This Is The Ugly Real Truth Of Keys Locked In Vehicle
How to Deal With Locked Keys in Your Vehicle
It is not uncommon to lock your keys inside the vehicle. This can be a stressful experience. This is an issue that you can deal with.
There are ways to avoid getting locked out in the future, such as keeping spare keys in a safe place and secure. You can also add roadside assistance to your vehicle, which covers breakdowns and assists drivers in getting back on their feet.
Locking the Doors
It can be an embarrassing moment when you lock your keys in your car. If keys locked in vehicle there's someone from your family or a friend is nearby and can unlock the car door without causing any damage. If not, it will still be relatively easy to gain access back to your vehicle using the appropriate 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 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 coat hanger that can be bent into the shape of a lasso, or for vehicles that are more recent it could be a rod made of metal that is integrated into the key fob. A lot of hardware stores offer "lock picking" sets which include a rod made of metal and instructions to unlock your car's doors.
To apply this method, you have be aware of where the "unlock" switch is located. You can find it close to the key fob or on a wall that is visible through the windshield. Once you've got this information you can use the rod or coat hanger to create a gap between the door and its frame or window. Then, you can enter the gap and press the button to unlock the door.
Make sure that your door locks are equipped with a release button you can press to open them. A few of the latest cars have these in the trunk, usually on the side closest to the passenger seats. You could also try the emergency release tab which folds the seat down to allow you to crawl into the trunk and take your keys.
If none of these solutions work, you'll have 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 make you a new key. They are able to do this for less than the cost of an locksmith.
Locking the Trunk
It's not a good idea to secure the trunk of your vehicle unless you intend to keep valuables out of sight. It's a great way to keep thieves away from your belongings, but it also stops the trunk from being opened without a key fob. But, you can work around this problem by placing a spare key in the rear fender well or on the floor of the trunk. This method is not foolproof however, and it's easy for thieves to find but it can keep them from trying to open your trunk in the first place.
Modern automobiles have gone to great lengths to make sure that their trunks can only be opened by those with a key fob. To safeguard your possessions, many manufacturers have locked the lever for trunk release inside the cabin or in the back seat. The good news is that you can save money by using a Slim Jim or calling roadside assistance instead of hiring a locksmith.
You can use a wire hanger to try and open the trunk of your vehicle. However, you should be cautious not to damage the paint job. You'll need to bend the hanger on one side, so that it has hooks. After that, slide the hook into the space between the back of the seat and the trunk. You'll know if you've used the right lever or button if you feel resistance.
You can also open the trunk if have access to your car's front cabin. This is done by pressing a button inside the cabin. This method isn't 100% secure because a thief could see the button and see that your valuables are in the trunk.
The other method involves unlocking the trunk by using the latch mechanism. This is a straightforward method to unlock the trunk, however only if you have an automobile that isn't fully charged. You'll also need to hear the door locks clicking when you press them. The engine might also have to be running to activate the latch.
Checking the Battery
If you are unable to unlock the doors using any of the methods listed above, it is likely that you have a dead battery on your key fob. The good news is that the majority of automobile fobs have an emergency key that can be used to unlock the door of the driver if it is locked. This is usually a separate key that is included with the vehicle or can be found in the glove box or the center console.
Usually an obstruction in the lock's cylinder can be the reason a key won't work in the ignition. Dirt, grime, or other debris could cause this problem. It blocks the pins from dropping correctly when you insert your key. A flashlight and compressed air are great tools to help you locate any obstructions in the lock cylinder. If you are careful you can clear the obstructions and ensure that your key will function when you need it.
Another issue that can cause a car key to not turn the ignition is damage to the cylinder itself. In this instance the lock cylinder is likely damaged and must be replaced. This can be a costly repair but fortunately there are methods to fix the issue temporarily.
For instance, you could use a wire hanger to remove a small piece of trim on the door handle or on the panel where the key cylinder is situated. This is not a good idea for those who are new to DIY projects. It can be difficult and may cause damage to your vehicle. You should also make sure that you shut off the vehicle completely prior to beginning any work.
It can be very frustrating to lock your keys accidentally in your car. You should remain calm and follow the guidelines to safely retrieve your keys without damaging your car. You should also look over your insurance policy to see if the replacement of keys is covered.
Need help?
There are a few things you need to do before you call for help when you have locked your keys inside your car. First, if at home and have a spare key, have someone bring it to you, and then open your car that way. You don't need to pay for an emergency locksmith service. Next, call the number of a family member or friend's phone to find out if they have the key. Many people keep a spare car key at work or at home, so they can assist you in case you've locked yourself out. Third, contact roadside assistance companies like AAA. They have special kits to unlock vehicles and will be in a position to open your car at a lower cost than locksmiths would charge. However, they'll need to know your VIN number (visible on the front windshield wiper) and proof of ownership in order to perform this.
If the emergency is urgent and you have an infant or pet inside your vehicle, call 911 immediately. They will send police to your location and utilize special tools or methods to take the animal or child out of the vehicle. This could involve using a slim-jim to break a window or to open the door of the car.
Getting your car keys locked inside the vehicle isn't enjoyable, but it could be a minor inconvenience in the majority of instances. Following these tips will help you avoid being stranded and prepare a plan for the next time it happens.
Drivers can take other steps to avoid being stuck in their car in the future. For example they can download the app from their vehicle manufacturer or keep a spare key in a safe location outside the vehicle. Moody recommends that drivers purchase a roadside service plan that includes assistance with locking out, and then contact their car manufacturer to request an alternative key. This will save money over time, as most roadside assistance plans offer lockout assistance.