Locked Keys in Car? Here's How to Open Your Car Without Damage
If you've locked your keys inside your vehicle, don't worry. You can try many ways before calling for locksmith or roadside assistance.
You can, for example, use a shoelace with an elastic slip knot to raise the post lock. Or you can untwist a wire coathanger and form it into a hook. You can also use an inflatable wedge or a door wedge.
Pump Wedge
Call a professional if you are stuck in your car and DIY methods such as shoestrings or wire hooks or wedges don't work. A locksmith or repo service provider may have specialized tools for unlocking that can help you open your car without damaging it.
If they do, be sure you are using them correctly. Be aware of where to place the wedge tool. Many people mistakenly put the wedge in the top corner of the door, which is where it is the most susceptible to damage. This is not a good idea since you risk damaging the weather stripping and wires inside the doors. Instead, place the wedge in the largest part of the gap is visible and where it has the most leverage.
The Pump Wedge is a top-quality inflatable wedge constructed of durable, non-marring vinyl material. It slides between the door of your vehicle and door frame, and then is inflated to create a space. This allows you to slide in other tools like an opening tool for cars with a long reach rod. It also has a hook at one end, which you can shape to grab the latch inside the door handle.
A more economical alternative is to use a pair of wooden door stops. They can be put at the back of the car door to pry the space wide enough to accommodate rods. You could also try using an jim that is slim, which is thin metal strip that can be bent into a hook that can be used to latch on the lock and pull it up. This method requires some practice, however, since you must be careful not to break the weather stripping of the door.
Another option is to use a shoelace however, this is only applicable to older vehicles that do not have a push-button unlocking mechanism. You can tie a knot in the middle, and then move the lace along the door seam until you spot the latch. Then, you can move the lace until it is in contact with the lock, tighten the slip knot, and pull it upwards. This is a more difficult method and can scratch the paint on the door or scratch the trim if not done with care.
Inflatable Wedge
You can easily unlock your car by using an inflatable wedge-shaped door opener. This will free you from the need to use 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 a long-reach tool such as slim jims or a button grabber. This method is much less dangerous than using a prying tool and can be used even if you don't have access a screwdriver.
Another option to unlock a car without damaging its exterior or interior is to make use of a coat hanger made of wire that has been bent into a hook. You can use this to grab the lock button, and it might work better than a flat screwdriver as it is less likely to cause damage to the paint on your car. However, it is important to examine all doors to ensure there isn't another way to gain access.
You can also use a plastic bag twisted into a noose or V-shaped shape. Be careful not to tear the bag because it could cause problems worse. This trick is especially useful when you are unable to locate the lock button. It might not be as reliable as using the wedge or a metal coat hanger however, it can help when you're in an awkward situation.
The best advice we can give you on being locked out of your car is to be in a calm state and put safety first. There are several solutions to this issue. If you've read this article, you'll be prepared for any situation that could occur. If car opener service follow the steps we've provided, you will be capable of unlocking your car and go moving with your day without causing any damage or stress. Of course, if you can, always be sure to bring your keys when you leave your vehicle.
Shoelace
It's one of the "oh crap!" moments that can cause a lot of trouble. It's a good idea to have a few items that you can use to unlock your car without breaking any windows. Some of these items are easy to locate and could save you the cost of hiring a locksmith or waiting for roadside assistance to arrive.
A shoelace, or twine, can be an excellent tool for unlocking a car. It's easy to use and can be used on a wide range of vehicles. The most important thing to consider is a car with post locks. These stack vertically on the window sill and are easily accessible from the outside the car. To accomplish the task make use of a shoelace create a slip knot and move it into the crack between the door and window frame. Once the slip knot has been placed and secured, pull both ends the string upwards in order to lasso the lock.
This method is only applicable on older models that have a hooked lock. A screwdriver, if available, can help open the door in a more aggressive manner. Another option is to snag an object from a nearby object like a doorframe, or a piece of wood, and stick it into the window frame to create an opening for the rod you'll use to push the interior lock button.
Although the methods above might be somewhat safe for some drivers, it is advisable to seek assistance if you can. This will prevent any additional damage to your vehicle, and it can also lower the likelihood of an accident that is caused by the stress of the situation. If you don't have a cell phone or aren't able for assistance Be aware that it is crucial to let trusted family members and family members know where your car is at all times. Also, a spare set of keys can be kept in an easily accessible location on the vehicle so you can retrieve them if needed.
Wire Hanger
There is no doubt that locking your keys in the car can be a traumatic experience. However, the key is to stay calm and think through what your options are for retrieving them. You will not make the situation worse if don't get caught up in panic.
One of the best things you can do is make use of a modified wire coat hanger to get back in your vehicle. You will need uncoil the wire coat hanger to get a straight end with a hook you can use to move your lock rod. Once you are able to reach the rod that locks your door, you should be able to pull it up, which will let the door open.
You can also use a rod, or even a metal piece from your vehicle. It is important to ensure that you don't damage the vehicle in this process. It is recommended to avoid having to disassemble the car. This method is more effective on older vehicles than newer ones. However it can be utilized on models that have unique door handles.
You can make use of a shoestring and a slip knot to do the same thing. This is a good idea for a postlock, but is more difficult to maneuver since you'll be relying on the tension of the string to grab it. The most effective method to accomplish this is by threading the shoestring through a tiny hole you can make within the weatherstripping of the door of your vehicle. Once the string is through, you can pull it tightly to create a loop that should snap around the lock, allowing you to pull it out. If you are lucky you will find the lock at the right spot.