Locked Keys in Car? Here's How to Open Your Car Without Damage
Don't be worried if you've locked your keys in your vehicle. There are numerous tricks you can try before calling a locksmith or a roadside assistance service.
You could, for instance make use of a shoelace with an elastic slip knot to lift the post lock. You can also untwist a wire coathanger and shape it into a hook. You can also use a door wedge or inflatable wedge.
Pump Wedge
If you've been trapped in a locked car and no DIY solutions like shoestrings, wire hangers or wedges are working for you then it's time to call in a professional. A locksmith or repo service provider could have specialized tools for unlocking that can help you open your vehicle without causing damage to it.
Use them correctly when they are available. The most important thing is to know where to place the wedge tool. Many people put the wedge tool in the upper corner of a door which is the most vulnerable. This is a bad move, as you may damage the weather stripping and wires within the doors. The wedge should be placed where you can see the largest gap and where the maximum leverage is.
The Pump Wedge is an inflatable wedge constructed of heavy duty vinyl that won't scratch the surface. It slides between the door of the vehicle and the door frame and is filled with air to create a separation that allows you to slide in other tools, such as a long reach tool rod for opening the car. It comes with a hook at the other end that you can make into a shape to hold the latch on the door handle.
A less costly version of this is a pair of wooden door stops. They can be placed in the rear of the door to open the gap wide enough to allow a rod. You can also try using a slim jim which is a thin metal strip that can be bent into a hook to latch to the lock and then pull it up. This method requires practice however, as you must be careful not to tear the door's weather stripping.
Another option is to use a shoelace however this is only suitable for older cars without a push-button unlocking mechanism. You can tie a slip knot through the middle of the lace and then move it upwards and downwards through the door's seam until it reaches the latch. Then move the lace upwards and down until it hooks on the lock. Tighten the slip knot and then pull it upwards. This is more difficult and could scratch the paint on the door or dent the trim if you are not careful.
Inflatable Wedge
You can easily unlock your car using an inflatable wedge-shaped door opener. This will free you from using prying tools or slim jims. These car door wedges can be inserted between the window and the frame of the vehicle, and when inflated, they create a space that is enough to fit tools with a long reach, such as an a-slim jim or button grabber. locked out of my car is safer than using tools to pry and is a good option if you don't have an screwdriver.
A coat hanger made of wire that is shaped into a hook is an additional method to unlock a car without damaging its exterior or interior. This can be used to secure the lock and may be more effective than a flat screwdriver since it is less likely cause damage to the paint on the car. You should still look at the other doors to make sure there are no other ways to gain access to the door.
You can also use a plastic bag twisted into a noose or V-shaped shape. Be careful not to tear the bag as it could make things worse. This technique is especially helpful if you can't find the lock button. This trick is not as reliable as a wedge or a metal coat hanger, but it could assist you in the event of a crisis.
Be safe and remain calm. Luckily, there are several ways to resolve this type of problem, and if you take the time to review this article, you will be ready for any scenario that comes your way. You can unlock your vehicle by following our steps. This will prevent any unnecessary stress and damage. And of course, if you are able, make certain to have your keys when leaving your vehicle.
Shoelace
It's one of the "oh crap!" moments that can ruin a day. In the event of an emergency it's a good idea keep a few things in your possession that can aid in unlocking your car without breaking the windows. Some of these items are readily available and will help you save money on a locksmith or the time it takes for roadside assistance.
A shoelace or twine can be used to unlock a vehicle. It's easy to use and can be used on a wide range of vehicles. The most important thing to consider is a car equipped with post locks. They are stacked vertically on the window sill and are easily accessible from outside of the vehicle. To complete the task you need to use a shoelace to create a slip knot and move it into the crack between the door and window frame. Once the slip knot is placed, pull the ends of the string up to lasso it.
This method may only work on older models that have an open lock with a hook. A screwdriver, if it's available, can help open the door in a more aggressive way. You can also use a pole that you can pull from a nearby object like a doorframe, or a piece of wood, to stick into the window frame. This will make room for a rod to push the lock's interior button.
While the methods mentioned above are relatively safe for most drivers, it is best to call for assistance when you can. This will stop any further damage to the vehicle, and it will also reduce the likelihood of an accident resulting from the stress of the situation. If you don't have a phone or aren't able for help It is important to let trusted friends and family members know where your car is parked at all times. 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
It's a gruelling situation to lock your keys in your car. It is important to remain calm and think about all options rationally. This will help you avoid making the problem worse and this could occur when you panic.
You can use a modified wire hanger to access your car. You will need uncoil the wire coat hanger to make a straight end with a hook that you can use to move your lock rod. Once you can reach the rod of your lock and you are capable of pulling it up, which will let the door open.
Another option to consider is using a rod or even the metal of your car's body. You should ensure that you don't damage the vehicle in this process. It is recommended to avoid disassembling the vehicle. This method is more effective on older vehicles than newer ones. However, it can be used on cars that have unique door handles.
You can also use a shoestring and a slip knot to do the same thing. It can also be used on a post lock but it will be somewhat more difficult to operate because you'll be relying on the tension from the string to hold the lock. You can do this by threading a shoestring through the tiny hole in the weatherstripping that is on the doors of your vehicle. After the string is in, you can pull it in a tight manner to form a loop that will snap around the lock, allowing you to remove it. If you are lucky the lock will be at the right spot.