Locked Keys in Car? Here's How to Open Your Car Without Damage
If you've locked your keys inside your car, don't be afraid. There are numerous tricks you can try before calling a locksmith, or a roadside assistance service.
For example, you can make use of a shoelace with an a slip knot to pull up a post lock or a wire coat hanger that you twist and then mold into a hook. You can also make use of an inflatable wedge or door wedge.
Pump Wedge
Contact a professional if are stuck in your car and DIY techniques such as shoestrings or wire hooks or wedges don't work. A locksmith or repo service provider might have special lockout tools that can allow you to unlock your car without causing any damage.
If they do, be sure you use them correctly. Be aware of where to insert the wedge tool. Many people put the wedge tool in the upper corner of the door which is the most vulnerable. This is a mistake, since you are likely to damage the weather stripping as well as the wires inside the door. The wedge should be placed where you can see the biggest gap and where the maximum leverage is.
The Pump Wedge is an inflatable wedge constructed of durable vinyl that will not damage the surface. It is placed between the vehicle's door and door frame, and is then inflated to create a gap. This will allow you slide in other tools like an extended-reach car opening rod. It also has a hook on one end that you can bend to grab the latch within the door handle.
This can be accomplished with a pair wooden door stops. They can be put at the back of the car door to make the space wide enough to accommodate rods. You can also make use of a slim-Jim which is a thin metal strip which is bent into a hook, and then used to secure the lock. This method isn't without practice however, as you must be careful not to damage the weather stripping on the door.
Another alternative is to use a shoelace, however, this is only applicable to older cars without a push-button unlocking mechanism. You can tie a knot in the middle and then move the lace upwards and downwards along the door seam until you locate the latch. Then, move the lace until it catches the lock, tighten the slip knot and pull it upwards. This method is more difficult than other ones and could scratch the paint or damage the door trim if you aren't careful.
Inflatable Wedge
You can easily unlock your car with a wedge-shaped inflatable door opener. This will spare you from using prying tools or slim jims. These wedges can be placed between the frame and the window of the car. They will, when inflated, provide a wide space to put in a device that has a long reach like a button grabper or slim jim. This method is less dangerous than using a screwdriver and is a viable option even when you don't have access a screwdriver.
Another good option for unlocking a car without damaging the interior or exterior is to utilize a coat hanger that has been bent into a hook shape. It can be used to grab the lock button, and it could work better than a flat screwdriver because it is less likely to cause damage to the paint of your car. You should still check the other doors to make sure there are no other ways to gain access to the door.
You can also try using a plastic bag that has been bent into a v-shaped or noose-like shape, but you will have to be careful not to tear it as it could make your situation worse. This technique is especially useful if you are struggling to locate the button for locking. It may not be as reliable as using a wedge or a metal coat hanger however, it can be useful when you're in an awkward situation.
The best tip we can offer you regarding getting locked out of your vehicle is to remain in a calm state and put safety first. There are many options to solve this kind of problem, and if you study this article, you can be ready for any scenario that may come your way. If you follow the steps we've given, you will be in a position to unlock your car and get going without any unnecessary damage or stress. If you are able, bring your keys along when you leave your vehicle.
Shoelace
Being locked out of your car is one of those "oh crap" moments that can make your day miserable. It's best to have a few things that you can use to unlock your car without breaking any windows. These items can be easily found and will help you save money on a locksmith, or the time it takes to call roadside assistance.
A shoelace or twine can be used to unlock a vehicle. It's simple to use and works on a variety of cars. The key to this method is a car that has post locks. These can be stacked vertically on the window sill and are easily accessible outside the car. Use a shoelace as well as an elongated slip knot to accomplish the task. Then, slide the shoelace into the crack between door and window frame. Once the slip knot has been put in place, pull the two ends of the string upwards to lasso it.
This method may only work on older models that have a locked that is hooked. A screwdriver, should it be available is a good tool to open the door in a more aggressive manner. You can also use a pole that you can grab from a nearby object, such as a doorframe, or an object of wood to put into the window frame. This will create space for an object to push the interior locking button.
Although the above strategies are generally safe for the majority of drivers, it is best to get help when you can. This will prevent further damage to the vehicle and decrease the chance of an accident caused by stress. If you don't have a cell phone or cannot call for help it is essential to notify trusted family members and acquaintances know where your vehicle is. In addition an extra set of keys could be stored in an easily accessible place on the vehicle so you can retrieve them if required.
Wire Hanger
There is no doubt that locking your keys in the car can be a stressful situation. The trick is to remain calm and consider all your options logically. ignition key will help you avoid making the problem worse, which is something that can happen if you panic.
One of the best things you can do is use a modified wire coat hanger to access your vehicle. You will need to uncoil the coat hanger so that it has a straight slant and a hook that you can use to move the lock rod inside your door. When you are able to reach the lock rod, you should be able to pull it up to open the door.
You can also use rods, or metal pieces from your car. You should make sure that you don't harm the vehicle while doing this. It is recommended to avoid having to take apart the car. It is also important to be as patient as you can because this method is more likely to be more effective on older vehicles than it does on newer ones, although it can still be utilized in the case of a model with a unique outer door handle style.
You can perform the same trick with the use of a shoestring tied into a slip knot. This can be done on a postlock, but is more difficult to maneuver as you'll rely on the tension of the string to grab it. You can do this by threading a shoestring through the tiny hole in the weatherstripping of your vehicle's doors. After the string is in, you can pull it tight to form a loop that will snap around the lock and allow you to pull it out. If you're lucky the lock will be in the right place.