for an object to push the lock's interior button.
Although the above methods may be somewhat safe for some drivers, it is best to get help if you can. This can help avoid further damage to your car and reduce the chance of a crash due to stress. If you don't have a phone with a mobile number or are unable to reach a helpline, it is important to notify trusted family members and acquaintances know where your vehicle is. In addition an extra set of keys can be stored in an easily accessible spot in the vehicle so that you can get them back if required.
Wire Hanger
It is a frustrating situation to lock your keys in your car. But, the most important thing is to remain calm and think logically about what your options are to retrieve them. You can avoid making the situation more difficult if you do not panic.
You can also use a modified wire hanger to get into your car. You will need to uncoil the coat hanger so that it has a straight edge and a hook, which you can use to manipulate the lock rod inside of your door. Once you reach the lock rod, you should be able to pull it up to open the door.
You could also use rods, or a metal piece from your vehicle. It is crucial to make sure that you don't cause harm to the vehicle during this process and it is best to do it without having to take the car apart. It is also important to be as patient as possible because this method is likely to work better on older vehicles than it does on the latest models, but it can still be utilized if you have a model with a distinctive outer door handle style.
You can do the same trick with a shoestring tied in a slip knot. This will work on a postlock, however it is more difficult to maneuver as you'll be relying on the tension of the string to grab it. The most effective method to accomplish this is by threading the shoestring through a small hole that you can create in the weatherstripping on the door of your vehicle. Once the string has been threaded you can pull it tight to create a loop that will wrap around the lock, allowing you to pull it out. If you're lucky, the lock will be in the right place.