Locked Keys in Car? Here's How to Open Your Car Without Damage
Don't be worried if you've locked your keys inside your vehicle. You can try several techniques before calling a roadside assistance or locksmith service.
You could, for instance, use a shoelace with an elastic slip knot to lift the post lock. You can also untwist a wire coathanger and then shape it into a hook. You can also use an inflatable wedge or door wedge.
Pump Wedge
If you've found yourself in a locked car and none of the DIY options like wire hangers, shoestrings or wedges work, it's time to call an expert. A locksmith or repo service provider could have specialized lockout equipment that can help you unlock your car without damaging it.
Use them correctly If they are available. Be aware of where to insert the wedge tool. Many people make the mistake of placing the wedge in the upper corner of the door, where it is the most susceptible to damage. This is a mistake as you're more likely to damage the weather stripping or the wires inside the door. Put the wedge in the area where you can see the biggest gap and where the maximum leverage is.
The Pump Wedge is an inflatable wedge made from heavy duty vinyl that won't mar the surface. It is able to slide between the door of the vehicle and the door frame. It is pumped up to create a gap which allows you to insert other tools like a long reach car opening tool rod. It has a hook at the other end that you can make into a shape to hold the latch on the door handle.
This can be done using a pair wooden door stops. They can be placed at the rear of the door to make the space wide enough to accommodate a rod. You could also try using a slim jim which is a thin metal strip that can be bent into a hook to latch on the lock and pull it up. This method is not for the faint of heart as you have to be cautious not to damage the weather stripping that is on your door.
Another option is to use a shoelace, but this only works with older cars without a push-button unlocking mechanism. You can tie a slip knot through 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 until it hooks the lock, tighten the slip knot, and pull it upwards. This is a more difficult method and could scratch the paint on the door or scratch the trim if you are not careful.
Inflatable Wedge
You can easily unlock your car with an inflatable wedge-shaped door opener. This will free you from using prying tools or slim jims. These wedges can be placed between the window and frame of the car. They will when they are inflated, they create a large opening to place a tool with a lengthy reach, like a button grabper or slim jim. This method is much safer than using a tool to pry and is a viable option even if you don't have access the screwdriver.
A coat hanger that is wired into a hook is another option to unlock a car without damaging its interior or exterior. locked car keys in car can use this to grab the lock button, and it may work better than a flat screwdriver as it is less likely to cause damage to the paint on your car. However, it is important to check all of the doors to ensure there is no other method to gain access.
You can also try using a plastic bag that has been twisted into a noose-like or v-shaped shape, but you will need to be careful not to tear it, as this could make your situation more difficult. This method is particularly useful when you are unable to locate the lock button. It may not be as secure as using the wedge or a metal coat hanger, but it can be useful when you're in an awkward situation.
The best tip we can give you on being locked out of your car is to be at peace and focus on safety. There are a variety of solutions to this kind of issue. If you read this article, you'll be ready for any scenario that comes your way. You can unlock your car by following our directions. This will avoid unnecessary damage and stress. If you are able, bring your keys when you leave your vehicle.
Shoelace
It's one of the "oh crap!" moments that can ruin a day. In the event of a crisis, it's a good idea to keep a few things in your possession that can help you unlock your vehicle without damaging the windows. Some of these items are simple to locate and can save you the expense of hiring a locksmith or having to wait for roadside assistance to arrive.
A shoelace, or even twine, is a great tool for unlocking a car. It's simple to use and can be used on a wide range of vehicles. The key to this method is a car with post locks. They can be placed vertically on the sill of the window and are easily accessible outside the car. To complete the task, use a shoelace to create a slip knot and move it into the crack between the frame of the window and the door. Once the slip knot has been positioned and secured, pull both ends the string upwards to lasso the lock.
This technique is more effective when applied to older vehicles, and might not work on modern models that have an interior hook lock. A screwdriver, should it be available, can help open the door in a more aggressive manner. Another option is to grab the pole from a nearby object, such as a doorframe or piece of wood, and then stick it inside the window frame to create space for the rod that you will use to push the lock's interior button.
Although the above methods may be somewhat safe for some drivers, it is best to get help if you can. This will help prevent further damage to the car and decrease the chance of an accident due to stress. If you don't have a cell phone or are unable to call for help It is crucial to always let trusted family members and acquaintances know where the vehicle is. Also an extra set of keys can be stored in an easily accessible place on the vehicle, so you can get them back if required.
Wire Hanger
There is no doubt that locking your keys in your car could be a stressful situation. However, the key is to remain calm and think logically about what options you have for retrieving them. You will avoid making the situation worse if you do not panic.
One of the most effective options is to make use of a modified wire coat hanger to get back in your vehicle. You'll have to unravel the coat hanger in order to get a straight end with a hook you can use to control the lock rod. Once you reach the lock rod, you should be able to pull it upwards to open the door.
You could also use rods, or a metal piece from your car. You should ensure that you don't damage the vehicle during this process. It is recommended to avoid disassembling the vehicle. It is also important to be as patient as possible since this method is likely to be more effective on older vehicles than on newer ones, although it can still be used in the case of a model with a distinctive outer door handle style.
You can make use of a shoestring and an slip knot to accomplish the same thing. It can also be used on a post lock, however it is slightly more difficult to maneuver since you'll be relying on the tension of the string to hold the lock. The most effective method to accomplish this is by threading the shoestring through a tiny hole you can make in the weatherstripping of the door of your vehicle. After the string is in, you can pull it tightly to form a loop that should snap around the lock, allowing you to remove it. This method can be very effective if you are lucky enough to locate the lock in the correct spot.