If you’re one of the unfortunate souls who have kept the keys inside the car and locked the car, you might be cursing yourself right now. But what to do when you lock keys in car, realistically? The fastest and convenient things you can do are to use your spare key, use a string to unlock your car door, use a wire clothes hanger, use an inflatable wedge, or call a locksmith or roadside assistance immediately.
Now, if you are stuck in any such situation, let’s move forward on how you can actually get rid of this situation with grace, and what not to do during this time!
Locked Keys In The Car: What To Do
Now, let’s pause for a while and think of the real things you can do when your keys are locked inside the car. Here are a few things you can do to save the day:
Always Have a Spare Key
Spare keys play a big role in times like these. Although you wouldn’t be looking for solutions if you had one, if you got a spare key, use that to unlock the car door. Besides, if your spare keys are at home, call someone to bring them to you.
Download the Manufacturer’s Phone App
Many manufacturers let you unlock the car door using an app, but you need to do proper verification beforehand. If you have paired your car with the app, use it to unlock the doors easily.
Use a String To Unlock Your Car Door
Older vehicles often allow you to unlock the door using a string or fishing line. Make a loop in the middle of the string, then fish it into an opening. This will let you hook the loop onto the door lock. Also, use the upper right corner of the driver’s door, along the door seam, to make removing the keys easier.
Afterward, pull up on that lock to unlock your door. If you don’t have a fishing line, you can also use shoelaces, twine, and other string types.
Use a Wire Clothes Hanger
If strings don’t work for you, a clothes hanger can be used as a solution to locked your keys in car. Straighten the hanger and then insert it into the door frame. Afterward, use it to bring the lock to pop it into the unlock position. Sometimes, you might need a pair of pliers to bend the hanger if it’s too sturdy.
Use an Inflatable Wedge
If you’re very forgetful and often leave your keys inside the car, you should use an inflatable wedge kit. Just inflate the wedge in your door jamb so that you can use other tools to access the manual lock. This process is comparatively easier than the rest.
Call a Locksmith or Roadside Assistance
When you’re in a hurry and not really handy with DIY methods, car locksmith services like Auto Car Locksmith in the Broward County area is the most reliable help you can get. We can come as soon as you reach out to them, and save the day with professional vehicle unlocking tools.
In an Emergency, Contact the Police
Some situations might be scarier, like if you have a pet or child inside. In such cases, don’t wait around, and call the police right away. They’ll be there in no time to rescue and unlock your car door.
What Not To Do When You Lock Your Keys Inside The Car?
Image Description: Warning icons showing “No Crowbar,” “No Broken Window,” and “No Slim Jim.”
ALT Text: Mistakes to avoid unlocking car
Now, when you’re in a panic mode, you can’t think straight. Thus, mistakes might happen. Therefore, here are a few things to avoid during this emergency:
Opening The Door With A Crowbar Or Any Other Object
The door latch is designed to prevent collision without opening. Therefore, if you pry it open using any object, you are most likely to damage it. Or worse, you might even be accused of stealing the car.
Don’t Smash A Window
During an emergency, this might seem like a good option. But it’s better not to panic and call the police in situations like this. Doing this will only bring bad news, like a broken hand or costly repairs.
Using Slim Jims
The old days are long gone. Now the lock mechanism of your car is too modern with an embedded anti-theft system. Therefore, using a slim jim is more likely to break the mechanism than to unlock it.
Ways To Prevent Locking Keys In The Car
If you’re often forgetful about taking your car keys with you, you should take some measures so this doesn’t happen repeatedly.
- First, you can use a lanyard to attach your keys. This will let you carry your keys with you, either around your neck or on your wrist.
- Also, make it a habit to keep your keys in your pocket or bag. Therefore, as you often avoid placing the keys on the seats, cup holders, or inside the car, it will eventually become normal.
- Prevent children from playing with car keys. Remind them that these are not toys and that they should be careful where they place the keys.
Bottom Line
As you have a clear direction on what to do when you lock keys in car, we suggest contacting Auto Car Locksmith right away whenever you are locked out. With the mobile locksmith services, you will get instant support, as well as professional intervention, so you can get to your place as quickly as possible in Broward.
