12 Facts About Keys Locked In Vehicle That Will Refresh Your Eyes At The Water Cooler
How to Deal With Locked Keys in Your Vehicle
It is not uncommon to lock your keys in the vehicle. This could be a stressful situation. This is an issue you can handle.
You can avoid being locked out by keeping spare keys in a secure and secure place. You can also add roadside service to your vehicle. This covers breakdowns and helps you get back on the road.
Locking the Doors
When you lock your keys in your car, it can be embarrassing. In the best-case scenario, you have a friend or family member nearby who can open the door for you, without causing damage to your car. If not, it could be fairly easy to get back inside your vehicle using the proper tools. It all depends on the type of vehicle you drive and the kind of locks that are installed in it.
For instance, if the vehicle has manual locks rather than sensors, you could make use of a rod or wire to open the doors. It could be a wire coat hanger that can be bent into the shape of a lasso, or on vehicles with more modern technology it could be a rod made of metal that is embedded into your key fob. There are many hardware stores that sell "lock picking" sets which include a rod made of metal and instructions for unlocking your car's doors.
It is important to first determine the location of the "unlock" button. It may be near the key fob, or it may be on a panel in the front of the vehicle that is visible from the windshield. Once you have this information, you can make use of the rod or coat hanger to create an opening between the door and its frame or window. Then, you can open the door and press the button to unlock the door.
Another thing to look for is whether your door locks come with release switches that you can press to open them. Some cars, especially those that are more recent include this switch in the trunk. It is usually located near the seat of the driver. 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 contact a professional. You might consider enlisting the assistance of a friend who owns the same make and model as your vehicle, or ask your auto dealer to cut you a new key. You can purchase a new key for less than hiring locksmith.
Locking the Trunk
It's not a good idea to lock the trunk of your vehicle unless you want to hide valuables. It is an excellent way to ensure that thieves aren't able to access your possessions, it hinders opening the trunk without your key fob. However, you can get around this problem by hiding a spare key under the rear fender or on the floor of the trunk. This isn't foolproof and can be easily spotted by a thief, but it can help to stop thieves from opening your trunk.
Modern cars have made extreme measures to ensure that only the key fob can unlock the trunk. Many manufacturers have placed the trunk release lever in the cabin or the back seat to safeguard your valuables. The good news is that you can save money by using the Slim Jim or calling roadside assistance instead of hiring locksmith.
You can make use of a wire hanger to try to open the trunk of your vehicle. But, you must be careful not to scratch the paint. You will need bend the hanger at one side, so that it has a hook. Then, place the hook between the trunk and the back of the seat. You will know you have the right lever or button if you feel a sting.
If you have access to the cab of the car, you can also push a button that is located in the front cabin to open the trunk. This method isn't 100% secure because a thief could see the button and see that your valuables are in the trunk.
The other option is to use the latch mechanism to open the trunk. This is a simple way to unlock the trunk, but only if you own a car that is not fully charged. You'll also need to hear your door locks clicking when you press them. It is also possible that the engine must be running in order to turn on the latch.
Examining the Battery
It is possible that your key fob battery is dead if you are unable to unlock the door by using any of the methods above. Most car fobs come with an emergency key that you can use to unlock the door of the driver if locked. This is typically a separate key that was included with the vehicle or can be found in the glove box or center console.
The most frequent reason a car key doesn't engage in the ignition is due to an obstruction in the lock's cylinder. Dirt or grime or other debris could cause this problem. It hinders the pins to drop correctly when you insert your key. A flashlight and compressed air are excellent tools to locate any obstructions in the lock's cylinder. If you're vigilant you can clear this debris and ensure that your key works in the ignition when needed.
Damage to the cylinder can cause a car to not turn on. In this instance it is likely the lock cylinder has been damaged and needs to be replaced. This can be a costly fix, however there are solutions to temporarily fix the problem.
For instance, you can employ a wire hook to pull off a small portion of the door handle in which the key cylinder is located. However, this method is not recommended if you don't have much experience working on DIY projects as it is difficult to do and may damage your vehicle. It is also important that you shut off the vehicle completely before you begin any work.
Accidentally locking your keys in your car is an unpleasant situation to find yourself in. It is important to remain calm and follow these steps to retrieve your keys safely without causing further damage to your car. If you are able then, you should inquire with your insurance provider to determine if the replacement of your key is covered under your policy.
Calling for help
There are a few things you should do before calling for help if you've locked the keys to your car. If you have a spare car key at home You can ask someone to bring it in to unlock your car. This will help you avoid having to pay a locksmith for an emergency service call. You can also try calling your family member or a friend to find out if he or she has the key. A lot of people have keys in their home or at work, so they can come get you in case you are locked out of your car. Thirdly, you can contact roadside assistance companies like AAA. They have kits specifically designed to open vehicles and are able to open yours at a lower cost than a locksmith would charge. However, they will require your VIN number (visible in front of the windshield wiper) and proof of ownership to be able to do this.
If the situation is urgent and you have pets or children in your car, call 911 immediately. They will send police to your location to safely remove the child or animal from the vehicle. This could include using a slim-jim to break a window or open the door of the car.
It's never enjoyable to lock your keys inside your car, but in most instances, it's only an inconvenience that isn't too significant. By following these guidelines, you avoid being left stranded and make a plan for the next time this occurs.
G28 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 keys in a secure location outside the vehicle, for example a magnetic safe underneath the vehicle or on the driver's side of the trunk. Additionally, Moody recommends that drivers contact their manufacturer to obtain an alternative key and to buy a roadside assistance plan that covers lockout assistance. This will save you money in the long run as getting locked out of your car is usually covered by this type of coverage.