Locked Keys in Car? Here's How to Open Your Car Without Damage
Don't panic if your car has locked the keys in your vehicle. You can try several ways before calling for roadside assistance or locksmith service.
For example, you can use a shoelace with an a slip knot to secure a post lock or a coat hanger made of wire that you untwist and mold into hook. You can also make use of an inflatable wedge or a door wedge.
Pump Wedge
If you've been trapped in a car that is locked and none of the DIY options like shoestrings, wire hangers or wedges are working for you It's time to contact an expert. A locksmith or repo service provider might have specialized lockout equipment that can allow you to unlock your vehicle without causing damage.
If they do, be sure you use them in a proper manner. Know where to place the wedge tool. Many people mistakenly put the wedge in the top corner of the door, where it is most prone to damage. This is a mistake as you're more likely to damage the weather stripping as well as the wires within the door. The wedge should be placed where you can see the biggest gap and also where the greatest leverage is.
The Pump Wedge is a premium inflatable wedge constructed of durable, non-marring vinyl. It is placed between the door of the vehicle and the door frame, and is then inflated to create a space. This will let you to slide in other tools such as an opening tool for cars with a long reach rod. It also has a hook at one end, which you can shape to grab the latch within the door handle.
A more economical version of this is a pair made of wooden door stops. They can be used to pry open the gap at the back of the door. You can also make use of a slim Jim, a thin metal strip that is bent into a hook, and then used to secure the lock. This method requires practice, however, since you must be careful not to tear the door's weather stripping.
Another alternative is to use a shoelace however this is only suitable for older cars that don't have a push button unlocking mechanism. You can tie a slip knot in the middle of the lace and then move it up and down the door's seam until you locate the latch. Then, move the lace up and down until it is able to catch on the lock. Secure 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 not cautious.
Inflatable Wedge
If you have an inflatable wedge-shaped car door opener, you'll be able to open your car without the necessity of prying or slim jim tools. These car door wedges can be inserted between the window and the frame of the vehicle and when they are inflated, they create a space sufficient to accommodate an extended-reach tool like slim jims or a button grabber. This method is less risky than using prying tools and can be used when you don't have an screwdriver.
A coat hanger that is wired into a hook is another way to unlock a car without damaging the exterior or interior. It can be used to grab the lock button, and it could be more effective than a flat screwdriver because it is less likely to cause damage to the paint of your car. However, you should look at the other doors to ensure there is no other way to gain access to the door.
You could also try a plastic bag that has been bent into a noose-like or v-shaped shape, but you will need to be cautious not to tear it as this could make your situation more difficult. This method is particularly useful if you are unable to find the button to lock it. This method isn't as efficient as a wedge or metal coat hanger, but it can help you in a pinch.
The best advice we can offer you regarding getting locked out of your vehicle is to remain in a calm state and put safety first. Luckily, there are several options to solve this kind of problem, and if you study this article, you'll be ready for any scenario that may come your way. You can unlock your vehicle by following our steps. This will prevent any unnecessary damage and stress. Of course, if you can, always be certain to have your keys when leaving your vehicle.
Shoelace
It's one of the "oh crap!" moments that can ruin a day. It's best to have a few things that you can use to open your car without breaking any windows. Some of these items can be easily found and will save you money on a locksmith, or the time it takes for roadside assistance.
A shoelace or twine could be used to unlock a car. It's simple to use and works on a variety of vehicles. This method only works on cars that have post locks. These stack vertically on the window sill and are easily accessible from the outside of the car. To get the job done make use of a shoelace make a slip knot and move it into the crack between the window frame and the door. Once the slip knot has been set, pull both ends of the string upwards in order to lasso the lock.
This method is only applicable on older models with a hooked lock. If car key lockout service have a screwdriver in your possession to use, you can use it to open the door more aggressively. Another option is to grab the pole from a nearby object such as a doorframe or piece of wood, and stick it into the window frame to make an opening for the rod you'll use to push the lock's interior button.
While the above methods are generally safe for the majority of drivers, it is best to seek help whenever possible. This will help prevent further damage to the car and decrease the chance of a crash due to stress. If you don't have a cell phone or aren't able for help, remember that it's important to let trusted family members and family members know the location of your car at all times. A spare set of keys must be kept in a convenient location on your vehicle.
Wire Hanger
There is no doubt that locking your keys in your car could be a very frustrating situation. But, the most important thing is to stay calm and think through what your options are to get them back. You can avoid making the situation worse if don't be in a panic.
You can also use a modified wire hanger to get into your car. You'll need to uncoil the wire coat hanger to create a straight edge with a hook you can use to control your lock rod. When you are able to reach the lock rod you should be able to pull it up to open the door.
Another option to consider is using a rod or even a piece of metal from the body of your car. It is crucial to ensure that you do not cause any damage to the vehicle in this procedure and it is best if you can do so without having to take the car apart. It is also important to be as patient as possible since this method is more likely to work better on older vehicles than on the latest models, but it is still a viable option in the case of a model with a unique outer door handle style.
You can perform the same thing with the shoestring tied in a slip knot. This is a good idea for the postlock, but it will be more difficult to maneuver because you will rely on the tension of the string to hold it. It is possible to do this by threading a shoestring through the small hole in the weatherstripping of the doors of your vehicle. Once the shoestring is through the weatherstripping, pull the string tightly to form an elongated loop that snaps around the lock. If you're lucky, the lock will be placed in the correct spot.