How to Get Back in Your Car If You Locked Car Keys in Car
It is quite likely that you'll lose your car keys at some time. The good news is that there are a variety of ways to get back in your car without causing any damage.
One method is to make use of a coat hanger, or another thin, long object to secure the key fob. This method is suitable for older cars that have a traditional door lock.
Pump Wedge
If you lock your keys inside your car for the first time, it could be an anxious experience. If you're prepared it may be easier than you thought to get your keys back into your car without causing damage to the lock. Here are a few tips to consider before calling a roadside assistance service.
A simple tool like an air pump wedge can be used to get your car door to open. It is an airbag made of plastic that is pumped up to create a gap between the door and the weather stripping. This opening is large enough to allow tools for unlocking cars to be inserted, and also allows you to access the lock mechanism manually in most cars.
You could also use a wire coat hanger for this purpose, but it might require a little more effort. To do this you'll require pliers so that it has a straight side and a hook end. The hook will be able to fit inside the control arm of the lock rod inside the front door, and the straight side will be pressed onto the handle. Then, you can pull down the door and the lock will be removed.
This method is ideal for cars with post locks that are positioned on the window sill. It isn't a good fit for the kind of locks that are attached to the side of the car, however it can be useful as a last resort in cases where other methods fail.
Another option is to use an Slim Jim, which is a thin strip of metal that is used to unlock cars. Slim Jims are readily available at most hardware stores. You may have to ask for help finding them. Install the Slim Jim between the door and the weather stripping. Then get my keys out of my car can use the hook-like part of the Slim Jim to grab the inside of the locking mechanism.
If nothing else works, you may need to get a professional help you unlock your car. Most locksmiths offer the option of mobile service, which means they can come to you. They are usually cheaper than roadside assistance, and have the tools needed to solve your issue.
Use a wire hanger
The lock on your car door isn't easy to open if you don't have the right tools. You can get your keys back by using household items. You can use a wire hanger that has been straightened, and add a hook to the end. This hook is used to manipulate the lock and can be easily moved from one position to open the lock. A paper clip or a thin rod of metal could work to unlock the car door. Just make sure the item you choose is sturdy enough to hold its shape under pressure and not flex too much when you apply pressure.
If you don't have a coat hanger made of wire lying around, any long piece of twine or wire may do the trick. It is important to select a length of wire or twine that extends above the weather strip on the door. You can then make an uni knot and insert the end into the space where the door handle is affixed to the vehicle, or in the event that you know the car's locking mechanism, put the hook in the area where the bar that detaches the lock is.
This MacGyver method might not be suitable for all vehicles however it's worth giving it a go. You may need to push the stick inside and out of the locking mechanism however, this is much better than trying to forcefully pull it open which could cause damage to the ignition.
If you've tried the other methods and are still locked out of your vehicle, it's important to remember that a professional is able to unlock your car quickly and safely. This service is provided by many roadside assistance companies for a small cost or at no cost for members. Another option is to contact your local police department. They are often able to unlock vehicles or provide a window replacement service according to their resources and whether the situation is life-threatening. Some police departments even have specialized equipment such as the slim jim which can break the lock pin.
Use a Slim Jim
The Slim Jim is a tool employed by locksmiths who are professionals to unlock vehicles. It is a wedge that allows quick access to the internal rod of the car lock mechanism. This tool is made from rubber, not wood, because the latter can leave splinters or pieces of wood inside the door. Utilizing the Slim Jim can also cause damage to the car door and therefore it is recommended to avoid using one without the assistance of a professional.
It might seem difficult, but using the Slim Jim is quite simple. You will need to first locate something long and thin around your house. A ruler made of metal is ideal however, you can also make use of a wire hanger. You will then need to straighten the piece of metal until it has a hook on one end. This can be accomplished by cutting a small groove along the end of a stick using the help of a blade. Remove the hook from the stick's tip and shape it to fit around the rod that locks.
Insert the metal piece into the gap between the window and the door frame. As you move it around the rod, pay attention to any resistance. If you feel resistance, you've reached the internal locking device or latch within the door frame of your vehicle.
After a couple of minutes, you should notice that the lock begins to move. You can then pull the lock up and use the key to unlock the front door. Be careful not to catch your finger on the rods of the door lock as you pull it up. Untrained people can remove the rods from the lock and cylinder. If you are unable to open your car door you should consider contacting an experienced locksmith, as they are trained to do so without causing any damage to the car. They can also help locate your spare keys when you've locked them in the car.
Adhesive Tape
Car keys are among the most frequently misplaced items. Many people are in a state of panic when they lose their keys, rummaging frantically through their pockets and bags. For others, it can cause a costly trip to the auto shop to get the key replaced. Whatever the reason loss of a car key could be a major hassle however, there are a variety of ways that you can get your keys back quickly and inexpensively.
Adhesive tape is a popular method. It's a simple and fast way to remove the car key without needing to smash your window or contact locksmith. However, it is essential to use the right solvent for automotive use. This will ensure that the solvent is safe to apply to the bodywork of your vehicle. Let the adhesive tape rest for the time recommended by the product prior to applying the solvent. Employ work gloves to lift the adhesive tape. This will reveal the car key underneath, allowing you to remove it.
You can unlock your car using an instrument to decode the code that your car uses to communicate with the key fob. These tools are readily available in most hardware stores. A typical tool will listen to the signal sent by your key fob, and then decode it to discover what it means. It will also keep a few bits of information, such as the errors correction bits at the end of the signal transmission.
A lot of vehicles now come equipped with keyless entry systems which allows you to start and open your vehicle without having insert the key into the ignition. These systems use a radio frequency to communicate with the key fob and the keyless entry module inside your car. This technology has drastically reduced car theft rates. However, this does not mean that you should not be vigilant in stopping car theft.
If you lose your car keys, it is always advisable to keep spare keys available. This is because, unlike older style of keys that could be easily a replacement made the newer models, modern keys for cars are more secure and are difficult to replace. This is due to the fact that they contain a transponder element that makes it impossible to copy them.