Locked Keys in Car? Here's How to Open Your Car Without Damage
Don't panic if your car has locked the keys in your vehicle. You can try several techniques before calling a locksmith or roadside assistance.
You can, for example using a shoelace that has an elastic slip knot to raise a post lock. Or you can untwist a coathanger made of wire and form it into hook. You can also use a door wedge or an inflatable wedge.
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If you've found yourself in a car locked up and none of the DIY methods like wire hangers, shoestrings or wedges work for you, it's time to call in an expert. A locksmith or repo service provider might have special lockout tools that can allow you to unlock your vehicle without damaging it.
Make sure you use them correctly when they are available. Be aware of where to insert the wedge tool. Many people place the wedge tool in the upper corner of a door which is the most vulnerable. This is a bad move since you risk damaging the weather stripping and wires inside the doors. The wedge should be placed in the area where you can see the biggest gap and also where the greatest leverage is.
The Pump Wedge is an inflatable wedge constructed of heavy duty vinyl that won't mar the surface. It slides between the vehicle door and the door frame, and is pumped up to create a space which allows you to insert other tools such as an extended reach tool rod for opening your car. It has a hook at one end that you can shape in order to grab the latch on the door handle.
A more economical alternative is a pair of wooden door stops. They can be placed in the rear of the door to pry the gap wide enough to allow rods. You could also try using the 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-hearted as you must be cautious not to scratch the weather stripping on your door.
Another option is to use a shoelace however, this is only applicable to older cars that don't have a push button unlocking mechanism. You can tie knots in the middle, and then move the lace up and down the door seam until you locate the latch. After that, maneuver the lace until it catches the lock, then tighten the slip knot and pull upward. This is more difficult and could scratch the paint on the door or scratch the trim if not careful.
Inflatable Wedge
You can easily unlock your car with a wedge-shaped inflatable door opener. This will spare you from the need to use prying tools or slim jims. The wedges can be positioned between the frame and window of the car. They will when they are inflated, they provide a wide space to put in a device that has a long reach like a button grabper or slim jim. This method is safer than using a tool to pry and is a viable option even if you don't have access the screwdriver.
A wire coat hanger shaped into a hook is an additional method to unlock the car without damaging its interior or exterior. This can be used to secure the lock and may be more effective than a flat screwdriver as it is less likely cause damage to the paint on the car. You should still check the other doors to ensure there is no other way to gain access.
You can also make use of a plastic bag that has been twisted into a noose, or v-shaped shape. Be careful not to tear the bag since it can make the situation worse. This technique is especially useful if you are struggling to locate the button for locking. This method isn't as effective as a wedge, or a coat hanger, but it could assist you in a pinch.
Stay at peace and always put safety first. There are a variety of options to solve this kind of problem, and if you take the time to review this article, you'll be ready for any scenario that may come your way. You can unlock your vehicle by following our steps. This will prevent any unnecessary damage and stress. If you're able to, make sure to take your keys when you leave your vehicle.
Shoelace
Getting locked out of your vehicle is one of those "oh crap" moments that can cause you to lose your day. In the event of a crisis, it's a good idea keep a few things on hand that can help you unlock your vehicle without damaging the windows. Certain of these items are simple to locate and could save you the expense of hiring a locksmith or having to wait for roadside assistance to arrive.
A shoelace or twine could be used to unlock a vehicle. It's easy to use and will work on a wide range of vehicles. This method only works for cars 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, then squeeze it into the gap between the frame of the window and the door. Once the slip knot has been positioned, pull the ends of the string up to lasso it.
This technique is more effective when used on older vehicles, and might not work on newer models with a hooked interior lock. If you have a screwdriver handy to use, you can use it to unlock the door more forcefully. Another option is to grab an object from a nearby object, like a doorframe or a piece of wood, and then stick it inside the window frame to create an opening for the rod you'll use to push the lock's interior button.
Although the methods above might be relatively safe for many drivers, it is advisable to call for assistance if you can. This will help prevent further damage to the vehicle, and it can also lower the chance of an accident that is caused by the stress of the situation. If you do not have a cell phone or cannot call for help It is crucial to notify trusted family members and acquaintances know where your vehicle is parked. Additionally an extra set of keys could be stored in an easily accessible location on the vehicle, so you can access them when required.
Wire Hanger
There is no doubt that locking your keys in the car can be a traumatic experience. But, the most important thing is to stay calm and think logically about the options for retrieving them. You will not make the situation worse if you don't panic.
One of the best options is to use a modified wire coat hanger to get back into your vehicle. You'll have to unravel the coat hanger wire to get a straight end with a hook that you can use to manipulate the lock rod. Once you can reach the rod that locks your door and you are able to pull it up, which will allow you to open the door.
You could also use a rod, or even metal pieces from your vehicle. You should make sure that you don't harm the vehicle in this process. It is recommended to avoid having to take apart the vehicle. This method is more effective for older cars than newer models. However it can be utilized on models that have unique door handles.
You can also use a shoestring as well as a slip knot to do the same thing. This will work on the postlock, but it will be more difficult to maneuver because you will rely on the tension of the string to hold it. You can do this by threading a shoestring through the small hole in the weatherstripping on the doors of your vehicle. Once the string has been threaded, you can pull it in a tight manner to create a loop that should snap around the lock and allow you to pull it out. This method is extremely efficient if you're lucky enough to find the lock in the right location.