Locked Keys in Car? Here's How to Open Your Car Without Damage
Don't be worried if you've locked the keys in your car. You can try several tricks before calling a roadside assistance or locksmith service.
For instance, you can use a shoelace with a slip knot to secure the post lock, or a coat hanger made of wire that you twist and then mold into a hook. You can also make use of an inflatable wedge or door wedge.
Pump Wedge
If you've found yourself 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 a professional. A locksmith or a repo service provider might have special lockout tools that will allow you to open your vehicle without causing any damage.
Make sure you use them correctly If they are available. The most important thing is to know where to place the wedge tool. Many people put the wedge tool in the top corner of a door, which is the most vulnerable. This is a bad move, as you may damage the weather stripping and wires inside the doors. The wedge should be placed where you can see the largest gap and where the maximum leverage is.
The Pump Wedge is a top-quality inflatable wedge made of heavy duty non-marring vinyl material. It is able to slide between the vehicle's door and door frame, and then is inflated to create a separation. This will let you to slide in other tools such as a long-reach car opening tool rod. It also has a hook at one end that you can bend to secure the latch on the door handle.
This can be accomplished with the help of a pair of wooden door stops. They can be placed in the back of the car door to pry the gap wide enough for rods. You can also try the slim jim that is a thin metal strip that can be bent into a hook that can be used to latch on the lock and pull it up. This method is not for the faint of heart, as you need to be cautious not to tear the weather stripping on your door.
A shoelace is a different option, but it works only with older cars that do not have a push button for the unlock mechanism. You can tie a slip knot through the middle of the lace and then move it upwards and downwards through the door's seam until you find the latch. Then, you can move the lace until it is in contact with the lock, then tighten the slip knot, and pull it upwards. This method can be more difficult than other methods and can scratch paint or damage the door trim if not careful.
Inflatable Wedge
If you own a wedge-shaped inflatable car door opener, you will be able to quickly unlock your vehicle without the necessity of prying or slim jim tools. The wedges can be positioned between the frame and the window of the car and when inflated, provide a wide space to put in a device with a lengthy reach, like a button grabber or slim jim. This method is much less dangerous than using a prying tool and can be utilized even when you don't have access a screwdriver.
Another option for unlocking a car without damaging the exterior or interior is to utilize a coat hanger which has been cut into a hook shape. This can be used to grab the lock and may be more effective than a flat screwdriver as it is less likely to cause damage to the paint of the car. However, you must inspect all the doors to ensure there is no other method to gain entry.
You can also use a plastic bag and twist it into a noose or V-shaped shape. Be careful not to tear the bag, as it could make things worse. This method is particularly useful in the event that you cannot locate the lock button. This method isn't as reliable as a wedge or a metal coat hanger, but it can help you in a pinch.
The best advice we can give you about getting locked out of your car is to be calm and prioritize safety. There are locked myself out my car of ways to solve this problem. If you have read this article, you will be prepared for any situation that could arise. You can unlock your car by following our instructions. This will prevent any unnecessary stress and damage. If you're able, take your keys when you leave your vehicle.
Shoelace
Being locked out of your car is one of those "oh crap" moments that can cause you to lose your day. It's a great idea to have a few things that you can use to unlock your car without breaking any windows. Some of these items are easy to find and can save you the expense of hiring a locksmith or having to wait for roadside assistance to arrive.
A shoelace, or twine, can be an excellent tool for unlocking the car. It's simple to use and works on a variety of cars. This method is only applicable to vehicles with post locks. They can be placed vertically on the window sill and are easily accessible outside the car. Use a shoelace as well as an elongated slip knot to get the job done. Then, slide the shoelace into the gap between door and window frame. Once the slip knot is positioned, pull the ends of the string up to lasso it.
This method may only work on older models with a locked that is hooked. If you have a screwdriver on hand you can use it to open the door more aggressively. You could also use a pole that you can grab from a nearby object, such as the door frame, or an object of wood to put into the window frame. This will create space for a rod to push the lock's interior button.
While the methods mentioned above may be relatively safe for many drivers, it's best to get assistance if you can. This will prevent further damage to the car and reduce the risk of an accident due to stress. If you do not have a mobile phone or are unable to call for help, it is important to always let trusted family members and acquaintances know where your vehicle is parked. In addition an extra set of keys can be kept in a easily accessible spot in the vehicle so that you can get them back if needed.
Wire Hanger
It's a gruelling situation to put your keys in your car. However, the trick is to remain calm and think about the options for retrieving them. This will help you avoid making the problem worse and this could occur in the event of panic.
You can also use a modified wire hanger to access your car. You'll have to unravel the coat hanger to ensure that it has a straight edge and a hook, which you can use to control the lock rod within your door. When you have reached the rod, you will be able pull it up to open the door.
Another option you could explore is using a rod, or even a piece of metal from the body of your vehicle. You should be sure not to damage the vehicle while doing this. It is best to avoid having to take apart the car. It is also important to be as patient as you can as this method is likely to be more effective for 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 do similar things using a shoestring tied in with a slip knot. It can also be used on a post lock however, it's a bit more difficult to operate since you will be relying on the tension from the string to grasp the lock. The most effective method to accomplish this is by threading the shoestring through a tiny hole that you can create within the weatherstripping of the door of your vehicle. After the shoestring has passed through the weatherstripping, you are able to pull the string tightly to create an elongated loop that will snap around the lock. If you are lucky, the lock will be in the right place.