9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Keys Locked In Vehicle
How to Deal With Locked Keys in Your Vehicle
Locking keys inside the car is a common situation, and it can leave you with anxiety. This is a scenario that you can deal with.
There are ways to ensure that you don't get locked out of your car out in the future, including having spare keys stored somewhere safe and secure. You can also include roadside assistance in your vehicle, which will cover breakdowns and helps drivers get back on their feet.
Locking the Doors
It can be an embarrassing moment when you lock your keys locked in Vehicle inside your car. In the best-case scenario, you have a friend or family member close by who can unlock the door for you, without causing damage to your car. If not, it will still be relatively simple to get back into your vehicle using the proper tools. It is all dependent on the kind of car you drive and the type of lock installed in it.
For instance, if the vehicle has manual locks instead of sensors, you could make use of a thin rod or wire to open the doors. You can use a coathanger wire bent into a lasso-like shape or, in more modern vehicles, the metal rod built into your key fob. There are many hardware stores that offer "lock picking" sets which include a rod made of metal and instructions to unlock your car's doors.
To apply this method, you need to determine where the "unlock" switch is located. It could be near the key fob, or it could be located on a panel at the front of the vehicle that is visible from the windshield. Once you've figured out the location, use an iron rod or coat hanger in order to create a space between the door of the car and the window or frame. You can then reach inside and press the button.
Make sure that your door locks are equipped with a release lever that you can press to open them. A few of the latest cars have these in the trunk, usually on the side closest to the passenger seats. You can also utilize the emergency release button to fold down the seat and crawl into the trunk.
If none of these solutions work, then you'll need to seek assistance. You can ask a family member to help you, provided they own the same car as yours. You could also request your dealer to make a new key for you. You can obtain an additional key for less than hiring locksmith.
Locking the Trunk
Locking your trunk of your car isn't a good option unless you are looking to hide valuables away. It is a good way to protect your belongings, however it also blocks the trunk from being opened by a key fob. However, you can overcome this problem by concealing a spare key under the rear fender well or on the floor of the trunk. This method is not foolproof and is easy to find by a thief, but it could stop them from trying to open your trunk.
Modern cars have gone to extreme measures to ensure that only the key fob is able to unlock the trunk. In order to protect your possessions, many manufacturers have locked the lever for trunk release inside the cabin or in the back seat. You can still save money if use a Slim Jim, or call roadside assistance rather than hiring locksmith.
You can try opening your trunk with a wire hanger. But, you must be careful not to damage the paint. You'll have to bend the hanger on one end to form a hook. Then, place the hook between the trunk and the back of the seat. You'll know if you've used the correct button or lever when you feel resistance.
If you have access to the cab of your car, you can also push a button located in the cabin's front to open the trunk. This method is not foolproof because a thief could see the button and see that your valuables are in the trunk.
Another method is to open the trunk by using the latch mechanism. This is a simple way to unlock the trunk, but only if you have a vehicle that isn't fully charged. It is also necessary to hear the door locks clicking when you press them. The engine might also have to be running to activate the latch.
Examining the Battery
If you're unable to open the doors with any of the methods listed above, it is possible that you simply have a dead battery on your key fob. The majority of car key fobs come with an emergency key that you can use to unlock the driver door if locked. This is usually a separate key that was included in the car or can be located in the glove box or center console.
The majority of the time, a blockage in the lock's cylinder can be the reason why a key won't work in the ignition. This could be due to dirt, grime or other debris that gets inside the lock and blocks the pins from falling correctly when you insert the key. A flashlight and compressed air are excellent tools to find any obstructions in the lock cylinder. If you're cautious you can get rid of the obstructions and ensure your key works in the ignition when required.
Another issue that can cause a car key not to turn the ignition is damage to the cylinder itself. In this instance, the lock cylinder is likely damaged and needs to be replaced. This can be an expensive repair, but there are ways to temporarily solve this problem.
For instance, you could employ wire hooks to cut off a small section on the door handle where the key cylinder is. However, this technique is not recommended if don't have a lot of experience with DIY projects, as it can be difficult to complete and could damage your vehicle. Additionally, you must always be sure that the car is completely turned off before you begin any work on it.
It can be frustrating to lose your keys in your car. It is important to remain calm and follow these tips to retrieve your keys safely without creating further damage to your car. If you are able do so, you should also check with your insurance provider to determine if a key replacement is covered under your policy.
Need Help?
Before you call for assistance if you lock your keys in your vehicle, there are a few things you can do. First, if you're at home and have an extra key, have someone bring it to you and then unlock your vehicle that way. This will help you avoid needing to pay an emergency locksmith service call. You can also contact your family member or a friend to see if he or has the key. Many people keep keys in their home or at work, and they will assist you if you lock yourself out of your car. Third, call roadside assistance providers like AAA. They have specially designed kits to unlock vehicles and will be able to open yours at a lower cost than the locksmith would cost. However, they will require your VIN number (visible on the front windshield wiper) and proof of ownership in order to perform this.
If the emergency is urgent and you have pets or children in your car, call 911 immediately. They will dispatch police to your location and use special equipment or methods to take the animal or child out of the vehicle. This could involve using the slim-jim to break a window, or even open the car door.
It's never enjoyable to lock your keys in your car, but in many instances, it's just an inconvenience of a minor nature. If you follow these guidelines, you can avoid being trapped in your vehicle and plan a course of action for the next time this happens to you.
Drivers can also take measures to avoid getting stuck in their vehicles in the future, such as downloading the app for their vehicle's manufacturer or keeping a spare key in a secure location outside the vehicle, for example a magnetic safe beneath the vehicle or on the driver's side of the trunk. In addition, Moody recommends that drivers contact their manufacturer to obtain the replacement of their key and purchase a roadside assistance program that provides lockout assistance. This could save money over time as most roadside assistance plans cover assistance with lockouts.