How to Deal With Locked Keys in Your Vehicle
It is not uncommon to lock your keys inside the vehicle. This could be a stressful scenario. This is a situation that you can deal with.
There are ways to prevent getting locked out in the future, which includes storing spare keys somewhere safe and secure. You can also add roadside assistance to your vehicle, which will cover breakdowns and helps drivers get back on their feet.
Locking the Doors
When you lock your keys inside your car, it could be embarrassing. If you're lucky, a family member or friend is nearby and can unlock the car door without causing damage. It is still possible to get inside your car with the right tools, even if do not have a friend or family member in the vicinity. It all depends on the type of car you drive and the kind of locks installed in it.
For instance, if your car has manual locks instead of sensors, you could make use of a thin rod or wire to open the doors. It could be a coat hanger that is bent into the shape of a lasso or on vehicles with more modern technology the rod of a metal is integrated into the key fob. Many hardware stores offer "lock picking" sets that include a metal rod and instructions for unlocking your car's doors.
To use this method, you must be aware of where the "unlock" switch is located. You can find it close to the key fob or on a panel visible through the windscreen. Once you've figured out this information, you can use a coat hanger or rod in order to create a gap between the door of the car and the window or frame. Then, you can go inside and press the button.
Another thing to look for is whether your door locks come with release switches that you can push to unlock them. A few of the latest vehicles have them in the trunk, generally on the side closest to the passenger seats. You can also utilize the emergency release tab to fold the seat down and crawl into the trunk.
If none of these strategies work, it's time to call for help. You might want to enlist the help of a friend who owns the same model and model as your car or ask your car dealer to cut you a new key. You can obtain the new key for less than if you hired a locksmith.
Locking the Trunk
The trunk of your car is not a good option unless you are looking to store valuables. It's a good idea to keep thieves away from your belongings, but it also blocks the trunk from being opened without a key fob. However, you can get around this problem by concealing a spare key under the rear fender or on the floor of the trunk. This method isn't 100% secure and can be easily spotted by a thief, but it could stop them from trying to open your trunk.
Modern automobiles have gone to great lengths to make sure that their trunks can only be opened by a person with a key fob. www.g28carkeys.co.uk have put the lever to open the trunk either in the cabin or on the back seat to protect your valuables. You can still save money by choosing to employ a Slim Jim, or call roadside assistance rather than hiring a locksmith.
You can open your trunk by using a wire hanger. But, you must be cautious not to damage the paint. You will need to bend the hanger on one end, so that it forms hooks. Then, you can insert the hook into the space between the back of the seat and the trunk. You'll know you've got the right button or lever if you feel resistance.
If you have access to the cab of the car, you can also push a button located in the cabin's front to open the trunk. However, this is not a foolproof method because it is possible for a burglar to spot the button and be aware that you have valuables in the trunk.
Another method is to open the trunk with the latch mechanism. This is an easy way to do it however it is only effective in the event that your car is not fully charged and you can hear the door locks clicking when you press them. The engine may also need to be running to activate the latch.
Examining the Battery
It is possible that your key fob battery is dead if you are unable to open the door using any of the methods above. The majority of car key fobs come with an emergency key that can be used to unlock the driver's door if locked. This is typically a separate key that was included with the vehicle or could be found in the glove box or in the center console.
Most often there is a blockage in the lock's cylinder is the reason a key won't work in the ignition. Dirt, grime, or other debris can cause this issue. It prevents the pins from dropping properly when you insert your key. A flashlight and compressed air are both excellent tools to find any obstructions in the lock's cylinder. If you're cautious you can clear this debris and ensure that your key will work in the ignition when needed.
Another reason that may cause a car key to not turn the ignition is damage to the cylinder itself. In this instance, it is likely that the lock cylinder has been damaged and needs to be replaced. This could be a costly repair however there are methods to fix the issue temporarily.
For instance, you could use a wire hanger to pry away a small section of trim from the door handle or the panel on which the key cylinder can be located. However, this technique is not recommended if do not have much experience with DIY projects as it is difficult to complete and could harm your vehicle. Also, make sure to turn off the car completely prior to beginning any work.
It can be very frustrating to accidentally lock your keys in your car. It's crucial to remain calm and follow the advice above in order to retrieve them safely without causing any additional damage to your vehicle. If you can do so, you should also check with your insurance provider to determine if the replacement of your key is covered under your policy.
Calling for Help
Before you call for assistance in the event that you lock your keys in your vehicle, there are a few things that you can do. If you have an extra car key at home and you need someone to bring it, ask them to bring it in to unlock your vehicle. This will help you avoid needing to pay an emergency locksmith service call. You could also call an acquaintance or family member to see if has the key. A lot of people have keys in their home or at work, so they can come get you when you're locked out of your vehicle. Third, call roadside assistance services such as AAA. They have specially designed kits to unlock vehicles and are in a position to open your car for a fraction of the cost the locksmith would charge. But, they'll require your VIN number (visible on the front windshield wiper) and proof of ownership in order to perform this.
If the emergency is urgent and you have a small child or pet inside your vehicle, call 911 immediately. They will dispatch police to your location to remove the child or animal from the vehicle. This could involve using an ice-breaker to break a window, or even open the door to the car.
It's not enjoyable to lock your keys in your car, but in most cases it's an inconvenience of a minor nature. By following these tips, you can avoid being stuck in your car and plan a course of actions for the next time it happens to you.
Drivers can also take steps to avoid being stuck in their cars in the future, like downloading the app for their vehicle's manufacturer or keeping an extra key in a secure location outside the vehicle, such as a magnetic safe beneath the vehicle or on the driver's side of the trunk. Additionally, Moody recommends that drivers contact their car manufacturer for a replacement key and to purchase a roadside assistance program that covers lockout assistance. This will save money over time, since most roadside assistance plans offer lockout assistance.