Responsible For A Keys Locked In Vehicle Budget? 12 Tips On How To Spend Your Money
How to Deal With Locked Keys in Your Vehicle
It is not unusual to lock your keys inside the vehicle. This can be a stressful situation. This is an issue that you can deal with.
There are ways to avoid getting locked out in the future, which includes having spare keys stored somewhere safe and secure. You can also add roadside assistance to your vehicle, which can help with breakdowns and helps drivers get back on track.
Locking the Doors
It's a humiliating moment when you lock your keys inside your car. If you're fortunate, someone from your family or a friend is in the vicinity and can open the car door without causing damage. If not, it will be fairly easy to get back into your vehicle with the right tools. The kind of vehicle you drive and the locks you have installed in it will determine how easy it will be to get back inside.
For instance, if your car has manual locks instead of sensor-operated locks, you can make use of a thin rod or wire to unlock the doors. It could be a wire coat hanger that is bent into the shape of a lasso, or for vehicles that are more recent the rod of a metal is built into your key fob. A lot of hardware stores sell "lock picking" sets that include a metal rod and instructions to unlock 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 wall in the front of the car that's visible from the windshield. Once you've got this information, you can utilize the rod or coat hanger to create an opening between the car door and its frame or window. Then you can open the door and press the button to unlock the door.
The other thing to check is whether your door locks come with a release switch that you can push to open them. Certain cars, particularly ones that are more recent are equipped with this feature in the trunk. It is usually on the side closest to the passenger seat. You could also try the emergency release tab, which folds down the seat so that you can climb into the trunk and grab your keys.
If none of these solutions work, you'll need to seek out help. You might want to enlist the help of a family member who has the same make and model as your vehicle or ask your auto dealer to cut you a new key. You can get an additional key for less than hiring locksmith.
Locking the Trunk
Locking your trunk of your car is a bad option unless you are looking to keep valuables safe. It is a good way to ensure that thieves aren't able to access your belongings, but it also prevents the trunk from being opened without your key fob. But, you can work around this issue by placing a spare key in the rear fender or on the floor of the trunk. This method is not foolproof and is easy to find by a thief, but it could deter them from trying to open your trunk.
Modern automobiles have made great lengths to ensure that only the key fob is able to unlock the trunk. In order to protect your belongings, a lot of manufacturers have locked the lever for trunk release in the cabin or the back seat. You can still save money if employ Slim Jim Slim Jim, or call roadside assistance instead of hiring locksmith.
You can try to open your trunk using a wire hanger. But, you must be cautious not to damage the paint job. You'll need bend the hanger at one side, to form a hook. Then, you can insert the hook into the gap between the back of the seat and the trunk. You will know you have the right button or lever if you feel a slight resistance.
If you have access to the cab of the vehicle, you could also use a push button that is located in the cabin's front to open the trunk. But, this isn't a foolproof method because it is possible for a thief to look at the button and know that you have your valuables in the trunk.
Another method is to use the latch mechanism to open the trunk. This is a straightforward method to unlock the trunk, however only if you have a car that is not fully charged. You will also need to hear your door locks clicking when you press them. The engine may also need to be running to trigger the latch.
Examining the Battery
It is possible that the battery of your key fob is dead if you are unable to open the door using any of the methods listed above. The good news is that the majority of automobile fobs have an emergency key that can be used to open the door for the driver when it is locked. It is typically an additional key that comes with the vehicle, or it can be found in the center console or glove compartment.
Most often an obstruction in the lock's cylinder is the reason why keys don't work in the ignition. Dirt or grime, as well as other debris may cause this issue. It prevents the pins from dropping correctly when you insert your key. A flashlight and compressed air are both excellent tools to identify any obstructions within the lock cylinder. If you're cautious you can get rid of this debris and ensure that your key works in the ignition when needed.
Damage to the cylinder can cause a car to not start. In this situation it is likely that the lock cylinder has been damaged and requires replacement. This could be a costly repair however there are options to solve the issue temporarily.
You can, for example, use a wire hook to pry off a tiny portion of the door handle where the key cylinder resides. However, this method is not recommended if you don't have much experience with DIY projects, since it is difficult to accomplish and could cause damage to your vehicle. It is also important to turn off the car completely before you begin any work.
The risk of locking your keys accidentally in your car is a frustrating situation to find yourself in. You should remain calm and follow these steps to safely retrieve your keys without causing further damage to your vehicle. If you are able then, you should check with your insurance provider to determine if the replacement of your key is covered under your policy.
Calling for Help
There are some things you need to do prior to calling for help when you have locked your keys inside your car. First, if you are at home and have an extra key, ask someone bring it to you and unlock your car using that method. This will avoid needing to pay a locksmith for an emergency service call. You can also contact a family member or friend to find out if he or has the key. Many people keep spare keys to their cars at work or at home, so they can assist you in case you've locked yourself out. Thirdly, vehicle unlock service can contact roadside assistance companies like AAA. They have kits specifically designed to open vehicles and are capable of opening your vehicle for much less than a locksmith would charge. However, they'll require your VIN number (visible in front of the windshield wiper) and evidence of ownership to be able to do this.
Contact 911 immediately if you have an emergency and have a child or pet in your vehicle. They will dispatch police to your location and utilize special equipment or methods to get the animal or child out of the car. This could mean using a jim that is slim to open the door or breaking windows.
It's not enjoyable to lock your keys in your vehicle, but in the majority of instances, it's just a minor inconvenience. By following these suggestions, you can avoid being trapped in your vehicle and plan a course of steps to take the next time it happens to you.
Drivers can also take measures to avoid getting stuck in their vehicles in the future, such as downloading the app of their car manufacturer or keeping an extra key in a safe place outside the vehicle, such as a magnetic safe underneath the vehicle or on the driver's side of the trunk. Moody also recommends that motorists purchase a roadside service plan that includes lockout assistance and contact the manufacturer of their vehicle to obtain an alternative key. This could save you money in the long run as being locked out of your car is almost always covered by this type of coverage.